Delivering the South African Dream: One Nation One Future

Saturday, 15 November 2008
SPEECH BY HELEN ZILLELEADER OF THE DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE
CONSTITUTION HILL, JOHANNESBURG

What we have unveiled here today is not just a new logo, a different look. This is not a marketing exercise. It’s much, much more than that. It’s our promise - a promise that we will deliver on the South African dream for the rainbow people.
We signal here today a new approach - to South Africa, to the voters, to the future. There will be a new offer; a new style of campaigning; a new determination to address the injustices and transcend the racial divisions of our country’s past.
We share a dream for South Africa with millions of people who do not yet identify with the DA, and millions more who do. Our mission, going forward, is to turn that dream into a reality.
We saw last week how in the United States of America, Barack Obama made history by overcoming history. He convinced people that they could. And so can we.
We can overcome our past; we can turn South Africa into a safe, prosperous, free society in which everyone has a fair shot at achieving their dreams, irrespective of the circumstances of their birth.
But as we move forward, we will not cut ourselves adrift from our animating values or our vision for South Africa. On the contrary, our core beliefs and the success we have enjoyed to date, are the foundation for our regeneration and renewal.
And so I want to spell out very clearly what stays the same, and what will change.
What stays the same is our vision of an open opportunity society for all, founded on the bedrock of our core values.
We have always cherished the rights and freedoms of every person, enshrined in a Constitution. We still do.
We have always stood for equal and ever-expanding opportunity. Not for some, but for all. We still do.
We have always believed in the dignity and equality of each and every person, and promoted the language, culture and heritage of all the rainbow people. We still do.
We have always fought for the security of the children, women and men of our country, who deserve to live without fear of criminals. We still do.
We have always been committed to clean government, and exposing corruption wherever it is found. We still are.
We have always believed in an economy driven by the market, appropriately regulated, focused on creating jobs, and a welfare safety net for those who cannot provide for themselves. We still do.
We have always championed tolerance, excellence and personal responsibility. They are core values. We champion them still.
That’s what stays the same.
Now here’s what’s new.
The DA is a party of government.
Let me say that again: Ons is ‘n party van regering; Siza kuba ngumbutho olawulayo kuRhulumente.
We are in government in Cape Town and in many other municipalities. We aim to be in government in various provinces after next year’s election. We are determined to be in government in cities and towns across South Africa in 2011. We will be part of national government in the near future.
Of course, where we are in opposition, we will always provide the critical oversight and policy alternatives that everyone expects of us, and our country requires of us.
But our purpose is not to be an opposition party. It is to be a party of government.
And so, from now on, the DA no longer offers opposition and nothing else.
From today, we offer the people of South Africa a government that really can deliver a better future. A future in which every person is free. Where everyone has access to life-changing opportunities. Where growth and prosperity are shared by all. Where every child is protected and safe. Where each and every language and culture is respected and protected.
That is our dream. That is our promise. That is what we offer and will deliver to the rainbow people.
Our new offer is reflected in the policy proposals we are currently rolling out, covering every area of public life in South Africa today.
Only the DA has a comprehensive policy alternative to the challenges our country faces. Because underlying our offer is real substance - comprehensively researched and carefully considered.
As you can see, our new logo reflects our new offer. It is a morning sun rising over the rainbow nation. It represents our dream of an open opportunity society for all. It lifts our sights and our spirits. It signals hope. And it is grounded in our love for diversity.
The DA is a party that cherishes diversity. Some people believe merit and diversity have to be traded off against each other in South Africa today. We say not so. Not at all.
Diversity lies at the heart of merit. Because diversity adds strength, adds insight, adds value, to each decision we make and every initiative we take.
And so we will ensure diversity inside our party, and fight for it outside of our party. It is a core value. It will not be compromised.
That is why you will see a new DA emerge from here on. More diverse. More reflective of our rich racial, linguistic and cultural heritage. And more committed to providing excellence and equity in public service than ever before.
Friends, the DA loves South Africa. We love our rainbow people in all their glorious diversity. They are our inspiration and our hope.
We love the Constitution, which binds us to one another after so much division and despair.
We love the land itself: the winelands of the Cape; the haunting horizons of the Karoo, the Highveld after a thunder storm; the majesty of the Drakensberg.
The DA will not let down the land we love. We will never give up our dream for the rainbow people.
We will go from this place and campaign, every day and every night. But not just for votes in an election. This is not an election campaign launch. This is the launch of a new vision for South Africa; a renewed determination to make the South African dream a living reality.
And so we will campaign without cease or respite, before and after the election, until our country really is a land of hope and opportunity, of peace and prosperity, of safety and security. For all the rainbow people.
Een nasie, met een toekoms
Sinye isizwe, linye ikamva
One nation, with one future.

DA uit APS oor swak gemanierde VF+ optrede wat rasse-polarisasie aanblaas.

