‘Municipality must be held accountable’ says new chair of ratepayers association

“The municipality should adhere to its mandate to serve the residents. The J.B. Marks Consumer and Ratepayer’s Association (JBM-CRA) is one of the organisations that is working hard to hold the city accountable,” says Rathata Matabane, the new chairperson of the J.B. Marks Consumer and Ratepayer’s Association.

He believes it is wrong not to speak up when you see the infrastructure collapse and maladministration all over. “People should find an organisation where they can make their voice heard. You only have one voice. There is a reason why God has given you a voice; use it,” he says.

The collapse of service delivery in Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp is visible everywhere. For the past few years, the complaints on social media about the failing infrastructure have become more frequent. People are turning to social media to show pictures of broken water pipes, sewerage overflow and broken street lamps. They vent their frustration on Facebook about the chaos with the administration of water and electricity bills. Because of this, a group of visionary people got together in June 2020 to address the different service delivery matters that were, and still are, plaguing the residents of the Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp.

It was under the leadership of Adelle Jerling that the J.B. Marks Consumer and Ratepayer’s Association (JBM-CRA) came into being. As a non-racial, apolitical organisation, it strives to protect and advance the interests of all residents. Jerling recently resigned to venture into the political arena and did not want to compromise the association as an apolitical organisation. Her successor was later elected and wants to carry forward the same idea and spirit she put into the organisation. “This organisation wants people with vision who wish to raise their voice against corruption and the lack of service delivery. We need people who want to contribute their time and expertise to restore Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp to their former glory. That is what Adelle wanted and that is what we want to take forward,” says Matabane.

He only has the greatest admiration for the work Jerling has done in service of the people of J.B. Marks Municipality. According to him, she was one of the best leaders he had ever worked with. “She is visionary, knows what she wants and, most importantly, always strives to get there. She has a beautiful soul and those close to her know her as a servant leader. Her purpose in life is to serve the people around her. That is why she is now looking for opportunities where she can have more impact.”

The new chairperson of JBM-CRA was born and grew up in Ikageng. He completed his high school education at a boarding school, Bethel High School, near Coligny. “That was where I learnt to work and think independently. Not having my mom around, I had to depend on my inner motivation to perform tasks and duties that were critical for my growth and development,” says Matabane. He grew up with a hard-working mother who raised three boys on her own. She was an entrepreneur and business owner and, as a dedicated Christian, set an example for her boys to be hard-working, dedicated, trustworthy and respectful.

After school, he completed a BA degree at Unisa and various post- graduate diplomas and degrees at other institutions, including Wits and the University of Stellenbosch. He has experience in the field of human resources, marketing and general management and worked in the private sector as a senior manager at Old Mutual, Cadbury’s and Coca- Cola. His work allowed him to travel to Thailand, UK, Brazil and the USA. The public sector organisations he has worked for include the National Development Agency (NDA), Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) and the Road Accident Fund (RAF). He is currently an independent business consultant, holding numerous board roles in state-owned entities and the private sector.

Matabane clearly remembers the Potchefstroom of the eighties and nineties as the “most beautiful city”. “I remember the many accolades the city received – Green City, Blue Drop, etc. But the city has deteriorated drastically, especially over the past five years.” To him, the recent criminal prosecution of J.B. Marks’ former top management is an indication that their priority was not to serve its residents. The management of JBM-CRA wants more residents to join the association because they have already established the contacts, resources and ability to follow up on the issues plaguing the residents. “You can lodge your complaints with us and we will make sure the municipality is informed and that these issues are followed up and resolved.”

Matabane’s vision for the JBM-CRA is, firstly, to work with other organisations, like Cachet Park CID; Clean Up Together; Trots Potch and many others, who share the same goals and agenda. “I would like us to work in a more coordinated manner, although independent, and exploit our synergies a lot better, not duplicating what the other is doing.” He appeals to everyone not to despair and to do everything within their power to make positive changes. It is only through working together that we can make this city better for all of those who live in it. “I don’t think anyone from any population group wants to see other people suffer. We all want to see people living in prosperity, having jobs and living in decent houses. We want to see people educated and making a better life for themselves. This is not happening now.”

He also appeals to all consumers and ratepayers to sign up and be part of a movement that can change lives, whether they are from a farming community, suburb or informal settlement. He wants more people to be involved. Consumers or ratepayers within the J.B. Marks municipal area can join the JBM-CRA. Members who pay the annual R100 fee have voting rights in the association, but people may also join if they don’t have the money. According to Matabane, this money will be used, among other things, for legal costs if the association should have to take a step up if service delivery does not progress. “We have also been in consultation with other municipalities, like Zeerust and Sannieshof. We know exactly what they have done to get services. We trust that we will not have to go to that extent – that is the last resource we want to use – but it is something we will certainly consider. We need funding and support that will enable us to go that way.”

Matabane acknowledges that South Africa has to change to make things better. “We are living on the edge, with an adverse socio-economic environment unfolding – Covid-19, the Zondo Commission, poverty, unemployment and the land issue. We must navigate the changes to make things better. It is so easy for this country to descend into civil war – God forbid. But, through constant communication, understanding each other and reaching out to one another, we will reach a stage where we understand that all these changes are necessary and will help our nation to go forward.”

* People who want to join the JBM-CRA can request a membership form by emailing jbmcra001@gmail.com.

Bank details:

Account name: JB Marks CRA
Bank: First National Bank
Current/cheque account number: 6287 6238 281
Reference: Name and Surname
Notice of payment – email address: jbmcra001@gmail.com.