“Power is power,” says Patriotic Alliance (PA) president Gayton McKenzie, giving reasons why his party had once more switched coalitions by going back to the DA-led multiparty coalition government in the City of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni metro.
McKenzie said people were often critical about the PA's approach when it came to entering coalitions but emphasised that its mission was to create job opportunities for people.
“A lot of people don’t understand how our approach as [the] PA has been. We don’t go on emotion, on liking [a party] but what position will give our people jobs and opportunities.
“We’ll share power with [right-wing organisations like] the AWB if they were in power... which was the most racist party. We understand power. Power is power. So we don’t play those type of silly things,” McKenzie said.
McKenzie's announcement means that Ekurhuleni and Joburg mayors Tania Campbell and Mpho Phalatse can continue in their positions for the foreseeable future because, with the PA back in the fold, this gives the PA, ActionSA, DA, FF+, ACDP and IFP multiparty coalition enough numbers to pass the adjustment budget to be debated in February.
The PA supported motions of no confidence against Campbell and Phalatse last year.
While addressing his followers, McKenzie said the ANC had abstained from a vote in the Karoo Hoogland municipality where the DA successfully removed its mayor through a motion of no confidence.
“The DA put a motion of no confidence against the PA mayor and speaker. The ANC there abstained. We’re not children or stupid because if you abstain you give power away. They allowed the DA and FF+ to take power,” he said.
McKenzie said the PA had been approached by ActionSA, the DA and FF+, which was when negotiations started.
“We negotiated throughout December. Today, at 9am, we agreed and on Friday we'll announce [the] portfolios. The PA will have two MMCs in Joburg and Ekurhuleni,” he said.
With the PA, the Ekurhuleni coalition — consisting of the DA, ActionSA, Cope, the Freedom Front Plus, the ACDP and the IFP — has 100 seats. The Ekurhuleni council consists of 224 members elected by mixed-member proportional representation.
A total of 113 seats is required to pass items or budget.
The ANC has 86 seats and the EFF 31.
In Joburg, the DA-led coalition has 137 seats. The ANC has 91 and the EFF 31.
One insider privy to the discussions of the multiparty coalition told Sowetan that ActionSA had given up two portfolios in Joburg.
“ActionSA had to sacrifice... They gave away transport and economic development MMC positions and in exchange they'll take speaker and a few more section 79 chair positions.
“Not everyone agreed... The senate met last night but those who objected were defeated by numbers,” the insider said.
Meanwhile, national coalition oversight group spokesperson Dr Corné Mulder said discussions were ongoing. “We can confirm that talks have taken place but it would be premature to say more until the conclusion thereof ...” Mulder said.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.