Die DA is ‘n party vir al die mense van Suid-Afrika. Dit beteken dat die DA die kulturele erfenisse van al die kultuurgroepe in Suid-Afrika hoog ag. Omdat die Afrikaner ook ‘n Suid-Afrikaner is, erken en respekteer die DA die geskiedenis van die Afrikaner wat in die straatname van Pretoria gereflekteer word.
Die DA erken ook dat die kulturele erfenisse van die ander kultuurgroepe wat in Suid-Afrika woon nie genoegsaam verreken is toe die straatname van Pretoria toegeken is nie. Dit is te wyte aan die internasionaal onaanvaarbare beleid van apartheid en rasseskeiding wat onomwonde deur die DA verwerp word. Die DA erken dus dat hierdie fout van die verlede ook in Pretoria reggestel moet word, soos ons leier en Burgemeester van Kaapstad reeds die leiding geneem het en ‘n navolgenswaardige voorbeeld gestel het. Met rustige, beredeneerde feite kan daar vir beide die Afrikanergemeenskap en ander gemeenskappe ‘n wedersyds aanvaarbare wen-wen situasie verkry word.
Die DA het sterk besware teen die wyse waarop hierdie proses deur die ANC-beheerde Tshwane-metroraad aangepak is. Dit is om daardie rede dat die DA en die DA Tshwane-koukus besluit het om by ‘n spontane gemeenskapskonfederasie soos Aksie-Pretoria-Straatname (APS) aan te sluit ten einde die gemeenskap se protes teen die ondeurdagte proses te koördineer. Die DA was dit verskuldig aan die inwoners en belastingbetalers van die Tshwane-metro. Die inwoners se dienste- en belastinggeld sou nie aan verbeterde dienslewering bestee gaan word nie, maar op straatnaamveranderings wat op ‘n ideologiese rasgedrewe manier deur die ANC gedryf word om die onmin in eie partygeledere te probeer heel.
Die DA het ook teen die verslag gestem op 27 September 2007 waarop hierdie “konsultasieproses” i.p.v. “deelnemingsproses” van die ANC geskoei is. Verder het die Hoofsweep van die DA en die koukusleier ‘n dringende mosie op die Tshwane-metroraadsvergadering van 2 Oktober 2008 ingedien, wat deur die Speaker verwys is na die Raadsvergadering van 30 Oktober. Die DA kon dus nie die gebrekkige proses stop nie.
Wyks- en proporsionele raadslede van die DA het in groot getalle al die “konsultasiepogings” van die ANC bygewoon en ook hulle inwoners uitgenooi om , ten spyte van die gebrekkige proses, hulle insette te lewer. Maar die VF+ het besluit om met emosionele rasgedrewe konfrontasie die proses te ontwrig. Hierdie strategie was reeds duidelik toe twee heethoofdige VF+ raadslede weens hulle beledigende, onmanierlike en onbeskaafte optrede uit die raads -vergadering van 2 Oktober verwyder is. Die gemeenskapsvergaderings het dus ontaard in rassistiese konfrontasies tussen wit en swart gemeenskappe, wat die VF+ as rasgebaseerde party uitstekend gepas het. Hulle het dus die saak waarvoor hulle hulle beywer het gekelder, want met die getalle meerderheid kan die ANC uit leedvermaak die name eensydig verander. Die DA kon dus nie verder met ‘n vennoot soos die VF+ in die APS saamwerk nie, nie oor die doel van die APS nie, maar oor die manier van optrede van die VF+.
Die DA doen dus ‘n beroep op die meerderheid demokratiese inwoners van Pretoria om hulle nie deur die ANC en VF+ op ‘n emosionele rasse-konfrontasie te laat lei nie. Die DA stel voor dat die proses van Oktober as ‘n les gesien word hoe om nie openbare deelname te doen nie. Ook dat die proses van selektering van 27 straatname deur die Sport, Ontspanning, Kuns en Kultuurdepartement nie aan die vereistes van die Grondwet oor Gemeenskapsinsette voldoen nie. Wie gee aan amptenare die reg om lukraak 27 name te selekteer? Hoe kan Kerk- en Zambesistrate aan Kolonialisme en rassisme gekoppel word? Ware openbare deelname beteken dat die gemeenskap die name moet selekteer wat verander moet word en die wat behoue moet bly. Die 27 name wat geselekteer is, is nooit aan kundiges voorgelê nie en die kriteria op grond waarvan hierdie 27 juis gekies is, is nie bekend nie.
Laastens word daar na die persverklaring van Dr. Corné Mulder van 14 Oktober verwys. Die VF+ beskou Afrikanerkiesers as hulle kieserspoel. Hulle vergeet gerieflikheidshalwe dat die meerderheid Afrikaners deur die DA verteenwoordig word, soos die tussenverkiesing in wyk 55 in Tshwane-metroraad in Pretoria in Julie aangedui het. Dr. Mulder is verbaas dat die DA by APS aangesluit het. Hy hoef nie verbaas te wees nie, want die DA kyk ook na die Afrikaner se belange. Die DA is getrou aan sy verkiesingsbeloftes en solank die ANC burgemeester en haar komitee nie diens lewer nie, sal ons hulle verantwoordbaar hou om nie geld op straatnaamveranderings te mors nie.
Ons sal egter nie toelaat dat die onbeskofte en onbeskaafde optrede van ‘n eks-vennoot (die VF+) van die DA in die APS die saak waarvoor daar geveg word verongeluk nie. Die DA het dus om daardie rede onttrek van die APS. Maar die DA is geensins uit die veldtog vir name soos die Tshwane-Beeld van 15 Oktober beweer nie. Die DA werk saam met organisasies soos Afriforum, Solidariteit en ander om deur ‘n goeddeurdagte, meer doeltreffende strategie hom te beywer om ‘n wen-wen situasie vir alle inwoners van Pretoria binne die

DA Tshwane Pretoria Responds to the Carte Blanche Programme on Corruption in Tshwane

DA TSHWANE PRETORIA PRESS RELEASE

6 OCTOBER 2008

The Democratic Alliance in the Tshwane Metro has today reacted to the broadcast of Carte Blanche’s programme entitled “Tshwane, Capital City of Corruption”. “We have been raising these issues in council for months and months, but obviously the ANC led council refused to do anything about it, with the exposure that Carte Blanche gave these issues last night, the council will be forced to take action.” Said Natasha Michael, DA Chief Whip in the Tshwane Metro.

“We have been successful in the past in calling upon senior ANC office bearers to take action against various council officials, and we have again called upon senior ANC officials to take action. We have sent a letter to the MEC for Local Government in Gauteng calling upon her to suspend the Tshwane City Manager, Mr Kiba Kekana, pending the outcome of an investigation into charges leveled by Carte Blanche.”

The DA in the Tshwane Caucus has also submitted a motion of no confidence in the Mayor, Dr Gwen Ramakgopa following charges leveled against her and, asked for her immediate resignation. This will be the second time that the DA in the council has proposed a Motion of no confidence in the Mayor. “We are proposing this motion because the Mayor is the Political Head of the council and ultimately, she has to take full responsibility for all actions within the council. We do not feel that in this case an investigation needs to be completed first because there are issues that have come to light dealing with the abuse of tax payers money that are fact and do not need to be investigated.” Explained Michael. The motion has been proposed by Clr Natasha Michael and seconded by Clr Kate Prinsloo.

The DA in the Metro has also proposed a further motion requesting that the Speaker of Council, Clr Korombi Dau, enlist the services of an independent auding firm to investigate all the allegations leveled against the council during the broadcast. Clr Fred Nel, the DA Spokesperson on the Municipal Public Accounts Committee has already request the Chairperson of the committee to launch an investigation by the committee into the allegations “We will not allow these issues to be swept under the carpet, we will take all necessary steps to ensure that the issues are investigated correctly.” Said Nel.

All enquries: Clr Natasha Michael 083 282 0668

Council 2 October 2008 Speeches: Annual Report 2004/05 & 2005/06

COUNCIL: 2 OCTOBER 2008; ITEM A. FROM THE SECTION 79: PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE: 15 AUGUST 2008

SPEECH BY CLLR. FRED NEL DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE TSHWANE CAUCUS SPOKESPERSON ON PUBLIC ACCOUNTS

What is an Annual Report?
An Annual Report is in reality a performance report of an organisation’s performance; primarily the financial performance of that organisation. However, with the rapid developments over the last ten years in corporate governance frameworks, annual reports also illustrate the management, environmental and social performance of an organisation as well as an opinion from an independent auditor, or the Auditor General in our case.
The annual reports, usually glossy colourful reports that we receive every year, of our city does exactly the same as the annual report of any business. It reports on the performance of the organisation and its management.

Organisational Oversight – A Comparison with a Private Sector Company
If we compare our municipality with a private sector company we can draw the following comparisons.
Private sector companies are governed by a board of directors (in our case the Council) who has the role to oversee the activities of the management of the company (in our case the municipal manager and his officials) on behalf of the company’s shareholders (in our case the ratepayers).
The oversight task of a board of directors is to ensure that:

* Shareholders’ investments are protected through diligent management by the management;
* Shareholders’ investments are generating a return (so that their money will remain invested in the company); and
* The management discharges its responsibilities legally and morally defensible.

