Jul 10, 2024
Cyril Xaba Elected Mayor of eThekwini
DA agreed a deal to take up other Posts | The African National Congress' Xaba was elected as the new mayor of eThekwini on Wednesday.
In a significant political development, Cyril Xaba of the African National Congress (ANC) was elected unopposed as the mayor of eThekwini. This election follows a last-minute reversal by the Democratic Alliance (DA) to field its candidate for the position, marking a notable shift in the political landscape of the eThekwini Metro.
Historical Context of eThekwini (Durban)
eThekwini, encompassing Durban and its surrounding areas, is one of South Africa's largest metropolitan municipalities. Historically, it has been a stronghold for the ANC, with the party dominating local politics for decades. The dynamics, however, have been shifting with increasing political competition and coalition governance becoming more prevalent.
The Impact of the MK Party
A significant factor in the recent elections was the emergence of the MK Party, led by former South African and ANC President Jacob Zuma. The MK Party garnered 45% of the vote in the province, falling short of the 51% needed for a majority. This introduction of the MK Party was a major factor in preventing the ANC from securing the majority they had enjoyed for two decades. The political landscape in the province has been reshaped, reflecting the growing diversity of political preferences among the electorate.
The Election and Political Maneuvering
Cyril Xaba’s unopposed election as mayor came after the DA reversed its decision to nominate a candidate for the position. This decision was confirmed by Thabani Mthethwa, DA caucus leader and PR councillor for wards 29 and 101. Mthethwa also serves as the DA's caucus chief whip in KwaZulu-Natal.
The reversal came after the ANC and DA reached a last-minute agreement on the distribution of mayoral committee positions, a crucial factor in the DA's decision. The agreement stipulated that the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) would chair the Human Settlements portfolio, while the DA would chair the Infrastructure committee. This arrangement followed earlier commitments from both parties to collaborate at the local government level under the Government of National Unity (GNU) principle.
Challenges and Negotiations
Earlier on the day of the election, the ANC and DA were reportedly struggling to finalize the split of mayoral committee positions. DA KwaZulu-Natal chair Dean Macpherson highlighted the difficulties in reaching a co-governing deal, citing the ANC's initial reluctance to meet the DA’s three key requirements. These included an agreed draft order to create a legal framework addressing the water and sanitation crisis in eThekwini.
Macpherson emphasized that the DA would not enter any governance arrangement involving the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). He stated, "The EFF is not part of the GNU. The DA is clear we will not enter into any governance arrangement that involves the EFF. The unwillingness to remove the EFF is not something we can be a part of."
Implications for eThekwini
Cyril Xaba’s election as mayor and the subsequent political arrangements reflect the intricate balance of power and the necessity of coalition politics in eThekwini. This development is expected to influence the city's governance, particularly in addressing pressing issues such as the water and sanitation crisis.
In Conclusion
The election of Cyril Xaba as mayor of eThekwini represents a pivotal moment in the city's political history. The collaboration between the ANC, DA, and IFP showcases the complexities of coalition governance and the ongoing efforts to navigate political challenges for the betterment of the metro's residents.
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