Dear MyPE The dilapidated South Seas Poultry Farm outside Port Alfred near Kleinemonde is one of the countless examples of Local Economic Development (LED) projects in the province that has not benefited the community at all, despite the millions of public funds that were forked out to fund them. Where the DA governs, full records of all beneficiaries are kept and are available for all to see. Funds are distributed on merit and not on political affiliation. Where we govern, unemployment … [Read more...] about Fail: R1,2-million Ndlambe egg farm LED-project
Jane Cowley
Transkei sand mining a “Free for all”
Dear MyPE The DA calls upon the Minister of Mineral Resources to act swiftly and decisively to put a stop to the illegal sand mining activities in the Eastern Cape Province. A parliamentary response from the MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), Sakhumzi Somyo, indicates that sand mining is in effect a free for all activity. If the ANC-led government of the province is serious about stopping corruption and lawlessness, then they … [Read more...] about Transkei sand mining a “Free for all”
Zero tolerance for school sex pests in the Eastern Cape
Dear MyPE The DA calls on the MEC for Education, Mandla Makupula, to urgently and swiftly deal with cases of sexual misconduct in schools. Those found guilty of preying on vulnerable school girls and boys should face the full might of the law. The Department of Education must show no mercy towards sex pests at schools. Only two out of six Flagstaff Comprehensive High School teachers accused of making sexual advances towards school girls have been suspended by the Department of … [Read more...] about Zero tolerance for school sex pests in the Eastern Cape
Budget Lacks Creativity
Dear MyPE The MEC for Finance, Sakhumzi Somyo, tabled the Eastern Cape 2018/2019 provincial budget in the Bhisho Legislature yesterday. The budget for the next financial year lacks creativity and while the key issues that we face in the Eastern Province such as crippling unemployment, an excessively bloated bureaucracy and corrupt tender and supply chain practises are identified, there are no new or innovative plans to address these scourges. The how much must be clearly translated into … [Read more...] about Budget Lacks Creativity
East Cape Budget Expectations
Dear MyPE The Eastern Cape MEC for Finance, Sakhumzi Somyo, will have to walk a tightrope between the increasing wage bill for civil servants and service delivery. This is particularly so in light of reduced conditional grants from the national government and an overall provincial budget that has increased by a mere 4.9% when our equitable share is added to conditional grants. Unless the wage bill is contained within the same parameters, far less will be available for service delivery. … [Read more...] about East Cape Budget Expectations
Makan’s R7.6 Million ‘Fowl’ Play
Dear MyPE In August 2013, the R7,6-million Lukhanyiso Poultry Co-op Abattoir was opened in the Grahamstown industrial area, to great fanfare. It was designed to process 2 000 broilers per day. To date, not a single chicken, dead or alive, has crossed its doors. What happened to the money? Today, more than four years on, the doors and gates to this facility remain firmly locked. The 26 permanent jobs that were promised to the local community was simply “fowl” play. It never materialised … [Read more...] about Makan’s R7.6 Million ‘Fowl’ Play
Auditor-General findings confirms shocking service delivery in schools
Dear MyPE The recent findings of the Auditor-General for the provincial Department of Education for the 2016/17 financial year, highlight the need for consequence management to be implemented when it comes to the administration of Eastern Cape schools. For how long must learners suffer the pain of a poor education environment while connected officials remain protected? In a recent presentation to the Education Portfolio Committee, the office of the Auditor-General reported on visits that … [Read more...] about Auditor-General findings confirms shocking service delivery in schools
DA supports committee decision after EC education only achieves 20% of its targets
Dear MyPE In the light of a shocking recent report by the Auditor-General on the financial state of education in the province, it is time for the portfolio committee on education and the legislature to get tough on the implementation of house rules. Year in and year out the same resolutions get tabled with little outcome. One of the most damning findings of the AG’s report is that it only achieved 20% of its targets. I welcome the decision taken by the Portfolio Committee on Education … [Read more...] about DA supports committee decision after EC education only achieves 20% of its targets
National Arts Festival Eskom power cut threat averted
Dear MyPE Officials from the Makana Municipality recently approached Eskom in an eleventh-hour attempt to delay cutting electricity to Grahamstown until after the annual 10-day National Arts Festival which starts today. The municipality owes Eskom more than R54-million and is unable to service the account. While a calamity during a showcase event for the Eastern Cape seems to have been avoided, for now, Makana is a municipality in crisis. Inadequate rates collection has resulted in a … [Read more...] about National Arts Festival Eskom power cut threat averted
Eastern Cape Legislature welcomes Nosimo Balindlela and Jane Cowley
Today, Nosimo Balindlela and Jane Cowley were sworn in as DA Members of the Provincial Legislature by the Speaker, Noxolo Kiviet. Nosimo Balindlela is no stranger to the Provincial Legislature as she has served as Premier and MEC before. Jane Cowley was the Leader of the DA Ndlambe Council Caucus. She is also an experienced educationalist who served as the principal of a farm school for 12 years and taught at township schools. She has a master’s degree in Education. Both of these members … [Read more...] about Eastern Cape Legislature welcomes Nosimo Balindlela and Jane Cowley
