Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor The scope of the latest Special Investigations Unit (SIU) investigation into the Eastern Cape Department of Health, commissioned by President Cyril Ramaphosa, barely scrapes the surface of the rot of corruption entrenched in this department. For years, maladministration, unlawful conduct, and gross misuse of funds have run rampant, with serious failures in infrastructure tender processes, supply chain management, and internal controls. The theft of patient records and the … [Read more...] about President must expand SIU investigation into Eastern Cape Department of Health

Dear Editor Petty political bickering within Nelson Mandela Bay’s governing coalition is currently taking centre stage adding even more political instability to an already unstable and ineffective administration. While the residents of the metro suffer under the yolk of poor service delivery and the worst natural disaster crisis in decades, politicians are thinking with their stomachs. The DA notes with concern the delays experienced in the appointment of Mayor Babalwa Lobishe’s new … [Read more...] about Delay in announcing NMB mayoral committee increases political instability during time of crisis

Dear Editor Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) has reached a crisis point. Seven of the ten Executive Director positions are vacant, leaving essential services in limbo. From broken streetlights to unrepaired potholes, the effects of this management vacuum are felt daily by residents, who face diminished safety, unreliable infrastructure, and interrupted services. As newly appointed Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe prepares to announce the new Mayoral Committee, it’s crucial to recognise that NMB … [Read more...] about NMB Needs effective senior administrators, not reshuffled MMCs

Dear Editor The Eastern Cape faces an alarming surge in violent crime and gender-based violence (GBV), leaving communities in a state of constant fear. This rising tide of brutality highlights a critical failure in the province's current approach to crime prevention. The annual festive season launches present a facade of safety, but there is a clear lack of specialised, coordinated resources necessary to address the real threats affecting our communities. Despite recent efforts, crime … [Read more...] about Festive season safety plan will not resolve underlying systemic issues in EC crime plague

Dear Editor Following the horrific attack on five schoolgirls from Jongintaba Senior Secondary School in the Eastern Cape, the DA urgently calls for dedicated specialised investigative capacity within SAPS, including dedicated units from the Hawks and SAPS' organised crime team. In the early hours of the morning, armed attackers broke into the girls' accommodation, with one assailant proceeding to rape and rob the girls at gunpoint. This appalling incident is yet another reminder of the … [Read more...] about Brutal Attack on Schoolgirls

Dear Editor The South African Human Rights Commission’s (SAHRC) report, released this week, outlines the devastating impact of the Eastern Cape’s crumbling road infrastructure on the economy, job creation, and access to essential services. The report confirms what Eastern Cape residents have long experienced firsthand: inadequate roads have isolated communities, hindered growth, and entrenched poverty. The DA is developing a comprehensive, multifaceted strategy to allow us to prioritise … [Read more...] about Provincial government must pave the way for growth and jobs by tackling roads crisis

Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Eastern Cape fully supports today's Special Investigating Unit (SIU) raid on the Makana Local Municipality. This significant step, targeting crucial documents and electronic records, marks the beginning of the end for the entrenched corruption and mismanagement that the DA has consistently condemned as a betrayal of the public trust in Makhanda. For years, Makana's residents have suffered under the weight of failed governance and systemic … [Read more...] about SIU investigation into Makana Municipality must bring accountability and end crisis-level mismanagement

Dear Editor Communities across the Eastern Cape now have a powerful opportunity to take an active role in local governance through the establishment of formal Ratepayers' Associations. These associations enable residents to directly engage in holding municipal councils accountable, fostering transparency and better service delivery. The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Eastern Cape is ready to support communities in setting up these independent bodies, which can play a crucial role in … [Read more...] about DA to assist communities in establishing formal Ratepayers’ Associations

Dear Editor The senseless murder of a relative of Nelson Mandela and granddaughter-in-law of AbaThembu regent Jongintaba Mtirara, Nkosikazi Nogcinile Thenjiwe Mtitara, and the brutal rape, assault and robbery of six learners within the space of 24 hours, has once again highlighted the need for urgent interventions to combat violent crime and gender-based violence. Mtitara was shot dead in her royal home at Mqhekezweni Great Place, Bhityi administrative area, outside Mthatha on Tuesday … [Read more...] about Latest tragedy again highlights need for urgent interventions to combat violent crime and gender-based violence

Dear Editor The devastation from the recent flood in Nelson Mandela Bay, caused by heavy rains on 21 and 22 October, was exacerbated by the municipality's lack of progress in restoring damaged infrastructure following the massive flooding on 1 June. The municipality’s failure to repair broken stormwater canals, pipes, and drainage systems severely affected residents in the impacted communities, resulting in flooding of homes that would typically not have been affected had these systems … [Read more...] about President Ramaphosa must intervene to avoid future NMB flood disasters

Dear Editor The DA-led Kouga Municipality has again achieved the prestigious Blue Flag status for Dolphin Beach in Jeffreys Bay and Cape St Francis Beach. This recognition, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education through WESSA, is a testament to the DA-led municipality’s unwavering commitment to excellence in environmental management, safety, and service delivery. As one of South Africa’s premier beaches, Dolphin Beach has long been an iconic destination for the global … [Read more...] about Kouga Municipality secures prestigious Blue Flag Status for Dolphin and Cape St Francis beaches

Dear Editor Thousands of students across the Eastern Cape are facing a financial crisis due to being informed that they will be defunded by NSFAS. Financial insecurity is just one of many issues students encounter, compounded by limited support from the former Department of Higher Education and Training. To provide students with a platform to voice their concerns about various issues, including NSFAS, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe of the DA, … [Read more...] about Deputy Minister Gondwe’s Help Desk a success in the EC

Dear Editor The DA in the Eastern Cape welcomes the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson’s initiative to reimagine the failed and corrupt Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). The Minister's decision to launch a nationwide Listening Tour to gather input from citizens about their experiences with the EPWP in the Northern Areas of Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) is both timely and appropriate. Originally designed to benefit poor and vulnerable citizens - in NMB the EPWP … [Read more...] about Minister Macpherson’s Intervention in Corrupt EPWP Welcomed