Emfuleni mayor sells dreams, but service delivery is the real test – Senekal
“How much money has been recovered, how many disciplinary cases have been finalised?"
SEDIBENG. – The State of the Municipality Address (SoMA) given by Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) Mayor, Hassan Mako, contained empty promises, according to Gerda Senekal, a Freedom Front Plus councillor in the municipality.
Senekal questioned how a municipality that struggles with basic service delivery can carry out major projects like a new economic city, a student town, and an airport.
“The so-called ‘New Vaal’ project is presented as a major economic rescue plan that includes an international airport, a student town, an agricultural hub and a special economic zone,” she said.
While Mako sounded impressive in his address, Senekal noted that the project currently lacks funding and realistic timelines.
Mako delivered his address under the theme of navigating structural wounds and steering the municipality from breakdown to restoration, stating that Emfuleni is a phoenix waiting to rise rather than a tragedy.
Refuting this, Senekal argued that without financial stability and basic service delivery, these words are merely a political promise rather than a viable plan. “The harsh reality is that Emfuleni struggles to pay major service providers and contractors from month to month.”
Furthermore, Senekal added that describing the recently announced Eskom debt relief of R3.8b as a new stream of revenue is misleading to residents, as debt relief is subject to strict conditions and financial reforms.
“The real test is whether Emfuleni can stabilise its finances, manage debt, increase revenue and prevent further decline. Mako should stop selling debt relief as a political victory, and explain how it will improve service delivery instead.”
In conclusion, Senekal pointed out that Mako’s promise to make corruption and mismanagement a top priority is also questionable.
“How much money has been recovered, how many disciplinary cases have been finalised, how many officials have been held accountable, how many irregular contracts have been terminated, and how much money is lost annually through squandering and poor financial controls,” she asked.