In our case it means that Council must exercise oversight over the administration of the Municipality to ensure that they:

* Use the money paid by ratepayers responsibly (diligent management);
* Use the monies paid by ratepayers to provide them with infrastructure and services as described in Chapter 7 and Schedules 4 and 5 of the Constitution (return on investment); and
* Exercise their duties and responsibilities within the parameters of South African law, regulations and moral standards (i.e. corporate governance requirements).
Oversight is exercised by the Council in the following ways.
* Through management reports that serve at the various portfolio committees and Council meetings during a financial year within the framework of Council’s budget, policies and procedures.
* By analysing and resolving on the Annual Report of Council that also contains the report from the Auditor General.

The first mechanism of oversight involves the ongoing activities of Council through Council and portfolio committee meetings.
The second mechanism is the one we are engaging with in this report that will serve before Council.

What Does Tshwane’s Annual Reports Say?
The annual reports that we have to express an opinion on today, raises certain concerns that needs serious attention. Granted that these annual reports can be described as historical, but with insight into the 2006/07 annual report one can analyse then within the context of the municipality’s overall financial and managemt process.
The main concerns emanating from these reports relates to the municipality’s administration’s failure to address recurring problems. The first glaring concern is the recurring qualified audit opinions received from the Auditor General. When the Auditor General expresses qualifications to the audit executed by him it means that discrepancies were found in the statements which could not be disproved or reasonably explained.
Of specific concern are the reoccurring problems with regards to

* Debtor management;
* Creditor management;
* Reporting on utilities’ performance and management; and
* A lack of input from the public and external stakeholders.

Furthermore we have found that these reports do not fully adhere to the provisions of the Municipal Finance Management Act.

Why Should We be Concerned?
The qualified opinions with regards to our debtors and creditors are of specific concern as these two elements of the organisation’s financial management represent the basics of how any organisation functions financially. If you have inaccurate data with regards to your debtors and creditors you will never know how much income you can expect nor do you know how much you have to pay to creditors.
No business can operate in this way. If you cannot get the basics right you will fail financially. Just look what is happening to institutions all over the world today that were viewed as safe investments. If these reputable companies can fail, so can we.
If you are unable to collect all the monies owed to you, you experience reduced income, which means you cannot pay your bills nor do the things you are supposed to. You experience cash flow problems and have to borrow money in order to pay for your operations. This was the cause of Bear Stearns’ downfall and many other well-known financial institutions around the world. With the financial markets as they are today we will find it increasingly more difficult to raise money through borrowing meaning we are approaching a situation where we may not be able to pay salaries in the near future.
The inaccurate data with regards our creditors cause equal concern. The only way you can determine whether your are getting bang for your buck is if you know how much you need to pay a creditor and what you are getting in return for it.
It is the same with our utilities; we pay money over to them without the necessary oversight and without knowing whether our investments in these utilities are creating any value for us as a municipality and our shareholders on whose behalf we are investing the money.

So What Should we Do About it Today?
The decision we have to take today on these financial statements are an ideal opportunity for us as Council (or board of directors) to express ourselves towards the management of the organisation based on the performance data in these reports. We can today express to the municipal manager and his management whether we are satisfied with the standard of management and performance we and our shareholders are receiving from them. We must express ourselves about whether we are happy with the standard of the organisation’s performance, or not.
We have three options available to us in this regard.
* Approve the reports without reservations – indicating that there are no problems with the organisation’s performance and therefore our satisfaction with the way the municipality was run during these financial years.
* Approve the reports with reservations – indicating that the Reports reflects the true performance of the organisation but there were financial and management deficiencies identified that needs to be corrected – especially because the AG qualified his opinion. This would be an expression of our dissatisfaction and a message to our municipality’s management to improve their performance.
* Reject the Annual Report – it is not a true reflection of the organisations financial position and/ or performance – the statements can’t be accepted.
* Refer the Annual Report for revision – mistakes were made in the Annual Report that must be corrected excluding items that may not be revised.
The DA’s recommendation is that we approve the annual reports with reservations to indicate our dissatisfaction with the qualification by the Auditor General and the reoccurring problems with debtors, creditors, utilities and deficiencies in the reports themselves.
In actual fact, the guidelines from Treasury prefer Council to take this position when expressing itself on the annual reports.
There is no shame in doing this and will show that we as the Council (board of directors) seek prudence in the financial management of our municipality and performance when it comes to service delivery. We have a corporate governance duty to take such a position.

The ANC Position
However, I suspect that the ANC would not agree with this course of action today which is a pity and a shame insofar as good corporate governance is concerned - which so by the way is one of the municipality’s key performance areas.
The ANC argument is that corrective steps are being taken and that we should therefore take the municipal manager’s word that all the problems will be solved. However, this position is ill conceived and irresponsible. Enron, WorldCom and other corporate governance failures also took decisions based on the promises of its management executives instead of taking decisions based on the performance of its management. We can only take decisions based on fact and not on promises from the administration. This argument therefore does not hold water.
We can only accept these and future annual reports if the Auditor General opinion is unqualified. This should be the standard we should be setting our administration today. The ANC position of accepting these reports without reservations just once again indicates the low corporate governance, management and service delivery standards it sets itself.
The ANC is also politicising our public accounts committee and reports with its insistence that these reports be accepted without reservation when even the guidelines from treasury advises otherwise.
* It is clear that the ANC views it as a personal embarrassment if we accept the reports with reservation. This is once more proof that the ANC has extended itself beyond the boundary between party and state and has made the municipal administration an extension of itself. Otherwise the ANC would have been objective in its approach to this matter. It would have truly represented its voters by voting on their behalf today and sending a message on behalf of their voters to the municipal administration that it needs to improve itself.
* But I suppose it is difficult to act independently from the municipal administration when the municipal manager himself is a political deployment who politically outranks most of his superiors within the political structure of the municipality. This undermines the whole notion of oversight by the municipal public accounts committee and this council when those over whom we must exercise oversight, tells the ANC what their decisions should be. Another example of atrocious corporate governance.

Conclusion
If we accept these annual reports without reservations it will mean that everything is just fine and that there are no problems, business can continue the way it has thus far. The DA cannot accept the low standard set by the ANC with regards our annual reports and strongly urges all councillors to vote in favour of accepting these reports with reservations.
END

