Mixed emotions at proposed Mbombela and Umjindi merger

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, Lowvelder reported.

“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 of who had also brought placards to the hearing last week.

A tense 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 defuse the situation.

“It does not 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 said.

“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 chances of the amalgamation leading to Mbombela gaining metro status were 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 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,” Councillor Bheki Zulu 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 will need to be assisted by Umjindi to create a better municipality. If the two are amalgamated, then investors will know that both are centralised under the same name,” 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 Bosman Grobler.

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 Collen Sedibe, provincial leader for the EFF in Mpumalanga.

“We highly object the amalgamation, as the people have a great concern that Mbombela is operating at a financial deficit. The minister must rather look at building capacity in the current municipality,” he added.

– Caxton News Service