Julius Malema’s EFF might have a say in how some key municipalities are governed, but it seems in some Eastern Cape councils they will not have their way when it comes to the dress code.
When it burst onto the scene three years ago, the “fighters” wore red overalls, gumboots and aprons to the National Assembly and provincial legislatures.
However, at least three Eastern Cape councils including King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD), Ingquza Hill and Engcobo will not allow councillors to attend sittings dressed like that.
In Ingquza Hill, Gugulethu Mbiko could not be sworn in as an EFF councillor on Wednesday – instead he was escorted out of the chambers by security.
He had arrived at the inaugural council meeting clad in red overalls and gumboots.
Ingquza Hill council speaker Ntandokazi Capa put her foot down, vowing that the dress code would not be violated under her watch.
She told the Dispatch on Friday that the dress code clearly stipulated that only formal wear would be allowed from male councillors.
In Engcobo, the swearing in of another two EFF councillors was delayed on Thursday and they were also escorted out because of their informal dress code. They were later sworn in after they threatened to go the legal route.
EFF Chris Hani regional secretary Wonga Dunjwa said their members were also escorted out because they were alleged to be wearing party regalia even though the overalls did not have the party’s logo.
They also threatened to take the legal route if the two were not sworn in, adding that if they were prevented from attending future meetings the EFF would interdict the municipality.
On Wednesday, the KSD council deferred to the next council meeting an item about dress codes after both the EFF and UDM opposed the code.
The KSD dress code forbids sleeveless dresses, jeans, T-shirts and revealing traditional clothes.
The dress code was passed to preserve the dignity of the council, it was resolved last term.
The speaker and portfolio committee chairpersons have been empowered to determine whether councillors meet the dress code should there be any uncertainty.
EFF KSD caucus leader, councillor Mziwamadoda Sitshwala and the UDM’s Ndiyabulela Mtwa were vehemently opposed to the dress code.
Mayor Dumani Zozo told councillors that until a council decision was rescinded, it was binding.
But judging by Wednesday’s debate, even if the dress code is reviewed, the ANC, which has a majority 46 seats, will successfully fight against its amendment as the opposition only have a combined 26 seats. — ndamasem@dispatch.co.za
EFF councillors see red after dress code fracas
When it burst onto the scene three years ago, the “fighters” wore red overalls, gumboots and aprons to the National Assembly and provincial legislatures.
However, at least three Eastern Cape councils including King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD), Ingquza Hill and Engcobo will not allow councillors to attend sittings dressed like that.
In Ingquza Hill, Gugulethu Mbiko could not be sworn in as an EFF councillor on Wednesday – instead he was escorted out of the chambers by security.
He had arrived at the inaugural council meeting clad in red overalls and gumboots.
Ingquza Hill council speaker Ntandokazi Capa put her foot down, vowing that the dress code would not be violated under her watch.
She told the Dispatch on Friday that the dress code clearly stipulated that only formal wear would be allowed from male councillors.
In Engcobo, the swearing in of another two EFF councillors was delayed on Thursday and they were also escorted out because of their informal dress code. They were later sworn in after they threatened to go the legal route.
EFF Chris Hani regional secretary Wonga Dunjwa said their members were also escorted out because they were alleged to be wearing party regalia even though the overalls did not have the party’s logo.
They also threatened to take the legal route if the two were not sworn in, adding that if they were prevented from attending future meetings the EFF would interdict the municipality.
On Wednesday, the KSD council deferred to the next council meeting an item about dress codes after both the EFF and UDM opposed the code.
The KSD dress code forbids sleeveless dresses, jeans, T-shirts and revealing traditional clothes.
The dress code was passed to preserve the dignity of the council, it was resolved last term.
The speaker and portfolio committee chairpersons have been empowered to determine whether councillors meet the dress code should there be any uncertainty.
EFF KSD caucus leader, councillor Mziwamadoda Sitshwala and the UDM’s Ndiyabulela Mtwa were vehemently opposed to the dress code.
Mayor Dumani Zozo told councillors that until a council decision was rescinded, it was binding.
But judging by Wednesday’s debate, even if the dress code is reviewed, the ANC, which has a majority 46 seats, will successfully fight against its amendment as the opposition only have a combined 26 seats. — ndamasem@dispatch.co.za
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