City disheartened by ANC allegations

The City of Cape Town is disappointed by comments made by the ANC at their press conference today. These comments are not a reflection of the terms and conditions for use of the stadium which the ANC itself has agreed to.

ANC deputy secretary-general, Jessie Duarte, complained about the use of tickets. Access control measures, which were requested by the SAPS, are standard practice for all large events and are used to ensure the safety of event participants.

Further, Ms. Duarte complained about the City's requirement that streamers be used instead of confetti. Confetti is never allowed in the stadium as it enters the ventilation system, also posing safety risks.

Ms. Duarte also claims that the ANC is not allowed to use the Mayor's suite. Use of the Mayor's suite was not part of the ANC's contracted use of the stadium and cannot be used for free.

It should be noted that Ms. Duarte was not the ANC's representative when negotiating for the use of the stadium with the City. Given that all of these issues were resolved with the mandated ANC representatives, Ms. Duarte would be better served checking her facts with her party before launching broadsides against the City.

While the event is tomorrow, the ANC has still not decided whether they want to contract use of the pitch or not. Perhaps the ANC should spend more time planning their event instead of hosting misleading press conferences.

The City of Cape Town has negotiated in good faith with the ANC for the use of the stadium at all times. Our officials have been professional and adhered to all requirements in terms of policy and legislation- doing their jobs in the best interests of the City. They have treated the ANC as they would any other contracting party, with neither prejudice nor bias.

It is disheartening that our attempts to deal with public property professionally have been met with disbelief by some ANC leaders who are clearly uncomfortable with not getting their own way.

Statement issued by Brett Herron, Acting Executive Mayor, City of Cape Town, January 9 2015

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