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Nelson Mandela Bay Speaker has pulled the plug on oversight, accountability

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Dear MyPE

The Speaker of the Nelson Mandela Bay council, ANC councillor Buyelwa Mafaya, has pulled the plug on oversight and accountability in the municipality, ignoring several requests to reconvene the various standing committees.

Some of these committees, which are crucial in the decision-making processes that impact directly on service delivery across the City, have not sat since February.

These committees are also responsible for oversight and holding the various departments to account.

Even committees that should deal with critical aspects directly linked to Metro’s Covid-19 responses, and which should have, in terms of the Council’s Rules of Order, been given preference, have not sat.

The last time some of these committees sat are:

  • Roads and Transport (13 February)
  • Safety and Security (20 February)
  • Budget and Treasury (21 February)
  • Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture (24 February)
  • Public Health (2 March)
  • Corporate Services (3 March)
  • Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture (10 March)
  • Human Settlements (27 March)

The Speaker’s behaviour has made it clear that the ANC-led Coalition of Corruption think that they are a law unto themselves and have no interest in good governance. They are not there to serve the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay, but rather to serve their own self-interests, no matter what the cost.

In the current absence of oversight of the Council and its affairs, including the vacancy of an Executive Mayor, the Deputy Executive Mayor and the Committee chairs are exercising unfettered discretion without any accountability towards the Council or the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay

I have now written to the MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Xolile Nqatha, to request his urgent intervention in this matter, in terms of Section 139 (1)(a), to ensure that the committees of Nelson Mandela Bay Council proceed to convene.

What is taking place in Nelson Mandela Bay is a shameful indictment on the ANC, and all of the councillors who, by their own inaction, are complicit in the downfall of this city.

It is clear that this ANC-led Coalition of Corruption government feels nothing for the suffering of residents and are willing to do whatever it takes to avoid being held accountable.

The Democratic Alliance will not let that happen. These individuals will be held to account, and Nelson Mandela Bay will move forward once again.

Regards

Cllr Gustav Rautenbach
DA NMB Chief Whip

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