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Makana Mayor must go

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Dear MyPE

The DA will today move a motion of no confidence in the executive mayor of Makana Muncipality, Cllr Nomhle Gaga.

Cllr Gaga has failed in her duties as the Mayor of Makana to exercise effective oversight and provide leadership to this embattled and financially strapped municipality. Her chaotic reign has led Makana deeper into trouble.

Makana Municipality has long suffered from neglect under ANC leadership. Successive disclaimer audit opinions by the Auditor General and crumbling infrastructure highlight the blatant dereliction of duty by the city’s highest office bearers.

Under the current mayor’s watch, the municipality has become the provincial capital of potholes and illegal dumpsites. The Mayor has also failed to ensure crucial council resolutions were implemented.

In 2017 the council resolved that municipal overtime, that runs to over R5 million every financial year, be investigated by a reputable independent organisation. It was decided that this organisation was to present a report to Council and any untoward findings reported to the Hawks. This was however not implemented.

After a DA sponsored proposal, the council resolved to ring-fence all revenue generated from the sale of electricity. This could have enabled the municipality to pay its current account and also service its escalating debt with Eskom. This also was never implemented.

The residents of Makana, particularly the poor, have in recent months been forced to drink dirty and untreated water with traces of the pathogen E. Coli. This potentially creates a danger to the public – especially infants and the elderly.

Public outcry from residents and civic organizations has fallen on deaf ears while Makana continues to suffer.

The DA believes the removal of the mayor will be the first step in restoring the past glory of this historic town.

We challenge the ANC councillors to place the interests of Makana residents first and the Mayor last. Only a caring DA government can bring the change that will save Makana from destruction.

Regards

Mlindi Nhanha
Makana Local Municipality DA Caucus Leader

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