Joburg mayor Mpho Phalatse says the ANC and the 130 “fired” employees must not claim victory yet regarding the court judgment.
Phalatse advised both the ANC and staff members to go and read the court judgement well.
On Friday the Labour Court ruled in favour of the employees. The City will now have to pay the costs from its own pocket, according to ANC caucus leader Mpho Moerane.
This judgment was made during the State of the City Address (Soca) debate at the council where councillors of different political parties deliberated on Phalatse’s maiden speech delivered on Thursday.
“The judgment is out, we have won the case, the court has ordered that the City must pay the costs from their pockets,” said Moerane.
He said Phalatse talked about an inclusive City during her Soca but said the service delivery is bad.
African People’s Convention councillor Storey Machete also asked Phalatse about the issue of the 130 Joburg employees during his submission.
“The ANC celebrated prematurely without understanding what's going on. Again that matter is before the court, I will refrain to comment. I will urge them to go and read, it is not true they have won the case,” Phalatse said.
However, African Independent Congress councillor Margaret Arnolds, rose on the point of order, telling Phalatse that she was incorrect.
“Madam Speaker with all due respect to the mayor, she must not mislead the house and neither the residents, it's breaking news that the 130 employees won the case. It is a report from the court,” said Arnolds.
But she was asked to sit down.
Some councillors asked the mayor about some vacant posts, including that of the city manager.
“I don't want to discuss the issues of the city manager as there are council processes that are still in progress,” said Phalatse.
Phalatse said the City was concerned about Operation Dudula in Johannesburg.
She said they are concerned with what has happened in the country and the city being a hub for migration was affected the most in the country.
“The role of regularising migration remains the role of the Home Affairs Department. I am happy to see that there is some movement around Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and I must commend him.
“The City will continue our role through the social development migration unit to review the migration policy and we will continue to render services to migrants in the city,” said Phalatse.
Residents are clear that they need electricity, proper roads, employment, running water, and a functioning city, Phalatse said, adding they will govern with the residents and work well with them.
The EFF said Phalatse delivered a wish-list that spoke to a few affluent people.
“This is the most incoherent Soca presented in this chamber. We are referring to the current status quo. Stop selling us dreams and admit that golden opportunities are only reserved for the DA and others,” said the EFF.