SPEECH BY COUNCILLOR HEIN REDELINGHUYS

Mr. Speaker
(1) According to the Municipal Finance Management Act [MFMA] (sec. 127 (2), the mayor of the municipality must within 7 months after the end of the financial year table in the municipal council the Annual Report[AR], i.e. January. And then within 2 months after the tabling of the Annual Report council must adopt an Oversight Report containing Council’s comments on the AR, which must include a statement whether council --
(a) has approved the AR with or without reservations’
(b) has rejected the AR; or
(c) has referred the AR back for revision, i.e. end of March
(2) Tshwane has not achieved this
(3) It seems to me a serious “Wake-up!” call is necessary here in Tshwane
(4) It further seems to me that councilors need more training, including the councilors sitting on the MPAC Committee
(5) It is supposed to be an a-political committee where all political parties should put their party political agendas aside and work together, but it seems to me that some of the ANC members on the committee have not yet grasp this
(6) The ANC members on this committee seem unable to differentiate between party ideologies and the reason for the existence of MPAC. If one tries to assist them, one is faced with obstinate resistance
(7) We are very far from National Treasury’s idea that all councilors should also conduct their own investigation and that ward committees should also make an input
(8) Councilors should make a rigorous analysis of the AR with inputs from other stakeholders and ALL councilors should fully understand the AR in order to identify matters that require further information from the accounting officer
(9) The Municipal Manager attempted to consolidate the Auditor-General’s Management letter of 23 pages into less than 2 pages in the minutes of MPAC’s meeting of 15 August 2008, thereby leaving out important information
(10) The A-G allows time and assists with the problems, yet there are still exceptions in the annual Report
(11) The Tshwane Metro received the management letter during December 2007, yet MPAC only received it in August 2008, 8 months later
(12) The 05/06 management letter has not yet been received, but certain aspects of previous years were covered in the 06/07 management letter, like the R3,8 billion assets that could not be verified in the assets register as the location of these assets is not available. QUESTION: Do we still have these assets?
(13) How ward committee fees expenses could be set-off from land sales is a mystery to me
(14) Creditors were understated by R40 million and the Municipal Manager conveniently left out the comment of the “in kind disclosure on the number of the mayor’s body guards”
(15) The Municipal Manager described the management letter as shocking. I agree with him – it is a disaster
(16) A Report was requested on fruitless and wasteful expenditure, what actions were taken in terms of the MFMA against officials responsible for this expenditure. So far: “No reply”

CONCLUSIONS:
(1) This Council will be foolish to accept the 04/05 and 05/06 Annual Report without reservations
(2) The time allowed by the MFMA to adopt an Oversight Report is no later than 2 months (March) after tabling the AR in Council (January). This is made very clear by National Treasury in its CONCLUSION in Circular 32 (page 7 of 17)
(3) If at that time all the components of the Annual Report are not yet completed on time, the Oversight Report must then be approved with reservations and be amended when the remaining components are tabled
(4) This Council must therefore also adopt the 06/07 Annual Report with reservations

(Prof) Hein Redelinghuys
Member, MPAC, 2 October 2008.

Decision to recall Mbeki taken to settle political scores

HELEN ZILLE

LEADER OF THE DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE

The ANC National Executive Committee’s decision to “recall” President Mbeki is motivated by revenge to settle political scores. It has nothing to do with the interests of the people of South Africa.
The ANC has turned its internal battles into a crisis for South Africa. ANC factionalism has long undermined government’s ability to deliver, and it now threatens to destabilise the entire country.
The move is clearly an attempt to find the ‘political solution’ to Jacob Zuma’s legal problems that his supporters have been calling for. Replacing President Mbeki with a Zuma proxy will open the way for them to ensure that he does not have to face a court of law to answer the 783 allegations of corruption against him. If Zuma is put above the law it will do more to undermine the Constitution than anything else.
It is untenable for Jacob Zuma to assume the Presidency without being acquitted of these charges by a court of law. Judge Nicholson’s judgment was not an acquittal.
The DA looks forward to the 2009 election, when the people of South Africa, rather than the ANC, get to choose South Africa’s next president. People are sick and tired of the factionalism in the ANC and the abuse of state institutions for factional advantage.
The DA will offer South Africa a clear alternative to the ANC: A party that places the rule of law, the Constitution and the interests of South Africa before internal power struggles.

DA Supports Appeal Decisions on Restricted Access

Press release: Ward Councillor Duncan Baker, DA Tshwane Caucus. 17 September 2008

DA supports rational approach regarding limited access to residential areas.

The Democratic Alliance welcomes the decision taken today by the Appeal Authority regarding limited access to residential areas in Pretoria. The favourable verdict today came after consensus was reached between the various parties.

The implication of the successful appeals by Resident associations is that applications will be considered on merit in future.

It probably extend the lifespan of the present seven applications that were appealed, depending on further information that will be presented.

“This paves the way that future applications will be considered on merit considering the interests of the community.” said councillor Duncan Baker( Ward 46).

There was a rare display of consensus between the political parties who held a joint caucus to decide on matters of procedure. The recommendations by all the departments in the Council were positive and supportive, including the Metro Police and the SAPS.

The various applicants are praised for the quality of their presentations that simplified matters for the Appeal Authority. The verdict offers a basis for constructive cooperation in future.

The DA will continue to fight for the rights of the community.

Councillor Duncan Baker
DA Ward councillor – ward 46
082 714 5185

Persverklaring: Wyksraadslid Duncan Baker, DA, Tshwane. 17 September 2008

DA ondersteun rasionele benadering betreffende beperkte toegang tot woonbuurte

Die Demokratiese Alliansie verwelkom die besluit wat vandag deur die appél liggaam geneem is rakende beperkte toegang tot woonbuurte in Pretoria.
Die gusntige uitspraak vandag kom nadat ongewone konsensus bereik is deur die verskillende partye.

Die implikasie van die suksesvolle appélle wat deur Inwoners Verenigings ingedien is, is dat sulke aansoeke suiwer op meriete oorweeg sal word in die toekoms.

Dit verleng waarskynlik die leeftyd van die huidige sewe aansoeke wat geappeleer is hangende verdere besonderhede wat hopelik binnekort uitgereik sal word.

“Dit weg die baan dat toekomstige aansoeke op meriete oorweeg sal word met inagneming van die gemeenskap se belange.” Aldus raadslid Duncan Baker (wyk 46).

Daar was ‘n seldsame vertoon van konsensus tussen politieke partye wat ‘n gesamentlike koukus gehou het om sake oor prosedures uit te klaar. Die aanbeveling van alle departemente in die raad was deurgaans positief en ondersteunend, insluitende die Metro polisie en die SAPD.

Die verskillende aansoekers word geloof vir die kwaliteit van hul voorleggings wat die taak van die appél liggaam aansielik vergemaklik het. Die uitspraak bied ‘n basis vir konstruktiewe samewerking in die toekoms.

Die DA sal aanhou om te veg vir die regte van die gemeenskap.

Raadslid Duncan Baker
DA Wyksraadslid – wyk 46
082 714 5185

Street Name Changes an election Gimmick

MEDIAVERKLARING: RDL. DANIE ERASMUS, DA WOORDVOERDER VIR PLEK EN STRAATNAME :TSHWANE . 12 SEPTEMBER 2008

STRAATNAAMVERANDERING ‘N VERKIESINGSFOEFIE

Die DA betreur die feit dat die ANC beheerde stadsraad van Pretoria onverwags ‘n aankondiging gemaak het oor hul voorneme om die name van 27 strate in Pretoria te verander. Dis goedkoop politiekery met die oog op aanstaande jaar se algemene verkiesing.

Pleks daarvan om dienslewering ‘n prioriteit te maak is kosmetiese veranderings die maklike uitweg – ongelukkig vir die rekening van belasting betalers en ten koste van versoening. Die Schubart park debakel het bewys hoe gebrekkig die raad se verbintenis tot dienslewering is.

