Following yesterday’s disrupted city council sitting, the Good Party in Cape Town said they agreed that MMC for Safety and Security, JP Smith, needs to be held accountable for his role in the recent taxi stayaway that resulted in several deaths, extrensive damage to property and multiple injuries.
Also read: JP Smith gives clarity on terms of taxi strike agreement
Five people, including a doctor from the UK, were killed during the protest action over the impoundments of minibus taxis by city law enforcement.
These sentiments from the Good Party come after the Economic Freedom Fighters, on Thursday, disrupted the sitting just before opposition parties were about to debate the recent strike.
The EFF called on the MMC to account for the violent and destructive behaviour associated with the taxi stayaway, accusing him of having blood on his hands.
Looking for a deal on a car, but tight on a budget? Have a look at these offers for under R100 000. View the deals here.
Meanwhile, ENCA reports that Good Party councillor, Suzette Little, responded by saying that sending the chamber into chaos would not bring about accountability.
‘It was clear that taxi operators felt victimised by the leadership of the city and JP Smith,’ she said. ‘They believed their operations were being unfairly targeted by vindictive policing operations. Child-like comments made by Smith only fueled an already tense situation.’
The African National Congress (ANC)’s Banele Majingo added that the city’s treatment of the taxi industry was no different tothe Apartheid government’s treatment of those fighting for their rights.
The EFF tried to disrupt our Council meeting today, but failed.
I’m glad they did it – the EFF represents violence and chaos for SA’s future, while the DA represents the rule of law and growing prosperity for all.
That’s the choice! 🇿🇦 @Our_DA pic.twitter.com/vMe3aZlofA
— Geordin Hill-Lewis (@geordinhl) August 24, 2023
‘The DA does not care about the taxi industry. It protects the subsidised bus industry which is partly publically and privately owned, including Golden Arrow and MyCiTi.’
The protesting EFF councillors had silently displayed banners that conveyed messages, related to the recent taxi strike, from the outset of yesterday’s meeting.
Despite warnings from Council Speaker Felicity Purchase to refrain from interrupting the proceedings, the councillors persisted with their banner display.
The banners contained messages, including statements such as ‘JP Smith has blood on his hands’ and ‘JP Smith is killing the black economy.’
Standing on the podium, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis expressed his acceptance of silent protests while subtly noting that certain statements might need consideration. As he was speaking, EFF councillors began to approach the stage and encircle the podium.
The Speaker adjourned the meeting temporarily for the removal of the protesting councillors from the chamber. A brief recess extended to over an hour and by 11:26am, order had not yet been restored to the meeting.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Explore the natural beauty of the Garden Route with a guided adventure canyon tour for R1 050. Get it here.
Also read:
EFF councillors interrupt Cape Town mayor’s City Council address
Picture: @EFFWesternCape_ / Twitter
