Editor’s views on issues affecting the public
It's hard when municipal managers are told to write and sign resignation letters.
What a week it was in the corridors of our provincial government
– very tough decisions were taken to try to correct errors of the past.
But
it all came at a huge price and was very risky for those who weren’t acquainted
with working diligently for their communities. It’s tough when professionals
like municipal managers are told to write and sign resignation letters, leaving
a space open for the resignation date.
It is, however, for a simple reason –
they have failed to deliver to the people whom they’ve been mandated to serve.
But the lingering question is: are they alone in ensuring that indeed things
should happen as stipulated?
As captain of the ship, you are accountable.
Such harsh action is very commendable because we’ve seen how many municipalities
have failed in their endeavours, and have seen their downfall, all due to
corruption and maladministration, manned by the municipal managers
themselves.
Is the same action applicable at provincial level? If it is, then
given the conditions at municipal level, the HODs are accountable and should
each receive a disclaimer and should write and sign these undated resignation
letters.
My other pressing question in this scenario is – when are the
politicians themselves accountable, as they are the captains of the ships?
Municipal managers cannot steer the ship in any direction other than that as
directed by their political superiors.
In many instances where there is
fraud, maladministration and corruption in government institutions, chances are,
there is a political influence. There is political direction towards anything
attainable here, so to be fair to everyone in governance, whether an
administrator or political head, let all face the same music.
Only then will
I be able to call it fair enough for everybody.
Be that as it may, here’s
hoping this action won’t divide the ruling party as it marches towards next
year’s general elections, corruption-free.
Yet surely they will find the
posts divided as ever, unless a miracle occurs and they reunite.
