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Political interference and mismanagement continues in the metro

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The DA has reliably learned that a motion of no-confidence was submitted against the current City Manager. The motion is due to be tabled at the next council sitting. The DA will oppose it in council and treat it with the contempt that it deserves.

The DA firmly believes that this is motivated by a narrow political agenda. Part of which, is aimed at political-interference within the administrative arm of the institution in order to dish out political patronage through tenders and political appointments.

Our City Manager, Dr Msengana-Ndlela, has an impeccable record in public service and she has been at the helm in this metro for less than 2 months. Therefore, there could be no reasons with merit for this motion, other than those of plundering this municipality and plunge it into further financial mismanagement.

Judging by the recently appointed mayoral committee, this purging cascades through to other spheres of council. The newly elected mayoral committee is entirely made-up of councillors who belonged to the then Faku faction, which is now spearheaded by its regional secretary, Mr Quphe.

We have also observed with dismay, the removal of largely experienced ANC councillors who served at the crucial Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) and other portfolio committees. This can also be attributed to a clear purge of those who are independent minded and who are determined to fight corruption in the institution.

The DA is also aware that Dr Vatala, who is currently on suspension, is due to return to this institution despite a blemished record, marred by controversy. It was clear then during his tenure as both the IDP head and his short-stint as the acting municipal manager, that he is willing to take instructions directly from the party bosses in Florence Matomela House. This clearly sums up his blurred vision to distinguish the fundamental difference between a political party and government.

Moves are afoot to bring back Dr Vatala into the employ of the institution as the city manager, along with other ex-councillors of the ANC. Including some officials who are implicated in high-profile disciplinary cases, such as Roland Williams. It is therefore no wonder that Dr Msengana-Ndlela and others, who are principled leaders in this metro, are deemed as inconvenient obstacles.

We have also noted with sadness that the minority parties have allowed themselves to be used as useful ragdolls or canon fodders by the ANC in the region. In often cases as their mouthpiece to attack their detractors and to achieve short-sighted political objectives of the ANC in return for their tainted business interests.

The national political leaders of these minority parties would be shocked to learn about the role of their councillors locally. Their cause as opposition parties in the region is completely compromised, overtaken by greed and instant gratification. It is therefore clear that this current ANC leadership in the metro, will stop at nothing in siphoning the coffers of this metro through political patronage.

All these facts demonstrate that the ANC is perverting the legislative imperatives of our constitution. They are imposing political interference in our local government administration at all costs, even if it means transgressing the laws that govern administrative affairs of municipalities. If need be, they have shown that they will even purge some of the most competent officials this institution has ever had in its employ.

The DA in the region will not sit back and watch this institution go to the highest bidder. We will act as the vanguards of the interests of our residents. It is therefore imperative that primarily, we inform them about the political events taking place behind closed doors in council.

We will also write to the MEC of local government, Mr Qhoboshiyane, informing him about these developments. The DA will also draw the attention of the Minister of COGTA to this saga. He was instrumental and at the forefront of serious efforts to bring about political stability in the metro. We are aware of his unwavering endorsement of this current city manager, Dr Msengana-Ndlela.

The metro residents deserve a better leadership. A leadership that cares and not leaders that are overcome by greed and selfish accumulation of wealth. Nor do they deserve leaders that are pilfering the residents’ hard-earned money.

The time has come for all in our metro to see through the mask of the ANC. The DA has its doors open for everyone who believes in better leadership.

Cllr Knight Mali

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