MBOMBELA – Emotions ran high regarding the proposed merger between Mbombela and Umjindi local municipalities with citizens and stakeholders from both either raising their objections or voicing their approvals last week at the municipal demarcation board (MDB) hearing.
Ms Shivon Wiggins, MDB member and representative, facilitated the hearing at the Ehlanzeni Distict Municipality offices and explained the amalgamation process with the public in attendance. Attendees were then able to query the process as well as raise issues and objections.
“We have no political affiliations. Our main purpose is to obtain the views from the public hearing in order to assist us in either amalgamating the two municipalities or keeping them as separate entities,” she said.
The financial and administrative aspects of both municipalities were put to the fore by numerous members of the public, some who had also brought placards to the hearing.
Strong political tension could be felt from ANC members when DA and EFF representatives questioned the viability of the amalgamation. Wiggins on numerous times had to diffuse the situation, which called for more respect among the stakeholders in attendance.
“It does matter how many hands are raised or verbal votes of confidence are given. This is not a popularity contest. We will judge our decision based on suggestions and concerns raised now and in written form,” she professed.
“We will decide whether to confirm, vary or withdraw its redetermination of municipal boundaries based on public objections as well as feasibility and sustainability studies,” she explained to those in attendance.
The possibility of the amalgamation leading to Mbombela gaining metro status was also squashed during the hearing.
“The MDB is not considering a metro. It could only be a straightforward amalgamation,” she said. “The board has never dealt with an amalgamation nor chosen a new name. There is a lot of emotion involved with naming and we will not let communities feel that one municipality has swallowed another,” said Wiggins.
The MDB will now submit a notice in the Provincial Gazette on its preliminary decision. There will also be a period of 30 days for public objections after this first publication.
The process will need to be concluded by July in order to determine the possible new wards in preparation of the 2016 municipal elections.
Supporters of the amalgamation
Most parties believe that Umjindi will turn into a ghost municipality as all the economic lures are in Mbombela. “Umjindi and Mbombela must share in the same economy and be inclusive to all residents. Most of the ratepayers already pay their taxes in Mbombela,”
Mr Bheki Zulu, member of the mayoral comittee for Mbombela stated. “People of Umjindi must also share in the facilities that are in Mbombela, such as tertiary institutions. Everyone must benefit and be included.”
“There is not a lot that will lure people to work and earn a living in Umjindi. There must be progression. I am proposing that the MDB must come down to the masses and ratepayers of Umjindi. There is revenue that comes from the mine and agricultural communities that would benefit the amalgamation.
“Financially we are better off, but administratively we’ll need to be assisted by Umjindi to create a better municipality,” said a resident.
Supporters against the amalgamation
The Democratic Alliance, on the other hand, does not support any of the four proposed amalgamations in the province, including the one between Mbombela and Umjindi.
“Talks of amalgamating municipalities have already led to unrest in certain communities and the continued pressure on residents to agree to the amalgamations, is likely to lead to more violent protests,” stated Mr Bosman Grobler, MPL for DA Mpumalanga.
The idea that bigger municipalities will perform better is fundamentally flawed. Smaller municipalities tend to have better audit outcomes because they are easier to hold accountable.
The DA will make another submission to the MDB to appeal to minister Pravin Gordhan to retract or at least postpone the proposed amalgamations at least until after the 2016 municipal election.
“We understand that the ruling party wants to relieve the pressure before the local municipal elections, but this is not the right way to do that,” stated Mr Collen Sedibe, provincial leader for the EFF in Mpumalanga.
“We highly object to the amalgamation. The minister must rather look at building capacity in the current municipality,” he added.