Raadslid Natasha Michael, Hoofsweep in die Tshwane DA koukus het gesê dit bewys weereens waar die ANC se prioriteite lê. “ In plaas daarvan om duisende metro polisie lede beskikbaar te stel om misdaad in die stad te beveg, in plaas daarvan om behuising, water en elektrisiteit aan die stad se inwoners te verskaf, verkies die ANC om miljoene rande op naamsveranderinge te spandeer.’ het Michael gesê.

Volgens Rdl Danie Erasmus, DA woordvoerder oor plek- en Straatname sal die DA die proses van openbare deelname noukeurig volg om te verhoed dat die proses gestoomroller word. Inwoners sal aangemoedig word om deel te neem aan die proses. Waar die geskiedenis van die stad in gedrang is behoort name nie verander te word nie.

Waar straatname aanstoot gee, moet daar konsensus wees in die gemeenskap ten opsigte van naamsveranderings.

Die DA wil ook weet of die sake gemeenskap vergoed sal word vir die koste implikasies van straatnaam verandering. Sakekamers word aangemoedig om ‘n behoorlike koste raming te maak vir voorlegging aan die raad in hierdie verband.

Navrae: Rdl . Danie Erasmus ( 082 373 7760)

MEDIA STATEMENT: CLLR DANIE ERASMUS, DA SPOKEPERSON ON PLACE AND STREET NAMES. TSHWANE. 12 SEPTEMBER 2008.

STREETNAME CHANGES AN ELECTION GIMMICK

The DA regrets the fact that the ANC controlled council of Pretoria so unexpectedly announced their intention to change the names of 27 streets in Pretoria. It is seen as an attempt to score cheap political points shortly before next year’s general election.

In stead of making service delivery a priority, cosmetic changes seem to be the easier option – unfortunately for the account of the tax payers and at the cost of reconciliation. The Schubart park debacle proved the Council’s lack of commitment to service delivery.

Councillor Natasha Michael, Chief Whip of the Tshwane Democratic Alliance caucus, said this clearly indicate the ANC’s priorities. “Instead of providing the city with thousands of metro police officials the city so desperately need to fight crime, instead of providing housing, water and electricity to the residents, they prefer to spend millions on name changes.” Michael said.

According to Clr Danie Erasmus, DA spokesperson for place and street names, the DA will closely monitor the process of public participation to avoid the process simply being steam rolled. Residents will be encouraged to participate in the process. Where the history of the city is at stake, name changes should be avoided.

Where street names cause offence, there must be consensus in the community regarding name changes.

The DA would also like to know whether the business community will be compensated for the cost implications of the proposed name changes. Business chambers are encouraged to make a comprehensive cost analysis for presentation to Council in this regard.

Enquiries: Clr Danie Erasmus ( 082 373 7760)

The Zuma verdict: What now?

SA Today - The Weekly Newsletter by Helen Zille, Leader of the DA

As a party that upholds the rule of law and the Constitution, the DA respects the Pietermartizburg High Court’s verdict, based on a legal technicality, to set aside the decision to prosecute Jacob Zuma on fraud and corruption charges. The Court ruled on the basis that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) did not allow Zuma to make representations before it decided to reinstate the charges against him – as it was required to do by the Constitution.
An unintended consequence of the judgment is that some of Jacob Zuma’s supporters may conclude that their intimidatory and violent behaviour influenced the judge’s decision. They must understand that their behaviour had no influence at all on the judgment. They must also understand that the verdict does not absolve Zuma of guilt.
It is significant that Judge Nicholson stressed that this verdict was not a judgment on Zuma’s guilt or innocence. This means that we are still no closer to knowing whether Zuma is innocent or guilty of the corruption charges brought against him. The DA will not rest until this is resolved.
This is why the DA reiterates its call for a full judicial commission of inquiry into the arms deal, headed by a retired judge nominated by the Chief Justice. The truth must out and justice must be served. No person implicated in arms deal corruption deserves to escape the due process of law.
We have also called for Parliament to be dissolved and for a fresh election to be held – in light of Judge Nicholson’s statement that he was “not convinced that the applicant [Zuma] was incorrect in averring political meddling in his prosecution”. There are further statements in the judgment that can only lead to the inference that, under President Thabo Mbeki’s tenure, instruments of state were abused for political purposes in the ANC’s factional struggles for control.
This means that Mbeki, and power brokers aligned to him, have undermined the Constitution. It is untenable that he remain President under such circumstances.
But the dissolution of Parliament could result in an equally untenable situation, because it would merely clear the way for Zuma to become the President with a heavy cloud still hanging over his head. Voters cannot exercise an informed choice under these circumstances.
The factional battles in the ANC, and the ruling party’s abuse of the Constitution, have put South Africa between a rock and a hard place.
That is why two things must happen in the interests of the country: Mbeki must step down as President, and Zuma must withdraw as a candidate for the Presidency until he has had his day in court, and his guilt or innocence has been established. Until these men put the country before their own interests, South Africa will continue to be dragged down by the unresolved consequences of the arms deal scandal.
The upside of the judgment is that it nullifies the demand by Zuma’s supporters for a political rather than a legal solution. A political deal would have had profound consequences for the future of our constitutional democracy because it would have placed an accused above the law, on the basis of his political status. The question of a political solution cannot be revived, even if the NPA decides to appeal the High Court judgment.
The judgment also provides proof to Zuma’s supporters, if any were necessary, that the judiciary is impartial and will rule according to the law. It is now incumbent upon them to demonstrate their respect for the judiciary when judgments go against their political preferences. If Zuma has his day in court, as we believe he must in the interests of the country, his supporters will have no reason to believe that he won’t have a fair trial.
Our judiciary has shown that it will not be complicit in power abuse. The Constitutional Court’s action against Judge Hlophe shows this, as does the ruling two weeks ago that the Erasmus Commission of Inquiry was unlawful and unconstitutional.
I have already unpacked the importance of that judgment for constitutional democracy, and will not repeat myself here, suffice it to say that the verdict filled me with renewed hope for the future of our country. It showed that the Constitution can successfully be defended against the ANC’s abuse of power, and that the courts have the muscle to check such abuses.
That sets an important precedent for the future, and it also shows that, institutionally, the judiciary will not be swayed by powerful politicians. Institutions are the bedrock of constitutional democracy; without them, the entire edifice crumbles. As we move forward, all South Africans – Zuma’s supporters included – should take heart that we have a robust and impartial judiciary. This gives us hope for the future.

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Die Zuma-uitspraak - Wat Nou?

