Last year, I wrote a letter to the News about the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and budget process. I highlighted some critical issues ranging from chaos, disruption and anarchy to disrespect and ill-discipline, among others.
All these issues manifested once again during this year’s IDP road shows in Swaneville, which were no different from the previous IDP budget process. These IDP road shows all started in a white marquee in Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 35 and 36 in Swaneville, at the Sports Complex. Today the IDP road shows are being conducted under the South African-led coalition as mandated by the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000.
The IDPs coincided with the 20-year celebration of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa; the depressing brewing crisis surrounding the grant payment system at the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa); and Human Rights Month, during which the Sharpeville massacre, which occurred on 21 March 1969 at the police station in the township, when 60 people were shot and killed by the police after a day of peaceful demonstration, is commemorated. A similar massacre happened on 12 May 1991, a day of high tension between the ANC and the Inkatha Freedom Party, when the community of Swaneville was attacked. The attackers left 27 community members dead and more than 100 shacks and cars were burnt.
This year, the vast marquee echoed with the outrage of the audience who did their utmost to disrupt the IDP process. The South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) branches led the Swaneville community, booing the Mogale City Local Municipality, the Executive Mayor, Michael Holenstein and the members of the mayoral committee. In contrast, the EFF members cheered when Holenstein took the podium to address the crowd.
The Programme Director, councillor Themba Mokoena (MMC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation), was enraged by Sanco’s actions, condemning them as foolish behaviour. Mokoena was drowned out when he tried to introduce the MMCs, and as Holenstein struggled on, resolutely trying to finish reading his speech, the breeze up his jacket felt more like a wind of change.
However, despite the boycotts, the walkouts and the disruptions, the Democratic Alliance is doing its best to run the municipality and trying hard to finish the 2017 IDP process.
