Received after publication: The Democratic Alliance wishes to retract the statement "The youth of Nelson Mandela Bay suffer, while the Coalition of Corruption allow stadiums to crumble" in its entirety. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Dear MyPE The ANC-led Coalition of Corruption has allowed historic sports stadiums in Nelson Mandela Bay’s townships to fall into disrepair, and what is supposed to uplift the youth of the Metro, has now become a breeding ground for drug abuse, … [Read more...] about The youth of Nelson Mandela Bay suffer, while the Coalition of Corruption allow stadiums to crumble
Letters to the Editor
The remains of our precious Comrade Vuyisile Mini removed from Emlotheni
Dear MyPE It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that the remains of Vuyisile Mini was removed from the Emlotheni Heritage site on Friday, 30 October 2020 by his family members. Apparently this was done because of the poor upkeep of the site, no security, vandalisation and disrespectful activities at the site. I was there when we reburied Vuyisile Mini and his fellow Comrades in the 1990’s. We never realised what the future held for us that day. Our community was not aware or … [Read more...] about The remains of our precious Comrade Vuyisile Mini removed from Emlotheni
Reckless transportation of manganese ore placing lives at risk
Dear MyPE The reckless transportation and storage of manganese ore in the Markman Township area of Nelson Mandela Bay has the potential to result in prolonged exposure that could lead to toxic levels for people working there. Even more shocking is the potential contamination of foodstuffs being packaged in the area, which could have a devastating impact on the health and wellbeing of individuals far outside the immediate vicinity. Excessive exposure to, or intake of, manganese can act … [Read more...] about Reckless transportation of manganese ore placing lives at risk
EC Drought Summit needed, as rains have little effect on dam levels
Dear MyPE Despite the recent rains, there has been little improvement in the dam levels across the Eastern Cape, and the provincial government seems to have no long term plans in place to address the challenges that the ongoing drought has brought. Farmers are buckling under the immense pressure of an ongoing drought that has seen the national Department of Water Affairs slash water extraction rates for agricultural use. Across the province, dam levels are lower than a year ago, and the … [Read more...] about EC Drought Summit needed, as rains have little effect on dam levels
DA votes in favour of adoption of Metro’s process plan
Dear MyPE In the interest of putting the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) first, the Democratic Alliance (DA) today voted in favour of the adoption of the Metro’s process plan, to implement the recommendations made by National Treasury. It is imperative that these recommendations are implemented so that National Treasury can release almost R1,6 billion in grant funding that it is currently being withheld. The DA has continuously been fighting for suitable intervention measures as … [Read more...] about DA votes in favour of adoption of Metro’s process plan
EC government must intervene in Burgersdorp water crisis
Dear MyPE The residents of Burgersdorp are bearing the brunt of government inefficiencies, and in some cases spend up to ten days without running water, even though the local supply dam is at 80% of capacity. The cause of this suffering is the inability of the Joe Gqabi District Municipality to fulfil is water provision competency, and the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality’s lack of capacity to procure a transformer that would ensure the electricity supply to the local pump station. In … [Read more...] about EC government must intervene in Burgersdorp water crisis
Major decline in Matric STEM subject enrollment
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to provide urgent plans on the work it is doing to reverse the alarming trend of decreases in Matric enrollment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. In a presentation before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, the Department revealed that enrollment for STEM subjects decreased as follows from 2016 to 2020: Mathematics decreased by 40 385 Physical … [Read more...] about Major decline in Matric STEM subject enrollment
Open letter to President Ramaphosa
Your silence on Africa is deafening Dear Mr President, Over the past few months, under the cover of the global Covid-19 pandemic, our continent and her people have been suffering due to unrelenting violence and it is now time to let your voice as African Union (AU) Chairperson be heard. I understand that the Covid-19 pandemic has placed South Africa, like so many other countries around the world, in turmoil, but your silence on what is happening in the rest of Africa can unfortunately be … [Read more...] about Open letter to President Ramaphosa
Hospital fails to inform family of mother’s death for more than two months
Dear MyPE The children of Nomsa Petshe are still reeling from the shock after hearing for the first time on Friday that their beloved mother, who was admitted to Cecilia Makiwane Hospital on 5 August 2020, had passed away on the same day. For two months and eighteen days, they heard not one word from the hospital regarding the condition of their mother, despite leaving not one, but two cell phone contact numbers on her patient file upon her admission to the hospital. Both the son and … [Read more...] about Hospital fails to inform family of mother’s death for more than two months
National Taxi Lekgotla
Dear Fellow South African, Every day, in every part of the country, millions of our citizens use taxis, buses or trains to get to work, go to school, transport goods or go to centres where they can shop, visit clinics or get social support. According to 2015 figures, around two-thirds of households who use public transport travel by minibus taxi. A quarter travel by bus and 10 percent by train. In a country where the vast majority do not have access to private cars, the provision of … [Read more...] about National Taxi Lekgotla
Clarity sought on community interventions in Buffalo City libraries
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Buffalo City Metro (BCM) recently conducted oversight inspections at public libraries in the Municipality and found that residents in certain areas have taken over community service functions provided by libraries. During oversight inspections at libraries in BCM wards 6 and 19 we noticed that community members had taken over, with the apparent sign-off from the Municipality. This is being allowed without following the proper processes of … [Read more...] about Clarity sought on community interventions in Buffalo City libraries
NMB residents’ shoulder the financial brunt of Coalition of Corruption’s desperation
Dear MyPE Nelson Mandela Bay Speaker, ANC Cllr Buyelwa Mafaya, and the self-styled “Interim” Mayor, Cllr Thsonono Buyeye, are wasting residents hard-earned money on frivolous court cases, in their desperation to cling to power. Both Mafaya and Buyeye have been flouting due process, by refusing to place the election of a new mayor on the council agenda, ever since former Mayor, Mongameli Bobani was removed from office in December last year. The Municipal Structures Act clearly states … [Read more...] about NMB residents’ shoulder the financial brunt of Coalition of Corruption’s desperation
Deputy President’s commitment to discuss R75k solar tax rebate proposal
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the commitment from Deputy President, David Mabuza, that he will discuss our proposal of a R75 000 tax rebate for households wishing to install a rooftop solar system with the Ministers of Finance, Public Enterprises and Mineral Resources and Energy, and apply his mind to seriously implementing this. He made this commitment during the parliamentary question session on Thursday. The DA first made this proposal as part of our contribution to … [Read more...] about Deputy President’s commitment to discuss R75k solar tax rebate proposal
Urgent intervention needed in Dr Beyers Naude following bulk electricity disruptions
Dear MyPE Residents in the Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality are furious and feel that they have been thrown to the wolves, as they are yet again being punished for the failures of their uncaring municipality. Effective from today Willowmore, Steytlerville and Jansenville are currently without electricity, with Eskom cutting the power for eight and a half hours a day, because the Municipality has failed to honour the last repayment plan agreed to. If the matter is not resolved, by … [Read more...] about Urgent intervention needed in Dr Beyers Naude following bulk electricity disruptions
More needs to be done for road safety as multiple truck pileup claims lives
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance is deeply saddened by the unnecessary loss of life following a multiple vehicle pileup on the N10 between Golden Valley and Cookhouse earlier today. At least three trucks are said to have been involved in the collision. The road is notorious for the number of motor vehicle accidents that occur, and more needs to be done to ensure the safety of road users. Road infrastructure also needs to be upgraded to accommodate the ever-increasing number of trucks … [Read more...] about More needs to be done for road safety as multiple truck pileup claims lives
