Race no issue in rates boycott MyZA

The article in the Weekend Post of November 30 on the rates boycott refers.

Roland Williams, master of spin for the municipality, writes: “One cannot deny the fact that a major factor fuelling the very few who are propagating such illegality is their difficulty in accepting black majority rule”. Mr Williams, you may think what you like, but to put such absolute diatribe to print for all to read is a disgrace.

You need to understand the following: there is no link whatsoever to black majority rule being a reason for this rates boycott. Yours is a miserable attempt to divert attention from the real issue, a major dysfunctional municipality that you defend to protect your salary, already too high for what you do. Have you not noticed the lack of service delivery in the metro and over the entire country?

This boycott is directed at a rates issue the municipality has failed to address. It has nothing whatsoever to do with residents failing to accept black rule.

Remember, nearly 20 years ago the democracy was born, and now you suggest this is the reason. Your piece is insulting to all the citizens of this metro.

Instead of concentrating on this weak and desperate attempt to justify why this boycott is illegal, do something constructive to address the real issue. We in the metro deserve this issue to be addressed to the satisfaction of all who pay rates and, if you were not aware, your inflated salary is paid by the residents of this metro through rates income.

The few you refer to, are a few thousand ratepayers, which represent R40-million in rates. I believe you live in denial. Your ANC has failed our residents on all fronts. Our mayor, 20 plus years a pensioner recalled to lead, incapable of leadership on any level, the constant infighting between your comrades resulting in a totally dysfunctional municipality. Your very own black constituents tired of all the empty promises that result in citizens protesting against lack of service delivery.

The rates boycott protesters consist of residents of all colours. Those who do not contribute to the system have no say specifically to the rates boycott but continue to protest the lack of other services. This has nothing to do with your imaginary folk who have difficulty in accepting black rule.

I suggest before you publish any other material for general consumption, you act in a mature, responsible fashion and deal with fact.

You tread shaky ground when you attribute behaviour of residents to everything else but the truth. Respect is earned; you should learn this lesson.

To close, your comments border on a racist theme, they provoke a negative reaction not becoming of an official in your position.

Provide concrete evidence to support this as race related. A sincere retraction of your statement is the correct remedy; I trust this will be forthcoming.

Patrick K Ferraris, PE

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