Ekurhuleni Council Erupts in Violence as ANC and EFF Clash over Service Delivery
Introduction
On Thursday, 23rd February 2023, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Council meeting descended into chaos and violence as members of the African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) engaged in a physical altercation over service delivery issues. The incident highlights the escalating tensions between the two political parties and the deep-seated frustrations of residents over the lack of basic services in the municipality.
Background
Ekurhuleni, located in Gauteng province, is South Africa’s sixth-largest municipality and is home to over 3.5 million people. The municipality has been plagued by service delivery protests in recent years, with residents complaining about inadequate water and electricity supply, poor sanitation, and crumbling infrastructure.
The ANC has governed Ekurhuleni since the municipality’s inception in 2000. However, the party’s popularity has declined in recent years, with the EFF emerging as a strong opposition force. The EFF has capitalized on the ANC’s perceived failures in delivering basic services and has gained support from disgruntled residents.
The Council Meeting
The council meeting was scheduled to discuss a motion of no confidence against the ANC-led administration. The EFF had tabled the motion, accusing the ANC of failing to address service delivery issues and of corruption.
The meeting began with a heated debate, with both parties trading insults and accusations. As tensions escalated, an EFF councilor allegedly threw a water bottle at an ANC councilor. This sparked a physical altercation, with councilors from both parties exchanging blows.
Violence Erupts
The violence quickly spread throughout the council chamber, with chairs and other objects being thrown. Security guards struggled to contain the situation, and the meeting was eventually adjourned.
Videos and images of the violence circulated on social media, sparking outrage and condemnation from across the political spectrum. President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his "deep concern" and called for calm.
Aftermath
The violence in the Ekurhuleni Council has raised serious questions about the state of local government in South Africa. It has also highlighted the deep divisions within the ANC and the growing threat posed by the EFF.
The ANC has condemned the violence and has suspended the councilors involved. The EFF has defended its actions, claiming that the ANC provoked the altercation.
The incident has also reignited calls for the dissolution of the Ekurhuleni Council and the holding of fresh elections. The Democratic Alliance (DA), the official opposition party in Ekurhuleni, has called for the intervention of the provincial government.
Service Delivery Crisis
The violence in the Ekurhuleni Council is a symptom of the deep-seated service delivery crisis that afflicts many municipalities in South Africa. Residents are frustrated by the lack of basic services, such as water, electricity, and sanitation.
The ANC has been in power for nearly three decades, but it has failed to address the service delivery backlog. The EFF has exploited this failure to gain political support, but it is unclear whether the party has the capacity to deliver on its promises.
Political Tensions
The violence in the Ekurhuleni Council also reflects the escalating tensions between the ANC and the EFF. The two parties have been at loggerheads for years, with the EFF accusing the ANC of corruption and incompetence.
The EFF has made significant gains in recent elections, and it is now the official opposition in several municipalities. The ANC is facing a serious challenge from the EFF, and the violence in Ekurhuleni is a sign of the growing rivalry between the two parties.
Conclusion
The violence in the Ekurhuleni Council is a wake-up call for South Africa. It highlights the deep-seated service delivery crisis that afflicts many municipalities and the growing political tensions between the ANC and the EFF.
The incident has raised serious questions about the state of local government in South Africa and has reignited calls for the dissolution of the Ekurhuleni Council. It remains to be seen whether the violence will lead to any meaningful change or whether it will simply further entrench the divisions that plague South African politics.