ANC councillors in Tshwane disrupted the State of the City (SOTC) address and blamed the DA for the death of struggle hero Solomon Mahlangu.
The ANC councillors earlier demanded that the address be postponed, saying it’s insensitive to hold the sitting on the 38th anniversary of the passing of Mahlangu.
The councillors pointed out that Mahlangu was sentenced to death by Judge Ramon Leon, the father of DA founder Tony Leon.
Tshwane Mayor Solly Msimanga was scheduled to deliver the address and spoke out against the disruptions, calling it a "political stunt".
Msimanga says the City met with some of the Mahlangu family ahead of the planned event and they had no objections.
The family said they didn't have any issues...All they asked us was not to politicise Solomon Mahlangu today, which is something that we respected.
— Solly Msimanga, Executive Tshwane Mayor
He says that Tshwane councillors where informed about the event last year but only chose to raise objections at the last minute last week.
The councillor calendar agenda was placed last year in September... If anyone had objections, they could have raised it up.
— Solly Msimanga, Executive Tshwane Mayor
Take a listen:
Its the ANC who seek to insult the memory of this great struggle hero who fought for our people to have a better life @citytshwane @Our_DA
— Solly Msimanga (@SollyMsimanga) April 6, 2017
ANC Council disruption will not deter us from delivering the State of the Capital Address or our residents @citytshwane @eNCA @Our_DA
— Solly Msimanga (@SollyMsimanga) April 6, 2017
Members of the ANC responsible for this conduct will be dealt with appropriately pursuant to the rules of Council and the code of conduct
— Solly Msimanga (@SollyMsimanga) April 6, 2017
Members of the ANC responsible for this conduct will be dealt with appropriately pursuant to the rules of Council and the code of conduct
— Solly Msimanga (@SollyMsimanga) April 6, 2017