Dear MyPE Funding challenges are hampering the operations of the Eastern Cape Provincial Heritage Resource Authority (ECPHRA) and are causing a frustrating knock-on effect on the economy and development of the Eastern Cape. ECPHRA Permit Committees, based in Port Elizabeth, East London and Queenstown have not been meeting regularly which has caused major backlogs for investors and developers wanting to renovate or build on existing premises older than 60 years. The DA's vision for the … [Read more...] about Heritage Authority holds back EC economy and development
ross purdon
Illegal sand mining is destroying parts of the Wild Coast
Dear MyPE The Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (Dedeat) cannot be allowed to pass the buck while one of the Eastern Cape's most treasured tourism assets is being pillaged by illegal sand mining. These illegal mines – I have been informed that there are at least 170 -- are an environmental disaster for Wild Coast tourism, which is celebrated for its natural beauty. In reply to legislature questions I asked Dedeat MEC Sakhumzi Somyo, he informed me … [Read more...] about Illegal sand mining is destroying parts of the Wild Coast
No investigation by Cogta into R1,5-million ADM funding of boxing tournament
Dear MyPE Following a legislature question to the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Fikile Xasa, it has been revealed that no investigation has been conducted with respect to the alleged irregular expenditure by the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) for an International Boxing Organisation world title fight in October last year. It has also been revealed that no findings have been made and no disciplinary actions against any municipal official have been taken. Money seems to flow … [Read more...] about No investigation by Cogta into R1,5-million ADM funding of boxing tournament
Disgraceful treatment of EP Kings contracted players must be challenged
Dear MyPE The disgraceful treatment of the EP Kings contracted players cannot go unchallenged. It is common knowledge that the players have not been paid since the end of September and that payment of their salaries prior to this has been haphazard and unreliable. These are young men with young families who week after week, month after month have put their bodies on the line for our Province. This heartless treatment of professional sportsmen who have a very brief window period to play … [Read more...] about Disgraceful treatment of EP Kings contracted players must be challenged
No fish farm for Algoa Bay
Dear MyPE Fears that a fish farm may be established at Hobie Beach in Algoa Bay can be put to rest once and for all. In a reply to a speech I made last Friday (23 October) during Taking Legislature to the People in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism MEC Sakhumzi Somyo confirmed that there will be not fish farm for Algoa Bay. The DA welcomes this confirmation, as we have, together with business and residents, vigorously opposed this project due to its … [Read more...] about No fish farm for Algoa Bay
Threat to annual National Arts Festival
Dear MyPE The Grahamstown Foundation, which is home to the annual National Arts Festival, is facing a financial catastrophe and its backup coffers have run dry. We need to do everything we can to save this iconic Eastern Cape institution, and its significant contribution to arts and culture, including the National Arts Festival, the National Science Festival (Scifest Africa), the National Schools Festival of the Arts and Creativity, the Eastern Cape Eisteddfod, the Amaphiko Township Dance … [Read more...] about Threat to annual National Arts Festival
Decision on Algoa Bay fish farm welcomed
Dear MyPE The DA welcomes the announcement yesterday by Environmental Affairs Minister, Edwa Molewa, setting aside a decision to grant environmental authorisation to the Department of Agriulture, Forestry and Fisheries for the proposed sea-based aquaculture zone in Algoa Bay. The DA, business and residents in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro have vigorously opposed this project due to its location off Port Elizabeth’s Hobie Beach and the risk it holds for the city’s R13- billion annual tourism … [Read more...] about Decision on Algoa Bay fish farm welcomed
Action taken against ECPTA officials in Mandela funeral “pre-tears” party flop welcomed
Dear MyPE The DA welcomes the action taken against officials of the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) for their part in a "pre-tears" party flop for a night vigil after the death of former President Nelson Mandela. R500 000 was squandered in wasteful expenditure. Strong action must be taken against any state official for wasteful expenditure of taxpayer's money to serve as an example and a warning to others that such behaviour cannot be tolerated in a responsible provincial … [Read more...] about Action taken against ECPTA officials in Mandela funeral “pre-tears” party flop welcomed
