The culture of votes of no confidence in municipalities is driven by greed, the Citizens Forum said on Thursday.
The forum’s spokesperson, Dennis Bloem, said these frivolous votes of no confidence had nothing to do with addressing much needed services delivery in communities.
“Political parties do not hide their selfish agendas anymore. Since local government elections in 2021, votes of no confidence have been the order of the day in municipalities.
“It is shameful how the people of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni must struggle to get much needed services. Instead of addressing the water crisis, these greedy political parties are fighting over positions,” Bloem added.
He called on Gauteng residents to rise up against regular votes of no confidence in their various municipalities. “We want to condemn these ongoing senseless votes of no confidence. We are calling on residents of Gauteng to stand up and reject this disruptive culture.”
Bloom’s comments came after the ANC in Tshwane announced it’s intention to call for a vote of no confidence against Mayor Cilliers Brink.
The ANC said it was confident that its motion would prevail against Brink, despite the numbers being against them.
During a media briefing on Friday, party regional secretary, George Matjila, revealed that there were examples in the past where councillors in the DA coalition had gone against the collective line.
The DA Tshwane Caucus chair, Jacqui Uys, said the municipality had made significant progress over the past year, adding that the city’s financial position had improved, and that its audit outcomes had been recognised by ratings agencies and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
“The municipal council is actively fulfilling its duties, and the municipal public accounts committee is investigating the misspending of public money.
“Forensic reports, some dating back to 2014 (including the Tribe One music scam), are finally being addressed. The city has appointed a new top management team, fostering a new culture driven by service and performance.
“Considerable efforts are under way to ensure that supply chain processes are fair and offer value for money. Later this month, a new vending portal reducing human intervention will be launched, and last month the city cancelled a water tanker tender before award to prevent potential corruption.
“Public spaces like Menlyn Park are being cleaned up and secured in partnership with businesses and communities. The Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Plant is being upgraded, and in collaboration with the national government, a package plant project is under way to provide clean water to the people of Hammanskraal,” said Uys.
She said while the municipality was not perfect, the city’s financial rescue mission was progressing.
“Mayor Cilliers Brink and the mayoral committee have been transparent about these challenges. Solving these problems is at the core of the Multi-Party Coalition’s agenda, and we are determined to build a capital city that serves all its residents.
Uys said the ANC did not have a legitimate case for a motion of no confidence in Brink. “They offer no compelling alternative. The mess in Joburg and Ekurhuleni is a testament to what the ANC brings to the table. Their offer hinges on collusion with the EFF, whose agenda of looting and self-enrichment surpasses even that of the ANC.”
The DA-led coalition government in Tshwane, which is led by Brink, currently holds a majority of seats in the capital city’s council.
The Star
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