ANC councillor walks over to PA

THERE will be another by-election in Ward 1 after ANC councillor Morris Ferguson, who was elected as the ward councillor in Roodepan and Platfontein in February, joined the Patriotic Alliance (PA) this week.

PA provincial chairperson Shariefa Ferris praised Ferguson for having the “courage” to walk away from the ANC.

"Ferguson chose to join the PA as he could not accept the blatant racism displayed towards his voters," said Ferris.

She added that Ferguson "refused to be the face of betrayal" of voters in Ward 1.

"The ANC must stop complaining about 'race politicking'. The ANC shamelessly marginalises coloured voters and leaders, even after they join the ANC and work so hard to win wards for the ANC."

Ferris added that Ferguson felt hurt that false promises were made to the chief of Platfontein.

"The chief was ignored when he enquired about the promises he was given."

ANC Frances Baard regional secretary Wende Marekwa pointed out that the community of Ward 1 had bestowed their trust in Ferguson.

"We do not condone the behaviour of deployees who put their narrow interests above the rest of the community,” said Marekwa.

"The actions of councillor Morris Ferguson do not come as a surprise, as the ANC has been observing his opportunistic behaviour, love of self-enrichment and race politicking. This undermines the ANC manifesto and pledge he undertook as a public representative."

Marekwa added that the ANC in the region would ensure that the efforts of their voters in Ward 1 "would not be in vain".