Durban council says yes to law banning media and public from some meetings
The Durban city council has approved a controversial by-law which could effectively ban the media and the public from attending some of its crucial meetings. The approval comes despite strong objection by opposition parties and civil society organisations. Even a demonstration by civil society organisations outside Durban’s International Convention Centre on Wednesday against the adoption of Rules of Order Amendment by-law, did not stop the ANC-controlled eThekwini municipality from voting in favour of the law. The DA also tried unsuccessfully to push for another debate on the amendments before any voting could take place‚ but were overruled by council speaker William Mapena, who said the matter had been deferred in October for voting. In a statement issued late on Wednesday‚ the city dismissed claims by the opposition and civil society organisations that the by-law was unconstitutional, saying this was incorrect and that there was nothing untoward about the amendment.
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