ANC vs EFF Clash in Ekurhuleni Council Meeting

EFF And ANC clashes during Council seating at Ekurhuleni City Council on Thursday.

Mamello Maila

The Ekurhuleni Council meeting on Thursday escalated into a battlefield, with Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) news dominating headlines as political tensions soared between the African National Congress (ANC) and the EFF.

The seating descended into chaotic scenes and violent altercations, underscoring the political turmoil within the local politics of the Ekurhuleni Municipality.

The atmosphere at the Ekurhuleni Council meeting was electric on Thursday, 29 February 2024, with city council members discussing amendments to a motion of no confidence, as reported by News24. The air was thick with political tensions as political parties, specifically ANC and EFF members, engaged in heated exchanges, with emotions reaching a fever pitch within the local government setting.

As News24 reported, the EFF has aggressively attempted to halt the vote, underlining the confrontation’s intensity within the legislative assembly. The ANC and EFF, both formidable opposition parties, locked horns over the motion of no confidence at the Ekurhuleni Municipality, further inflaming the already charged environment.

An EWN Reporter on Twitter captured the moment a physical altercation erupted between councilors of the EFF and ANC, highlighting the chaos that ensued within the Ekurhuleni Municipality. The council chamber became a vortex of disorder as members of both parties engaged in pushing, shoving, and throwing objects, prompting the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department to intervene.

Eyewitness News reported that the confrontation ignited when the acting speaker, Council Speaker Nthabiseng Tshivhenga, gave the floor to an ANC councillor over an EFF representative. Security personnel, including the Ekurhuleni Metro Police, were quick to step in, attempting to quell the rising violence and underscore the gravity of the conflict, highlighting the need for government accountability.

The political crisis at the Ekurhuleni Council meeting is a stark illustration of the profound divisions and persistent political tensions in South African local politics. The clash between ANC and EFF members is emblematic of the hurdles facing local governance in the Ekurhuleni Municipality, emphasizing the critical need for political stability through dialogue and cooperation to surmount these challenges.

The incident at the Ekurhuleni Council meeting has sparked concerns about the governance crisis and the state of democracy in South Africa. The political landscape is fraught with political animosity and a lack of mutual respect. Moving forward, it is imperative for all parties involved to prioritize constructive dialogue and find common ground for the betterment of the Ekurhuleni Municipality and the country.