Durban - Tempers flared in an eThekwini Municipality executive committee (exco) meeting when a contentious report into the city’s plans to set up its own VIP bodyguard unit was tabled on Tuesday.
Opposition councillors feared the unit would comprise mostly Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) veterans.
The issue almost turned ugly when an NFP councillor, embroiled in a verbal spat with an ANC councillor, threatened to “meet her in the parking lot”.
The drama began when DA caucus leader, Zwakele Mncwango, said that while no DA councillors were protected they would not trust MK veterans.
Nigel Gumede, an ANC councillor, objected, saying it would set a “dangerous precedent” if councillors chose not to work with city employees based on political affiliation.
The report, presented by city manager, S’bu Sithole, said the city was finalising a policy – in line with a national government directive – and planned to appoint veterans to replace the private bodyguards.
The bodyguards protect 28 councillors at R36 million a year.
The report estimates the city would spend R17.8m if the guards worked for the municipality.
While welcoming the decision, IFP councillor, Mdu Nkosi, said plans to “dump” the guards for military veterans was unfair.
“There are guards who have been with councillors through very difficult situations and have developed good relationships with them. They need to be given preference,” he said.
Deputy mayor, Nomvuzo Shabalala, said the report was plotting the way forward.
“The city manager is looking at the figures to tell us how much it is going to cost us. Everyone agrees, even the opposition, that the in-house (VIP unit) is needed. The only difference is who in that in-house arrangement are we talking about,” she said.
Gumede said: “If we are honest with ourselves, there are many councillors that are being looked after that do not need security. Security has become a status to some. They have security that makes them look like the mayor or the deputy mayor.” His comments irked NFP councillor, Bongiwe Mtshali – who is heavily protected – who called Gumede’s comment unfair.
“Who acts like mayors?” she asked.
ANC councillor Nondumiso Cele wanted to know if it was correct to discuss the issue while Mtshali was present as the decision directly affected her. She said that Mtshali should have declared her interest in the matter.
The question sparked a sparring with Mtshali threatening to “meet (Cele) in the parking lot”.
Mayor James Nxumalo stepped in to calm tensions.
Daily News
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