SA Vandag - Die Weeklikse Nuusbrief deur Helen Zille, Leier van die DA

Die DA is ’n party wat die oppergesag van die reg en die Grondwet sterk steun, en respekteer dus die uitspraak in die Pietermaritzburgse Hoërhof om – op grond van ’n regstegniese punt – die besluit om Jacob Zuma weens bedrog en korrupsie te vervolg, tersyde te stel. Die Hof se uitspraak was daarop gegrond dat die Nasionale Vervolgingsgesag (NVG) Zuma nie toegelaat het om vertoë te rig voordat hy besluit het om die aanklagte teen hom weer in te stel nie. Kragtens die Grondwet moes hy dit gedoen het.
’n Onvoorsiene gevolg van die uitspraak is dat sommige van Zuma se ondersteuners dalk die gevolgtrekking sal maak dat hul intimiderende en gewelddadige optrede die regter se beslissing beïnvloed het. Hulle moet verstaan dat hul gedrag hoegenaamd geen invloed op die uitspraak gehad het nie. Hulle moet ook verstaan dat die uitspraak Zuma nie van enige skuld onthef nie.
Dit is belangrik dat regter Nicholson beklemtoon het dat die uitspraak geen oordeel oor Zuma se skuld of onskuld inhou nie. Dit beteken ons weet nog steeds nie of Zuma ten opsigte van die aanklagte van korrupsie teen hom skuldig of onskuldig is nie. Die DA sal sy bes doen om dié kwessie tot ’n spits te dryf.
Dit is waarom die DA sy beroep op ’n volle regterlike kommissie van ondersoek na die wapentransaksie, met 'n oudregter wat deur die Hoofregter benoem word aan die hoof daarvan, herhaal. Ons moet die waarheid vasstel, en geregtigheid moet seëvier. Niemand wat by die wapentransaksie-korrupsie betrek word, moet aan ’n behoorlike regsproses ontsnap nie.
Ons het ook gevra dat die Parlement ontbind moet word, en dat ’n verkiesing uitgeroep moet word weens regter Nicholson se verklaring dat hy “nie oortuig is dat die aansoeker (Zuma) verkeerd was om aan te voer dat daar politieke inmengery by sy vervolging was nie”. Daar is nog verklarings in die uitspraak wat ’n mens maar net kan laat aflei dat staatsinstellings in pres. Mbeki se ampstermyn vir politieke doeleindes misbruik is terwyl faksies om beheer gebots het.
Dit beteken dat Mbeki, en smouse van mag wat aan hom verbonde was, die Grondwet ondermyn het. Dit is onhoudbaar dat hy in sulke omstandighede steeds die President kan wees.
Die ontbinding van die Parlement sal egter ’n ewe onhoudbare situasie skep, want dit sal bloot die weg vir Zuma baan om president te word terwyl daar steeds ’n donker wolk bo sy kop hang. Kiesers kan in sulke omstandighede geen ingeligte keuse maak nie.
Die faksiegevegte binne-in die ANC, en die regerende party se misbruik van die Grondwet, beteken dat Suid-Afrika tussen twee meulstene vasgevang is.
Dit is waarom twee dinge in belang van die land moet gebeur: Mbeki moet as President bedank, en Zuma moet hom as Presidentskandidaat onttrek totdat hy in ’n hof verhoor is en sy skuld of onskuld bewys het. Suid-Afrika sal steeds deur die onafgehandelde gevolge van die wapentransaksieskandaal gerem word totdat dié mans die land se belange voor hul eie plaas.
Die positiewe sy van die uitspraak is dat dit eise deur Zuma se ondersteuners vir ’n politieke eerder as ’n regsoplossing tot niet maak. ’n Politieke oplossing sou baie ernstige gevolge vir die toekoms van ons konstitusionele demokrasie gehad het, want dit sou ’n beskuldige op grond van sy politieke status bo die wet geplaas het. Die kwessie van ’n politieke oplossing kan nie weer opgediep word nie, al besluit die NVG om teen die Hoërhof se uitspraak appèl aan te teken.
Die uitspraak bewys ook aan Zuma se ondersteuners, as hulle enige bewyse nodig gehad het, dat die regbank onpartydig is en aan die hand van die reg uitsprake lewer. Hulle moet nou hul respek vir die regbank bewys wanneer uitsprake nie hul politieke voorkeure weerspieël nie. As Zuma sy dag in die hof beleef, en ons glo dít is in die land se belang, sal sy ondersteuners geen rede hê om te glo dat hy nié ’n regverdige verhoor sal beleef nie.
Ons regbank het bewys dat hy nie aan magsmisbruik aandadig sal wees nie. Die Konstitusionele Hof se geding teen regter Hlope toon dit, net soos die uitspraak van twee weke gelede dat die Erasmus-kommissie van Ondersoek onwettig en ongrondwetlik was.
Ek het reeds oor die belangrikheid van daardie uitspraak vir konstitusionele demokrasie uitgewei, en gaan my nie hier herhaal nie, behalwe om te sê dat daardie uitspraak my weer hoop vir ons land se toekoms gegee het. Dit het bewys dat die Grondwet met welslae teen die ANC se magsmisbruik verdedig kan word, en dat die howe sterk genoeg is om sulke misbruike in toom te hou.
Dit skep ’n belangrike voorbeeld vir die toekoms, en bewys ook dat die regbank as instelling hom nie deur magtige politici laat beïnvloed nie. Instellings maak die kern van ’n konstitusionele demokrasie uit: daarsonder verkrummel die hele bouwerk.
Terwyl ons vorentoe beweeg, moet alle Suid-Afrikaners – ook Zuma se ondersteuners – moed skep omdat ons ’n sterk en onpartydige regbank het. Dit gee ons hoop vir die toekoms.

Gaan na www.da.org.za om gratis vir hierdie e-nuusbrief in te skryf.

Bad Start for Mmutle

Persverklaring: Wyksraadslid Karen Meyer, DA Woordvoerder: Gemeenskapsveiligheid en Nooddienste, Tshwane. 4 September 2008

‘n Slegte begin vir Kommissaris Mmutle

Dit is nie vir die Demokratiese Alliansie (DA) ‘n verrassing dat die heraangestelde Kommissaris Mpho Mmutle vroeg reeds met sy ou streke begin nie.

Die feit dat Mmutle nie die riglyne volg om van beskikbare sekretaresse gebruik te maak nie en sy vorige sekretaresse van Atteridgevile saam bring, bevestig die feit dat hy hom nie steur aan die konvensies en riglyne van die raad nie.

Die DA het by verskeie geleenthede gewaarsku teen die aanstelling omdat Mmutle se reputasie in die teken van kontroversie staan en dit nie bevordelik vir sy pos is nie.

Die DA veroordeel sy blatante toepassing van nepotisme. “ Kommissaris Mmutle se arrogante bestuurstyl voorspel niks goeds nie en die raad gaan nog spyt wees oor sy heraanstelling.” het raadslid Karen Meyer gese. “ Dit is ongelukkig die publiek wat die prys betaal vir Mmutle se stommiteite omdat hy nie waarde toevoeg tot sy pos as hoof van Gemeenskapsveiligheid nie.” het Meyer bygevoeg.

Kommissaris Mmutle het in ‘n vorige media onderhoud gevra om ‘n kans gegun te word. Hierdie is ‘n slegte begin vir iemand wat sy kritici verkeerd wil bewys.

Raadslid Karen Meyer
DA Woordvoerder: Gemeenskapsveiligheid en Nooddienste
082 373 7662

Press release: Ward Councillor Karen Meyer, DA Spokesperson: Community Safety and Emergency Services, Tshwane. 4 September 2008

A bad start for Commissioner Mmutle

The fact that the re-appointed Commissioner Mpho Mmutle is already living up to his old tricks does not surprise the Democratic Alliance (DA).

