Dear MyPE The MEC for Social Development, Nancy Sihlwayi, must explain the reasoning behind her department’s inhumane decision to terminate their contract with the only two Life Esidimeni Frail Care Centres in the province. I have spoken and written to MEC Sihlwayi and to the chairperson of the legislature’s portfolio committee on social development, Christian Martin, for urgent clarity in this regard. The MEC could not provide a clear response when I spoke to her. For my letter, … [Read more...] about SocDev MEC must explain reasons for inhumane Life Esidimeni funding termination
kobus botha
Timely intervention stops illegal deductions from grandmother’s Sassa grant
Dear MyPE After two years of being a victim of illegal and fraudulent deductions of R100 per month from her SASSA account, Gladys Bhalasana, a 60-year-old widowed grandmother, is receiving her full grant, thanks to intervention by the Democratic Alliance. Mrs. Bhalasana relies on a child grant for the care of her five grandchildren from Zwide Township in Port Elizabeth. For a picture of Mrs. Bhalasana, click here. A caring DA-government would ensure that SASSA officials are friendly, … [Read more...] about Timely intervention stops illegal deductions from grandmother’s Sassa grant
DA overcomes abuse of power in Emalahleni Municipality
Dear MyPE Three months after the announcement of the local government election results the Democratic Alliance has succeeded to overcome an abuse of power by claiming our rightful seat allocation on the ANC-dominated executive committee of the Emalahleni municipal council (Lady Frere, Dordrecht and Indwe). The DA grew its representation from one councillor to four and as such was entitled to a seat on the executive committee of the council (Exco), according to Section 43 of the Municipal … [Read more...] about DA overcomes abuse of power in Emalahleni Municipality
Older people are often treated as charity instead of having human rights that must be respected
Dear MyPE The DA recognises the steady increase in human longevity and that it represents one of the greatest transformation challenges of our times. We celebrate International Day for Older Persons as it draws our attention to the worth that older persons has in our communities. It also highlights that when older people vote, they can have significant political influence and governments must consider their rights and needs - or they risk losing support from this increasingly large and … [Read more...] about Older people are often treated as charity instead of having human rights that must be respected
World Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Day: DA wants healthy mothers and healthy babies
https://youtu.be/fH5eTEOX4sA Kobus Botha, DA MPL in the Bhisho Legislature speaks on World Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Day. Dear MyPE World Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Day is commemorated each year at nine minutes past nine on the ninth day of the ninth month, to highlight the dangers of mothers who drink during pregnancy. In the Eastern Cape, alcohol abuse during pregnancy is common. We need to launch a really aggressive campaign to reduce this blight on our children. They deserve a … [Read more...] about World Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Day: DA wants healthy mothers and healthy babies
Proper coordination needed for jobs for social work graduates
Dear MyPE Proper coordination is needed to ensure that social work students have jobs once they have graduated from the national Department of Social Development's bursary programme. In response to a legislature question I asked Social Development MEC Nancy Sihlwayi, no social work graduates were employed by her department in 2015, despite 290 students completing their studies. There has never been a more important time for social work to establish itself as a credible profession, working … [Read more...] about Proper coordination needed for jobs for social work graduates
Residents held to ransom by municipal unions as rubbish piles up
Dear MyPE A two week long municipal workers strike in Middelburg has turned the scenic Karoo town into an eyesore as uncollected litter and refuse bags pile up in the streets. Residents and businesses are being held to ransom by workers who have allegedly demanded that the main street remains a no-go zone where refuse may not be cleaned up be casual workers. I have written to Cooperative Governance MEC Fikile Xasa to inform him of the situation in Middelburg and to request him to address … [Read more...] about Residents held to ransom by municipal unions as rubbish piles up
New PR-councillor appointed in Inxuba Yethemba
