Acting eThekwini Municipality Mayor Fawzia Peer’s claims of her being poisoned causing a media frenzy is totally rejected. It is a cheap stunt to gain Peer press publicity. There is an attempt to remind us that “Peer is in charge and not Gumede” in light of Peer being totally side-lined from any media coverage.
This week was only about Gumede gatherings and Nzuza knocking on the state witness door. There was nothing about Peer. The claims of poisoning are a dismal attempt to save face using the power of the media to attract sympathy from inside and outside the ANC. The acting mayor wants to come across as the innocent ice-white fragile little lady supposedly being victimised and threatened.
The City’s acting head of communications has also denied the claims that Peer was poisoned. It is improper to go by Facebook and Twitter postings which allege that a Peer was poisoned. There is nothing concrete – as yet – nor any evidence at all. Actually, the Acting Mayor’s Office has gone on record stated that “No, that’s not what happened. The deputy mayor fell sick and then she had to go home.”
How could Peer possibly be “poisoned” when she only drinks the bottled water that her bodyguards – always in attendance – hold securely and safely for her which she takes from them, sips on now and then and returns to them? It is an absolute joke to read that there are claims that she was poisoned. Even when it comes to her food Peer eats privately due to her strong cultural ties and traditional as well as religious dictates.
Fawzia has not been accepted by the ANC or the city as the acting mayor.
An exco meeting that she chaired this week saw senior ANC leaders storm out the council chambers prior to holding views polar opposite to Peer’s. Most embarrassing this week was Peer being snubbed by ANC councillors and her caucus who showed their unwavering support to Gumede.
Peer fools no one. She has apparently always feared for her safety.
Under all of the fancy and elite mannerisms, appearance and dress which liken her to the ladies of British royalty her desperate attempts to snatch on to power that is quickly slipping from her hands are most visible.
Rashida Khan
Durban