EFF violence disrupts governance in Tshwane

31 August 2023

The DA in Tshwane is outraged at the violence portrayed today, 31 August 2023, during a council sitting when members of the EFF attempted to assault the executive mayor Cilliers Brink in Council Chambers. DA Councillors were assaulted and hit with projectiles thrown by EFF Councillors. This is an unacceptable display of behaviour from the EFF who have once again proven that they have little regard for our democratic institutions.

The DA in Tswhane will now lay criminal charges against those individuals who decided to treat the Council Chamber, as a boxing ring. Violence and criminality cannot, and will not be tolerated.

Laughably, this took place minutes after the ANC/EFF puppet Speaker of Council expressed his disappointment in the multi-party coalition for not attending a Special Council meeting called on the 25th of August. This was after DA councillors expressed concerns for their safety in Council given prior remarks made by the EFF. While the Speaker promised the safety of Councillors in this meeting, his swift departure with VIP protection in the face of violence raises serious questions about the his competence and impartiality.

The DA has consistently pursued Motions of No Confidence (MONC) against the Speaker. However, to date, the Speaker has dismissed every MONC brought against him in a clear case of conflict of interest. The Coalition has however taken this matter to court. Today’s events highlight the need to address the competence and ability of the Speaker to uphold the integrity of the Council proceedings.

The DA condemns the violence and thuggery perpetrated by EFF Councillors in chambers today. Previously, we have expressed that the EFF’s call for the reinstatement on the 122 workers who were dismissed during this illegal strike, is an endorsement of violence. Their violent behaviour today has confirmed that violence is at the core of who the EFF are.

The DA however remains undeterred. We will continue to fight against the criminal and special interests that exist in our City and in our Council. We remain committed to restoring service delivery and the rule of law in Tshwane.

Issued by Kwena Moloto, DA Tshwane Caucus Spokesperson, 31 August 2023