Dear MyPE Monde Desha has been appointed as new DA PR-councillor in the Inxuba Yethemba*. The appointment came after the resignation of Charlene Alexander. The 27-year-old Monde aced our organisation's rigorous interview and selection process and will join the rest of the DA caucus team of Inxuba Yethemba soon, where he will represent our diverse voters and our political party. He comes to us with a wealth of experience. He believes and actively promotes the DA's vision of an open … [Read more...] about New PR-councillor appointed in Inxuba Yethemba
Thirteen treated for gastro due to suspected water contamination
Dear MyPE Thirteen people, including two four-year-olds, were treated at Cradock hospital on Sunday for gastroenteritis due to suspected water contamination. Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) as the responsible water service authority has struggled for years to deliver quality, safe water. Local residents have been complaining for months of the unpalatable water that smells bad and contains green algae. In a caring society, grounded in the principles of freedom, fairness and … [Read more...] about Thirteen treated for gastro due to suspected water contamination
NMBM fails the poor on housing with less than 1% of its target
Dear MyPE During an oversight visit to Nelson Mandela Bay this week, I discovered that a mere 35 RDP houses were built by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality's Human Settlements department in the month of July. This is woefully short of the more than 200 houses a month required to reach its target of 2 779 houses by the end this financial year. The disgracefully slow pace of housing delivery and the unfair allocation of houses has now created factions in poor communities and turned once … [Read more...] about NMBM fails the poor on housing with less than 1% of its target
Africa Day – A day of unity
Dear Editor I attended the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature's Africa Day Dialogue that was held in the Raymond Mhlaba Chamber on Monday, 25 May 2015, in Bhisho. Public discussion led by various civil society representatives on peace, unity, challenges and integration on the continent. Most informative! Listening to the dialogue it became clear to me given our divided past, we need to encourage those who have difficulty with different perspectives, different views, or just the … [Read more...] about Africa Day – A day of unity
Delays in restructuring zone applications makes housing backlog worse
Dear MyPE The ANC government continues to fail to make significant inroads to reduce the growing 600 000 housing unit backlogs in the province. The province requires a range of social housing projects to accommodate various housing product designs that will meet the spatial and affordability requirements of the people of the province. Social housing is generally medium-density that makes a strong contribution to urban renewal and integration. It is of concern that the ANC governed … [Read more...] about Delays in restructuring zone applications makes housing backlog worse
Families still homeless three years after RDP houses wrongfully demolished
Dear MyPE Eleven Kleinskool families are still living in temporary shelters three years after their homes were wrongfully demolished by a contractor appointed by the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (NMBM) to rectify RDP houses. In a reply to a parliamentary question I asked in the Bhisho legislature this week, Human Settlements MEC Helen Sauls-August said her department has been in contact with the Metro to find alternative shelter for the affected families. MEC, the affected families have … [Read more...] about Families still homeless three years after RDP houses wrongfully demolished
DA supports Molteno civic protest over failed Inkwanca municipality
Dear MyPE The DA welcomes and supports the unified efforts of the community of Molteno over the failed Inkwanca Municipality; however, their protest action must remain within the legal framework of the law. This action by the community reinforces the DA's previous call to place the municipality under section 139 of the constitution. Tomorrow groups representing the various communities, including residents, farmers' unions, Samwu and Sanco will hold protest action to demand that promises … [Read more...] about DA supports Molteno civic protest over failed Inkwanca municipality
Shadow MEC for Human Settlements, Kobus Botha replies to Sopa address
Here follows the speech by DA Shadow MEC for Human Settlements, Kobus Botha in reply to Sopa address by East Cape Premier Phumulo Masualle’s State of the Province Address in the Bhisho Legislature: Honourable Speaker, I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust voters have placed in our democratic system and ultimately in us, as their elected voice. I also want to congratulate the Honourable Premier, on his delivery of the State of the Province Address (SOPA) … [Read more...] about Shadow MEC for Human Settlements, Kobus Botha replies to Sopa address
