Msimanga, Presidency address Taiwan visit
The City of Tshwane says Executive Mayor Solly Msimanga is free to seek investment in any country he sees fit.
Photo: Samkelo Maseko
This comes after the ANC called on the Department of International Relations (DIRCO) to consider withdrawing Msimanga's diplomatic passport.
According to the ANC, Msimanga visited Taiwan despite a warning from the department that this is in breach of government's official One China Policy.
Msimanga's spokesperson, Samkelo Mgobozi, says the ANC's accusations are nothing more than a childish attempt to hamper the progress made by the Executive Mayor, since taking office.
"Local governments are free to seek investment opportunities with any counties that are open for talks and negotiations, and the investments they may bring will help improve the city's financial status, of almost bankruptcy, the previous ANC government caused and create jobs for the people of Tshwane.
It must also be noted that it was the ANC run Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) who asked that a representative from the City of Tshwane be sent to Taipei on South Africa's behalf," says Mgobozi.
Mgobozi describes the national government's allegations of treason as hypocritical politicking.
"South Africa currently has offices in Taipei and have official attaches working there under the ANC-led national government. There is also a city-to-city agreement with Taipei that was entered into under the ANC administration, this being one of many, from a long list of city-to-city agreements," says Mgobozi.
Meanwhile, the Presidency says it has noted the ongoing debate on Msimanga's visit to Taiwan.
According to the Presidency, President Jacob Zuma chairs and convenes the President's Coordinating Council, a statutory forum in which the President of the Republic meets the leadership of provincial and local government.
"The forum is used to discuss matters affecting the three spheres of government, to share ideas and coordinate government programmes for the benefit of citizens. It is also used to promote sound cooperative governance." says Presidency spokesperson Bongani Ngqulunga.
Ngqulunga says the Council meets quarterly and has not met since the local government elections.
"It will at the right time, discuss matters relating to foreign policy coordination as part of its agenda in order to ensure synergy within the three spheres," says Ngqulunga.