Two Bits

Two readers have written in, suggesting that nepotism has played a part in the nomination of Tammy Colley, daughter of former Salt Rock councillor Ann McDonnell, as the DA’s candidate to replace Cllr Colin Marsh in the Ballito ward.
First off I must say I believe the DA is right in red-flagging Marsh. He has served the area well for a long time, but of late he has – in my view – become less effective than the community should expect.
Change is good. Whether Colley is right for the job will only be known after she has won the election and after she has been in the post a few years. She did tell us last week that one of her goals will be to attract younger people to take an interest in local government, and that is a sound goal. Young people have the energy to bring about change.
Her mother was a hard-working local councillor, which is why she won promotion to the provincial legislature, therefore Colley has the right example to follow. Nevertheless, I looked a little deeper into the question of whether her mother had a hand in her selection.
The way the selection process works is this: anyone can put their name forward to be a party candidate.
The applicants are interviewed by the party’s electoral college, which consists of members of various branches in Ilembe district. McDonnell is not a member of Ilembe district, as she represents Uthungulu to the north of us – Richards Bay, Empangeni, Nkandla etc.
If successful, the shortlisted candidates are invited to appear before a selection panel consisting mainly of senior party members from outside Ilembe district. This year the panel consisted mainly of people from Ethekwini (again, McDonnell was not allowed to be on the panel), who examined the candidate’s knowledge of party policy, the democratic process and general political awareness.
From there the names of the candidates chosen by the selection panel were sent on to the party’s provincial executive committee in Pietermaritzburg, assisted by several members of parliament.
I have been told categorically, by the party’s provincial office, that Ann McDonnell had no say whatsoever in her daughter’s selection as a party candidate in the August 3 local government elections. Nor was her opinion sought.
But as I’ve said, the mother was a hard-working local councillor and her record would have done her daughter’s chances no harm. So what. Ratepayers want effective representation and we hopefully get the best person for the job.
I just hope Colley has as thick a skin as her mother. Many a time I sat listening to ANC mayors and councillors heaping abuse on McDonnell’s head, even laughing and talking amongst themselves while she was speaking in an attempt to throw her off balance, and she kept her cool and just ploughed on. If it had been me, I would probably have been up for assault.
We haven’t heard yet who might be standing against Colley in the Ballito ward, so let’s see what happens.
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I took a flight with Dave Jackson on his microlight from Umdloti to Tinley Manor on Sunday to get some new photos of the coastline, and was again struck by the sights of the beautiful place we live. We must have seen 40 dolphins, plus turtles, sharks and shoals of mackerel. Here are some pics:  the view south over Ballito, and another shot north into the rising sun.
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A couple are sitting at the bar, enjoying a few drinks after work on a Friday night.
He: I love you so much, I want to spend the rest of my life with you.
She: Was that you talking, or the beer?
He: That was me talking to the beer!