DA welcomes eThekwini announcement on 'Zuma album'
The DA in eThekwini says it will continue its fight to ensure the municipality's money is spent in the interests of service delivery.
The opposition party has been commenting after the City announced there were no plans to record an album with former President Jacob Zuma.
The DA believes the ANC is under pressure on key issues.
Party members welcomed the announcement, saying the situation shows a municipality that is in disarray in terms of political and administrative leadership.
"Whilst the DA welcomes the halt of this project, it’s clear that the city’s political and administrative leadership is in disarray. It’s unclear why or how senior councillors and officials were permitted to visit Zuma and publicly announce the move," said DA eThekwini caucus leader, Nicole Graham in a written statement.
"eThekwini urgently needs policy and political leadership and direction. Under the failing ANC, the city is jerking from pillar to post and losing the confidence of its residents and future investors," she continued.
Meanwhile, Mayor Zandile Gumede said protocol was not followed on the issue.
“I have read in the media, including on social media, that the Municipality will be recording an album with former President Zuma. Unfortunately, we learnt about this through the news like everyone else. No one has informed us about this project," said Gumede.
She says officials will only comment on the matter further once they have been briefed in full.
“Protocol was not followed. We are prepared to speak about the item once we get a full briefing. As things stand, there is no such recording happening. Only I or City Manager Sipho Nzuza will speak to the public with authority on this matter,” the mayor added.
The DA believes the ANC is under pressure on key issues.
Party members welcomed the announcement, saying the situation shows a municipality that is in disarray in terms of political and administrative leadership.
"Whilst the DA welcomes the halt of this project, it’s clear that the city’s political and administrative leadership is in disarray. It’s unclear why or how senior councillors and officials were permitted to visit Zuma and publicly announce the move," said DA eThekwini caucus leader, Nicole Graham in a written statement.
"eThekwini urgently needs policy and political leadership and direction. Under the failing ANC, the city is jerking from pillar to post and losing the confidence of its residents and future investors," she continued.
Meanwhile, Mayor Zandile Gumede said protocol was not followed on the issue.
“I have read in the media, including on social media, that the Municipality will be recording an album with former President Zuma. Unfortunately, we learnt about this through the news like everyone else. No one has informed us about this project," said Gumede.
She says officials will only comment on the matter further once they have been briefed in full.
“Protocol was not followed. We are prepared to speak about the item once we get a full briefing. As things stand, there is no such recording happening. Only I or City Manager Sipho Nzuza will speak to the public with authority on this matter,” the mayor added.
Gumede said she would not allow Zuma’s name to be dragged through the mud with false allegations.