Blue light ban applies even to Jacob Zuma‚ Tshwane mayor Solly Msimanga says

19 August 2016 - 19:28 By Natasha Marrian

No more blue lights in the capital city‚ Tshwane‚ even for President Jacob Zuma‚ newly elected mayor Solly Msimanga said on Friday‚ delivering his inaugural address. “Even when Zuma comes in believe me there will no longer be blue lights. We will ensure that this city has a new feel and new look. All those who used to think they are VIP in this city … no more. The VIPS are residents of this city‚” Msimanga said. His stance on blue lights mirrors that of the DA-run Western Cape province. However‚ Msimanga might be unable to ban blue lights without the buy-in from the Gauteng province‚ which is still led by the ANC.Cape Town succeeded in doing away with blue lights because the ban happened at provincial level‚ also led by the DA.Msimanga‚ the DA’s second elected mayor outside of Cape Town‚ was sworn in on Friday during a council sitting‚ which drew dozens of people to the chamber.The EFF voted with the DA and other opposition parties to secure Msimanga’s spot in the council.But his inaugural address was marred by disruptions from the opposition benches‚ which now include the ANC.Msimanga said blue lights‚ cronyism‚ corruption and poor service delivery now belonged to the past for the capital city‚ which houses the Union Buildings and almost all government departments‚ and the offices of Cabinet ministers.In response to heckling and jeering from the ANC‚ Msimanga appealed to the party to humble themselves.“Never be bad losers … you can learn a thing or two about humility … humble yourselves‚” said Msimanga.He said the behaviour of the ANC caucus was the reason it was in second place in the council. He warned against attempts to sabotage his administration.“We know some people going to try make this city ungovernable. We are watching you and pleading with residents of city to say no more‚ we tired of being used.”Msimanga also said young people battling drug abuse would no longer have to be subjected to conditions in order for them to receive the necessary help.Rehabilitation would be provided without young people having to pay back through community service as they had to do under the ANC government.“I want to say to our people‚ we will speed up the formalising of services in informal settlements … we are saying all those who have been waiting for their title deeds‚ your title deeds are indeed on the way.”..

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