The City of Tshwane on Thursday insisted that its State of the City Address (SOCA) would continue, despite the major disruptions by members of the African National Congress, who argued the ceremony must be postponed in honour of anniversary of celebrated struggle stalwart Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu.
The ceremony quickly degenerated into chaos, with ANC members shouting insults at Speaker Rachel Mathebe, Tshwane Mayor Solly Msimanga. The SOCA was disrupted at several intervals, with police offices entering the premise repeatedly. Some ANC members shouted “murderer” and “isifebe” [prostitute].
Mahlangu was hanged at the gallows in the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre on April 6, 1979.
Tshwane said the SOCA was a way of paying tribute to Mahlangu, and other struggle stalwarts who never realised the fruits of freedom.
“True to form, the African National Congress today disrupted the Executive Mayor [Msimanga] of Tshwane’s maiden State of the Capital Address at the Tshwane Events Centre. In doing so, they have completely undermined the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the will of the people and the rule of law,” said Samkelo Mgobozi, Msimanga’s spokesperson.
Mgobozi said the ANC request was denied by the Tshwane Council which had resolved that the SOCA would continue as scheduled in honour of Mahlangu and the ideals he fought for.
“The ANC must remember that a decision of council is binding. As such members of the ANC responsible for this conduct will be dealt with appropriately pursuant to the rules of council and the code of conduct of councillors expressed in Schedule 1 of the Municipal Systems Act,” said Mgobozi.
He said the Democratic Alliance-led municipality was holding the SONA on Mahlangu’s anniversary “to demonstrate to the people of Tshwane where we have come from and to announce to our people how we are going to deliver better services and provide opportunities so that they may live a better life as envisioned by Solomon Mahlangu and many other struggle heroes”.
Tshwane said claims by the ANC members in Tshwane that they were disrupting the SOCA in Mahlangu’s honour was entirely disingenuous.
“We will not be deterred by this. As such, the State of the Capital Address will continue as scheduled where we will announce to our people the progress made thus far after inheriting a shambles from the previous administration,” vowed Mgobozi.
Earlier on Thursday, the Tshwane ANC caucus issued a statement lambasting the DA administration for “disregarding” Mahlangu.
“Today, (Wednesday), reading from the script of the founder of the DA judge Ramon Leon, as well as echoing the sentiments of Helen Zille, the DA-EFF racist regime has decided to hold the State of the city Address on this day. It must be noted that comrade Solomon Mahlangu, a hero of our people and his family were awarded the freedom of the city and for the past 22 years this day was used by the city to celebrate his life. The African National Congress Caucas will today join in with the family in honouring and remembering the life of this young, radical and freedom loving martyr,” said Lesego Makhubela ANC Tshwane caucus spokesperson.
“This callous act [holding the SOCA on Thursday], in defiance of appeals made by the ANC formally in council, the Mahlangu family, the people of Mamelodi and the people of Tshwane, is further proof of the brutality and intransigence of the racist regime. The African National Congress wishes it to be known that this act provocation aimed at continuing to sow racial conflict and to pour salt on our wounds will serve only to reverse the work that was done towards our reconciliation efforts.”
– African News Agency (ANA)
