‘We’ll do what we like’
They are said to treat the opposition with total disdain and regard their submissions as minor irritants, regardless of whether they are warranted or not.
IT’S difficult to argue against a public perception that many current Umdoni councillors and officials regard themselves as ‘bulletproof’ and have no need to answer to a large section of ratepayers… or the official opposition.
They are said to treat the opposition with total disdain and regard their submissions as minor irritants, regardless of whether they are warranted or not.
Hence, the opposition councillors have had to resort to using the media to get their points across, hoping they will be heard.
This is a letter written to the Mail this week out of utter frustration:
The November finance meeting at Umdoni revealed the true nature and intent of those councillors who consider themselves the elite and chosen.
In what can be described as sheer greed and a cynical disregard for the public purse, it came to light that eight councillors were paid R38 453.68 in unwarranted S&T claims. The fact that they receive generous allowances for doing the jobs that they were elected for, made no impression on them. Leading the charts with the biggest claims is ANC councillor Mngadi with R10 581.70, followed by ANC deputy mayor, councillor ST Khati, with R6 012.74. Both were quick to defend their right to help themselves and to oppose the motion I put to the executive committee for the money to be recovered.
They were supported by none other than the other claimants like councillors Brijraj and Mpanza. The excuse they offered was that the policy does not prevent such abuses, but their arguments lacked substance. I put direct questions to the mayor and municipal manager to test the validity of their defence and the answers were not forthcoming. It is also a fact that they claimed travel to events for which transport was provided. I further proposed that a moratorium be placed on further claims pending a review of the policy to prevent such abuses.
Councillor Brijraj acted swiftly to oppose the motion and councillors Mngadi and Khathi were equally swift to follow in supporting her.
When one considers that the deputy mayor earns an allowance of R54 319.17 per month, gets a R600 000 vehicle with all capital, maintenance and running costs covered and gets a driver, all at the taxpayers’ expense, the act of claiming subsistence and travel is nothing short of appalling. The only words I heard her speak at the Exco meeting were in defence of her claims.
This at a time when our economy is at its weakest in our history and many citizens have lost their jobs. Is this the good governance that the ANC claims to be exercising in Umdoni? It will not be long before Umdoni descends into financial ruin, if this pattern of greed is not brought to an end.
The MEC for COGTA has made many speeches about the priority that municipalities must attach to basic service delivery and the compelling need to cut out wasteful expenditure that is not in line with the core functions that the constitution directs.
She should come to Umdoni because here on the South Coast the ANC is deaf to her call. They live in a world that is so far removed from the reality of most citizens, that they cannot see the priorities any more. I guess that the tinted windows on those taxpayer-funded SUVs are just too dark to allow the harsh light of day enter their world of excess.
I am surprised by the silence of the other minority parties, who seem to have lost their voices and appear to be proxies of the ANC.
A good democracy requires a strong opposition to keep the majority party in check. The DA will continue to expose their abuses, no matter how much they use their majority to demonstrate their contempt and disrespect.
COUNCILLOR E BAPTIE
DA UMDONI: CAUCUS LEADER
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033
