LYDENBURG – Heated debates were again on at the forefront during a recent council meeting.
DA Cllr Farhad Essack presented a statement in which he highlighted issues, which according to him, were pertinent to the dramatic changes in society and politics. “When the cry of communities for decent service delivery is ignored by administration, one understands the frustrations that give rise to protest actions which are often violent.
The DA recognises the right to gather and protest, but it should be done in the spirit of tolerance and respect for the rule of law.”
He said the Democratic Alliance Caucus in the TCM local council carries the mandate of its voters to perform oversight over council. “However, we experience similar frustrations in council when oversight is simply disregarded, forcing me to resort to this public platform to voice my concerns.
DA councillors have repeatedly submitted questions, tabled motions and raised issues of importance with you and members of your mayoral committee over matters of public interest, which resulted in little or no response.”
Essack asked for feedback regarding illegal dumping, Waste management and by-laws implementation of illegal vendors and illegal advertising, TCM’s response to regular sewerage leaks and ongoing disruption in water supply, and the municipality’s ongoing saga of incorrect consumer billing.
“This Thaba Chweu Municipality under the governance of the ANC does not have the capacity to provide the most basic of services and instead of looking to corporates for its rescue, should take the necessary internal steps to appoint suitably qualified and competent personnel.
The failure to subject yourself and the mayoral committee to oversight, is of great concern and raises doubts on whether you have the political will to adhere to our county’s democratic processes.
TCM is a perfect example of leaders putting themselves above processes of council and undermines its functions; therefore residents have lost all trust in this council and in its ability to act in their interest.”
Essack said that this ANC-led administration continues to subject the masses to a life of servitude. “People need jobs, they need sustainable jobs and not EPWP which the ANC embraces and defines as decent jobs.
The present service delivery protests experienced throughout the country and the ANC’s internal strife and failure, are indicative of the Nkandla scandal. The ANC died with Tata Madiba on December 5.”
He told council that the DA appealed to the ANC to respect other parties’ constitutional rights to campaign and canvass anywhere in the country, without fear of intimidation.
“In conclusion, I remind you that the DA is a government-in-waiting and is now more than ready to demonstrate how it will translate its vision into reality, without compromising quality and always striving for excellence in service delivery.”