Government forges ahead with Algoa Bay fish farm despite huge public outcry
Dear MyPE Despite enormous public outcry it has become evident that the ANC led government is forging ahead with the controversial Algoa Bay fish farm. It also plans to extend the project in future. It has been revealed that this sea cage farming will be a yellow tail project . The DA, business and residents in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro vigorously oppose this project due to its location off Port Elizabeth's Hobie Beach and the risk it holds for the city's R13-billion annual tourism … [Read more...] about Government forges ahead with Algoa Bay fish farm despite huge public outcry
Pay back the bonuses
Dear MyPE The Democratic Alliance calls for the executives of the East London Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), who late last year paid themselves R7 million in performance bonuses, to immediately repay them to the IDZ coffers. This comes after last week’s bail out of the insolvent IDZ by national government’s Department of Trade and Industry. The East London IDZ has been driven into a cash crisis and is now unable to pay salaries, wages and debts to creditors. It is unconscionable and … [Read more...] about Pay back the bonuses
EC municipalities owe Eskom more than R160 million
Dear MyPE Eskom is owed more than R160 million in overdue payments by eleven ANC-municipalities in the Eastern Cape. While consumers are living under the constant threat of load shedding, the state electricity supplier is unable to recover debts from local government. According to the reply to an oral question I asked to Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Fikile Xasa at the Bhisho legislature sitting on 4 February, the main culprits were the failed Makana Municipality … [Read more...] about EC municipalities owe Eskom more than R160 million
Unprocedural legislature relocation of official opposition
Dear MyPE Copy of correspondence sent to the Deputy Speaker by Ross Purdon: YOUR CORRESPONDENCE CONCERNING, "OFFICE REALLOCATION FOR THE 5TH TERM" DATED 6 OCTOBER 2014 RECEIVED TODAY AT 09H39 DELIVERED BY HAND TO THE DA OFFICES. Please find attached for your perusal and record the following minutes and correspondence regarding the above matter. Minutes of internal arrangements meeting "IAC" of the 3rd of September 2014 and the 17th Sept 2014; DA caucus leader, Hon. A Trollip's … [Read more...] about Unprocedural legislature relocation of official opposition
Political Opposition to Fish Farm
Dear MyPE The recent positive environmental authorisation for the Algoa Bay Sea based Aquaculture Development Zone (Algoa Bay Fish Farm) has to be opposed at all costs. After extensive consultation with expert Dr Eckart Schumann, Dr Shirley Parker-Nance and leading businessmen the DA is convinced this authorisation has to be opposed. At present this process is under appeal and we are aware of numerous appeals against having been lodged. We know that there will be overwhelming resistance. … [Read more...] about Political Opposition to Fish Farm
MEC must form a solid relationship with ECPHRA for the conservation of heritage sites
Dear MyPE The Eastern Cape MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Pemmy Majodina, must focus on building a solid relationship with the Eastern Cape Provincial Heritage Resources Authority (ECPHRA) in order to conserve the numerous heritage sites in the Eastern Cape as well as provide viable training opportunities for the unemployed. Miscommunication and infighting between the ECPHRA and the Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC) has led to a serious backlog in the … [Read more...] about MEC must form a solid relationship with ECPHRA for the conservation of heritage sites
Bankrupt school sells braai stands and drums to pay creditors
Dear MyPE The Templeton Secondary School in Bedford is so desperate for funds that a teacher is making braai stands and drums for sale for R300 to pay creditors. Next to go will be the school's tractor and the school bus. A donation of nartjies is being sold to pay for paper. This is a heart-breaking example of the agonising struggles faced by schools in the province as result of the collapse of the Eastern Cape Department of Education. An investigation by the DA has revealed not only … [Read more...] about Bankrupt school sells braai stands and drums to pay creditors