By not aligning himself to Council conventions and guidelines to use available secretaries , but rather bring with him his former secretary from Atteridgeville, confirms his unwillingness to abide to Council prescriptions.

The DA on various occasions warned against his re-appointment due to the fact that his reputation is one of controversy and not conducive for his post.

The DA condemns his blatant nepotism. “ Commissioner Mmutle’s arrogant management style doesn’t predicts anything good and Council will surely regret his re-appointment.” Councillor Karen Meyer said. “ It is unfortunately the public who must pay the price for Mmutle’s blunders and that he does not add value to his post as head of Community Safety.” Meyer added.

In a recent media interview Commissioner Mmutle asked to be granted a second chance. This is a bad start for someone who wants to prove his critics wrong.

Councillor Karen Meyer
DA Spokesperson: Community Safety and Emergency Services
082 373 7662

Speeches: Council 28 Aug 08 - Electricity Tariffs

Council meeting: 28 August 2008, Part 1 Item 2

Aanvanklik het Eskom 'n tariefverhoging van 14.2% aangekondig en hierdie Raad (ANC) het hierdie jaar tydens die begrotingsdebat daarmee gespog dat alhoewel Eskom se tariewe met 14.2% styg, Tshwane sy tariewe slegs met 12% met ingang van 1 Julie sal aanpas (glo goeie regering/bestuur).

Later het die NER egter aangekondig dat Eskom se tariewe met 'n verdere 13.3% verhoog gaan word. Hierdie Raad moet nou ‘n verdere verhoging van 14.5% goedkeur. Miskien kon die goeie bestuur dit nie weer reg kry om die voorgestelde verhoging weer met 2.2% te subsdueer nie. Dit sal nou beteken dat Jan Alleman in die Munisipaliteit van Tshwane in hierdie jaar vir ‘n verhoging van 27.5% in elektrisiteitstariewe sal moet opdok.

Ek moet byvoeg dat die Nasionale Elektrisiteits Reguleerder (NER) voorgestel het dat munisipaliteite ‘n totale vehoging van tot 32.6% vehoging in hulle tariewe kon implimenteer. ‘n Mens word sommer weer van vooraf ongelukkig omdat elektrisiteitsverbruikers so ‘n buitensporige verhoging in tariewe moet betaal. Ons as verbruikers in hierdie stad is egter dankbaar dat die raad die impak van die verhogings tot 27.5% kon beperk.

One must also remember that a percentage increase on the wholesale price of electricity will result in a certain increase in the amount of income and if the same percentage increase is applied to the retail price of electricity it will result into a higher increase in the income. It is thus possible for a municipality to implement a lower increase in their tariffs taking into account that the increase is levied on the retail price of electricity.

Die DA is allermins tevrede met die algemene toedrag van sake en ‘n mens kan nie anders om dit weer te noem nie:

Eerstens versaak die Nasionale Regering sy plig om betyds fondse beskikbaar te stel vir bykomende kragsentrales toe die probleem van Eskom se kapasiteit onder sy aandag gebring is. President Mbeki het reeds die misstap erken.

Tweedens agv hierdie "fout" wat deur die regering gemaak is kon die Regering self vir sy fout probeer vergoed het deur aan Eskom, wat sy eie onderneming is, kapitaal te skenk vir Eskom se uitbreidingsprogram en nie te leen nie. Nou moet ons as verbruikers vir swak besluitneming deur die regering vir die terugbetaling van Eskom se lenings instaan. Ons moet ook nie vergeet dat al hierdie teriefverhogings met 14% algemeneverkoopsbelasting belas word en dit ook die regering se koffers bevoordeel. Hoe groter die foute van die regering hoe groter is hul inkomste!

Thirdly: Recent news paper reports stated that ESKOM’s credit rating was negatively influenced with the state of its affairs. This in fact means that ESKOM will now pay higher interest rates on its loans. This in turn again could affect further increases in ESKOM rates. When will we as consumers stop paying for the mistakes of the ruling party?

If a business like ESKOM, is managed in the way it was managed over the past couple of years and it was faced with competition in the private sector, ESKOM would have been history!

Verder het Eskom se betuur gruwelik misluk met die normale instandhouding van die kragsentrales; praat nie eers oor die fiasko met die geredelike beskikbaarheid van kole nie asook al die bonusse wat Eskom se topbestuur ontvang het. Behalwe vir al die kragonderbrekings wat uiters nadelig vir die sakesektor is en ook ons land se ekonomie in die algemeen wat daardeur oneindig skade gelei het, word die verbruiker nou met al hierdie probleme opgesaal. 'n Mens kan jouself die vraag afvra of dit regverdig is en of so 'n regering verdien om aan bewind te wees.

Die Raad se twee kragsentrales sal vir die afsienbare toekoms sover moontlik teen volle kapasiteit moet loop om te help met "Loadshedding". Hoe meer krag ons kan opwek hoe minder sal die stad deur "Loadshedding" beinvloed word en hoe minder sal ons verbruikers geraak word. Daar moet egter ingedagte gehou word dat die opwekking van ons eie krag relatief duur is. Ek glo egter dat die 27.5% verhoging in tariewe hiervoor sal kan instaan.
Die feit dat ons vir die afsienbare toekoms baie meer vir krag sal moet betaal, is 'n voldwonge feit en ons sal maar na alternatiewe bronne van energie moet kyk.

Ek het by my huis 'n sonverhitte warmwaterstelsel laat installeer om die impak van die komende verhogings aan die een kant te elemineer maar ook aan die anderkant om my bydrae te maak om minder energie van Eskom te verbruik.

Raadsheer Gert Pretorius
DA Woordvoerder vir Energie en Elektrisiteit
Munisipaliteit van Tshwane
082 552 3590

Raadsvergadering: 28 Augustus 2008, Gedeelte 1 – Item 2

Mnr Die Speaker

Hoekom is die DA bekommerd dat die voorgestelde tariefverhogings verreikende gevolge vir die Raad se kontantvloei gaan he . Ek wil die stelling motiveer met die volgende voor die hand liggende redes
- `n Beduidende verhoging in die Raad se uitstaande debiteure , met `n saldo wat alreeds meer as R2,6 biljoen beloop, en die aantal volopbetaalde aktiewe rekeninge wat slegs 40% van die totale aantal rekeninge uitmaak – dus klaar nie `n goeie rekord is nie
- Met `n reeds bestaande kultuur van wanbetaling, onwettige aansluitings wat nie gekontroleer word nie,kabeldiefstal ens verloor ons verder miljoene rande waar die kostes net goedsmoeds na die verbruiker deurgegee word. NERSA behoort dit dringend te oorweeg om `n prominente veldtog te loods met groot strawwe vir oortreders en belonings aan Eskom en munisipaliteite
- Die Raad se finansiele en noodwendig sy sosio-ekonomiese volhoubaarheid kan nadelig hierdeur geraak word
- Die huidige vlak van inflasie en daarmee gepaardgaande verlaging in ekonomiese groei , beteken alreeds dat verbruikers gebuk gaan onder die eskalerende voedsel en brandstofpryse, hoe gaan hulle die verhoging oorleef. Selfs die minder gegoede verbruikers gaan `n ekstra 2,2% moet opdok
- Die Raad se 2 kragstasies sal tot hul maksimum kapasiteit benut moet word, en dit sal lei tot verhoogde steenkool aankope, en addisionele personeelaanstellings om die werk te doen.

