An invitation was circulated to ALL Municipalities and Metro’s to “engage Councillors on the enormous challenges facing Eastern Cape Municipalities”. However, media reports exposed that the event, funded with public money, was actually used to berate some 1050 ANC Councillors for the damning audit reports obtained in every one of their 44 Municipalities.
The surfacing of an official communication from the office of the MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs regarding the “Councillor’s Workshop” held last week Monday prompted a swift investigation by DA Councillors into the matter.
DA Councillors across the Province have confirmed public resources were used for an ANC party political shindig. The ANC Chief Whip of Matatiele Municipality confirmed to DA Councillor Potwana; that the accommodation, transport and food was provided by the department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, further that ANC Councillors who paid for themselves will be refunded by the department.
This begs the question why DA Councillors were excluded? For the sake of service delivery we would have been happy to direct the ANC Government on how to get things right. The DA has a proven track record of delivery where it governs.
DA Councillors are on the ground, and on the pulse of constituent discontent with an ANC Government. Mr. Qoboshiyane’s warning that the ANC may lose support in the 2014 elections is not a threat, but a reality. This affront where public money has once again been used for ANC party matters rather than service delivery gives constituents yet another reason to vote for the DA.
DA Councillors will continue to hold the ANC to account to ensure public funds are spent on service delivery and not Party getaways.
Cllr Terri Stander
