Mayor hits out at DA over honour for bid boss

By Max Matavire Municipal Reporter

METRO Mayor Nceba Faku said yesterday that the idea of giving 2010 World Cup Bid chief Danny Jordaan the freedom of the metro “had been discussed in certain quarters”, but accused the DA of hijacking the idea and announcing it prematurely.

Mr Faku said yesterday he was “very, very disappointed” that the matter, which had been discussed in confidence and was to be announced officially to create a “great impact” was now being tossed around for political mileage.

“It’s now coming from the DA. I am very disappointed with what I read in the newspaper today. I do not know who actually let out that thing. It’s an issue which was discussed in certain quarters and was to be officially tabled in council,” Mr Faku said.

He said the matter had been discussed and agreed to, adding that proper protocol procedures were going to be followed in making the announcement.

“Now the announcement will not have the same impact as it would have if it had been kept confidential and made public at the right time,” Mr Faku said.

The DA beat the ANC to it when it publicly proposed yesterday that Mr Jordaan be given the freedom of the metro in recognition for his tireless work to bring the bid to South Africa.

DA safety and security spokesman Gustav Rautenbach yesterday said a motion to that effect would be introduced at next week’s special council meeting.

The meeting to be held next Thursday has been scheduled to debate the 2004/05 metro operating budget.

“We can think of no more fitting tribute to Port Elizabeth’s famous son (for his efforts in obtaining the World Cup) than his being given the freedom of his home city,” Mr Rautenbach said.

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