Madam – `There’s an electrical crisis in Newcastle? ` Of January 15, 2015 has reference.
I am persuaded that there is no other SED in Newcastle more dedicated to his job than Mr Zincume. He is one of those individuals committed to ensuring that we live in a better South Africa. He has, and correctly so, explained how the street lights in Newcastle work. I understand it to be exactly that.
The DA would not say the same of those who he works for.
The suggestion that my observation that street lights were “switched” on early each day is an isolated fault, is absurd without having himself noticed this as a daily occurrence, until and even including the date this letter was penned.
Does this mean that whoever gets paid to ensure that this does not happen, was not doing their job? Sunset is around 7pm and the person tasked to correct this must realise that not just Newcastle, but the country has a colossal electrical problem. We simply cannot afford to waste even one milliwatt! It is hoped then, that by the time this correspondence is published, that the matter would have been rectified.
I have little doubt that this will ease the burden particularly in this time of electrical austerity.
Whether it is tall grass or electrical issues, the political heads of these departments should not hide behind or depend on their officials to take responsibility for their deficiencies in ensuring that things run smoothly. It is becoming a norm, right from the top, that many politicians are increasingly shying away from accountability to the public.
Dr Imran Keeka, MPL
Response from Mayor, Afzul Rehman:
Thank you for the opportunity to respond. Firstly I thank MPL Keeka for complimenting my SED, as he truly is a dedicated and hardworking employee. The fact that the honorable MPL compliments him yet goes on to attack those who he works for, is clear to any thinking individual that his letter is nothing but a political attack, aimed at the political leadership of the municipality.
If the SED, who is in charge of doing the work, is praised, then I don’t see the necessity of attacking the politicians, who he works for, and is only there to give political and leadership direction. MPL Keeka, it is a bit early to kick off your local government election campaign, some of us are seriously busy getting the job done, and have little or no time to entertain these unnecessary political salvos.
It will also help you, as a leader, not to undermine your DA councillors in the municipality, who I am sure, are very capable of making these enquiries. You are deployed to the province, take care of that.
