McKenzie rubbishes suggestions about delays in appointing Transport MMC

CAPE TOWN - Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie has rubbished suggestions that the delays in appointing a new transport mayoral committee member in the City of Johannesburg are over disagreement that the party’s Liam Jacobs takes up the seat.

Instead, McKenzie laid the blame squarely on the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), whom he said want the portfolio for themselves.

Mayor Dada Morero is yet to announce a replacement for the PA’s deputy president, Kenny Kunene, following his resignation as a councillor last month after being embroiled in the scene of a police arrest.

While EWN understands there are some disgruntled PA councillors who feel overlooked for a seat on the mayoral committee, McKenzie is sticking by his choice that former member of Parliament (MP) and party newcomer, Liam Jacobs, takes charge of the transport portfolio.

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While Morero has dismissed suggestions that he’s hesitant to appoint a 24-year-old with no municipal experience to the job, McKenzie said it’s the EFF that’s holding up an announcement.

"This is nothing to do with they don’t want Liam or something like that. It has everything to do with the EFF wanted our position, and they wanted to give us their position."

It’s understood that the EFF wants its MMC for Public Safety, Mgcini Tshwaku to be moved to the transport portfolio.

But McKenzie’s having none of it.

"The ANC [African National Congress] has asked us do we want to change, and give the eff the position. We said no. We are now waiting for the mayor to take his decision."

The EFF has not been reachable for comment.