Boundary reward for ANC coalition partner in Matatiele
Demarcation of the municipality was used as bargaining chip by African Independent Congress in pacts in two provinces
The African Independent Congress (AIC) has won its first big victory in working with the ANC — the Cabinet has resolved to redraw provincial boundaries that could lead to Matatiele being moved from the Eastern Cape to KwaZulu-Natal. The demarcation of Matatiele had been used as a political bargaining chip in the coalition between the ANC and the AIC, which wanted Matatiele to be moved back into KwaZulu-Natal. The ANC was only able to retain control of Ekurhuleni with the seats of the AIC. The ANC lost its majority in the metro after the local government elections in August 2016 when it won 109 seats. To have a majority in the council, the party needed 112 seats. The AIC had the four seats needed to retain the metro.Communications Minister Ayanda Dlodlo announced last week after a Cabinet meeting that it had agreed that a process to redraw certain boundaries, including that of Matatiele, be instituted. The parliamentary process would include public participation as required by the Co...
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