Resolution reached in Cape metro

By Nadia Samie
1 November 2006

MEC for Local Government and Housing Richard Dyantyi will not proceed with his proposal to change the system of governance in Cape Town. Dyantyi and city mayor Hellen Zille reached an agreement yesterday afternoon, after intervention last month by Provincial and Local Government Minister Sydney Mufamadi.

In terms of the agreement, two more sub-councils will be set up in ANC strongholds. This means that there will be 23 sub-councils. Ward committees, of which there are none in the metro, will also be established. The Metro is currently run by a DA-led coalition. Zille told Bush Radio that she is happy with the outcome of the process.

While the SACP welcomed the outcome, the party expressed concern that the agreement could have a negative effect on the public. In a statement, the SACP say that Zille and Dyantyi’s actions could “have the effect of reinforcing elite notions of democracy and, further marginalising service delivery issues whilst political elites manage their differences.”

Meanwhile the ANC, who had earlier staunchly supported Dyantyi’s proposal, expressed their pleasure at the outcome.

Jonathan Faull of the Institute for a democratic SA, Idasa says the DA will have to re-visit sub-councils and ward committees, but does not have to worry about her powers being stripped.

Additional reporting by Odette Ismail