Cape Town Speaker Claims EFF Councillor Dambuza's Alleged Choking Was Staged for Media Attention

• City of Cape Town council speaker Felicity Purchase believes the alleged attack on councillor Mzubanzi Dambuza during a meeting was for media attention
• The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor was allegedly choked after refusing to leave the chambers
• This comes after Purchase asked him to leave when he raised concerns about being heckled by Democratic Alliance (DA) councillors

City of Cape Town council speaker Felicity Purchase has claimed that the alleged choking of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) councillor Mzubanzi Dambuza during a recent council meeting on 30 July 2025 was staged to draw media attention.

What did Purchase say?

Purchase said that Dambuza did not follow her instructions to leave the chambers. She said that the EFF councillor repeatedly disrupted the meeting. She stated that several members were named for improper conduct and heckling under the rules of order.

Purchase said that Dambuza had been previously removed for similar conduct and that this was not new in the proceedings.

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ANC claps back

African National Congress (ANC) caucus spokesperson Judy-Ann Stevens responded to the incident, saying that councillors must be able to engage safely during the meetings. She said that Purchase caused the disorder.

Stevens claimed that the speaker selectively applies the rules of the chamber. She said that the rules only apply to one side of the chamber and that the DA councillors can do as they please. Stevens has called for an independent inquiry into the incident.

What happened in the meeting?

Following the mayor’s address, a question-and-answer session was held, but the proceedings were disrupted when the speaker ordered the EFF councillor Mzubanzi Dambuza to leave. Speaker Felicity Purchase accused Dambuza of being disruptive and instructed the acting City Manager to remove him from the chamber.

Video footage captured the aftermath, showing Mzubanzi Dambuza lying on the floor while several men stood over him. In the background, another council member can be heard asking why he is being choked. Dambuza later claimed he lost consciousness during the altercation.

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South Africans weigh in

Social media users shared their views regarding the incident.

@DesireeLourens said:

"Name them. DA is toxic. This is what they do not only in spaces for political participation, but everywhere in public domain. Bullies who beat you2 a pulp & cause extensive damage to your property."

@Squirrel1980021 said:

"We have proper hooligans in leadership position in our government.. this is just unbelievable."

@TheNowMovement2 said:

"There is nothing wrong with that. These PlGS must be attaacked everywhere."

@simgloss said:

"If this video is true , I absolutely expect professional and better behaviour from any paid public servant, irrespective of your differences."

@PeterO884793 said:

"I think those are the security team of the municipality. Why didnt he leave when ordered to?"

Municipality lays charges against EFF members

In another article, Briefly News reported that the uMhlathuze Municipality is opening criminal cases against a group of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) protesters who caused damage at the municipal building in Richards Bay.

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The Red Berets promised to occupy the council chamber on Thursday, 24 January 2025, but did more than that.

Source: Briefly News