Wat beplan Eskom vir die toekoms, en wat is die kans dat die man op straat se grondwetlike regte en sy sak verder aangetas gaan word deur ondeurdagte en onbevoegde besluite en finansiele wanbestuur van sy leiers, Die regering het tydens die jaarlikse begrotingstoespraak R60b aan Eskom beloof, maar voer Eskom aan dat die vereiste 60% verhoging nodig is om `n voordelige kredietgradering te handhaaf, wat hulle dan in staat sal stel om hul kapitale uitbreidingsprogram te befonds deur buitelandse lenings . Standard en Poor het Eskom intussen onder voltydse krediet monitering geplaas, en sal Eskom dus `n Investment Grade- gradering moet kry as hy befondsing deur wereldmarkte wil verseker,

Met die versnelde ekonomiese groei wat Tshwane beleef, sal die Raad gedwing word om onmiddellik `n ooreenkoms met die CEF –Central Energy Funding aan te gaan, sodat volhoubare energiebesparings en DSM (Demand Side Management) projekte geidentifiseer, ontwikkel en geimplimenteer kan word, met befondsing (grants) deur die CEF

Dankie Mnr Die Speaker

Raadslid Adriana Randall
DA Lid – Finansiele Portefulje
083 263 8667

Speeches: Council 28 Aug 08 - Public Participation

COUNCIL 28 AUGUST 2008 CLIVE NAPIER
PART 1 ITEM 3 IDP PROCESS PLAN AND BUDGET SCHEDULE FOR 2009/2010

Mr Speaker – since the time I was first elected to sit in this chamber, I have spoken on several occasions on the chaos around the IDP and budgeting process. Much of what I am going to say now I have said before. I will not repeat what one of my colleagues on this side of the chamber has/will say about public participation and the IDP.
Public participation is supposed to be an integral part of the IDP formulation process. Public participation just does not happen to any significant extent. There are in my view several reasons for this.
First. Communication from the Speaker’s office is poor. Very little warning if any, and short time periods are allocated to making inputs into the IDP process.
Secondly, no feedback is received by those who make inputs. My ward 57 committee has made inputs over several years including many reasonable and essential requests like for example, the need for additional toilet facilities in the ward or additional street lights or road upgrading. One never get a response except by way of a formal question in council to the mayor and then the responses are not very satisfactory.
Thirdly, there is no mention in this item of the role of ward committees in the IDP and budgeting process, although this is supposed to be one of the important functions of ward committees as forums for public participation. The ward committee elections which have recently taken place seem to me to be a charade – they take place simply because the law permits the establishment of ward committees – they are not taken seriously by this council or the officials involved in policy execution.
From my experience – the IDP formulation process has not improved. What should be done? Perhaps the process itself should be subjected to a thorough public participation process.
Further, the public should be given the necessary information to decide on what is needed and what the priorities should be in their respective wards – like the capacities of infrastructure like water pipelines and electricity infrastructure which are not always known to the ordinary resident so that such requirements can be prioritised.
Finally, ward committees in particular, should be given proper feedback within a certain period of time on their IDP inputs and further ward committees must be given fair warning of the need to make inputs into the IDP.
Mr Speaker – to improve the IDP process , I would like to request that at a minimum, an inclusion be made administratively in Annexures A and B in which reference is made to the role of ward committees in the IDP process.
I thank you.
Annexure A. Item 9. Progress report on reviewing and rationalization of by-laws.
This is a confusing report. How can a by-law for example - the one on ‘Keeping of animals, birds and poultry’ have been promulgated and effective when further down on the page it is stated that this particular by-law is still ‘under public participation’? It makes no sense to me. There are other similar instances.
There are other instances where the revision of by-laws have taken too long to materialize. More than two years back, a portfolio committee began the process of reviewing the Building control by-law which I assume is subsumed item (a) being a supplement to the National Building Regulations. Likewise that on the control of informal settlements. When are these by-laws going to be finalized? These are critical matters affecting many people. I must ask – why are they not being referred to the City Planning, Development and Regional Services Portfolio Committee for consideration? They are surely extremely relevant to that portfolio? The process to be followed in finalizing by-laws leaves a lot to be desired. This is a poorly drafted report.

Thank you.
Dr Clive Napier ( 082 827 5578)

Speech by Cllr Casper MacDonald

Baie dankie vir die geleentheid om die Raad toe te spreek.
Chapter 4 of the Municipal Management Act of 2000 paragraph 16.(1) and others states clearly that a municipality must encourage and create conditions for the public to participate in municipal affairs.
The Act states further that the public should participate in the preparations of the budget (IDP process).
Die wet stel dit ook dat die munisipaliteit die publiek se kapasitiet moet bou om aan die sake van die Raad deel te neem deur meganismes prosesse en prosedures daar te stel wat die gemeenskap sal bemagtig om aan die publieke deelname prosesse deel te neem.
Die wet verplig die Raad om die publiek betyds van die publieke deelname geleenthede te verwittig en dat die Raad aan die publiek terugvoering moet gee.

Hierdie verslag sêt die volgende oor publieke deelname prosses, en ek haal aan”it is a program of action which guides the IDP of the City of Tshwane and enables proactive participation, cooperation and integration of role players of which residents is one. And on page 54 of the report it is stated that, as stipulated in the MSA, the IDP process should provide for the PARTICIPATION OF LOCAL COMMUNITIES.

Mr Speaker how does the ANC deal with the public in Tshwane? This Council disregard its residents and deals with public participation in the most disgusting manner thinkable. The public participation session in Centurion regarding the budget did not even take place. We are still waiting for the officials to set a new date. More important, up to today, nobody rendered any reason why they did not honoured their appointment with Centurion residents.
Het die inwoners die geleentheid gehad om proaktief aan die begrotings en IDP prosessse deel te neem. Mnr die Speaker weet die ANC wat pro aktief beteken? Dit beteken voordat ‘n besluit geneem word moet die inwoners die geleentheid kry om hulle insette te lewer. Pro aktiewe deelname skep darem die indruk dat die insette oorweeg gaan word. In die proses wat hier uiteen gesit is, is dit weereens duidelik dat die IDP opgestel en goedgekeur gaan word en dan aan publieke deelname ondrewerp gaan word. Net soos met die jaar se begroting gaan daar weer nie ‘n behoorlike publieke deelname proses wees wat aan al die wetlike vereistes gaan voldoen word nie.
Mr Speaker the question to be asked is whether there is sufficient time to adjust the IDP after the public participation? Anybody with half a brain cell will know the answer.
Meneer die inwoners van Centurion wil weet wat van hulle dienste gelde word? Hulle dra mildelik by tot die finansiele koffers van die Raad. Hoekom het die Burgemeesters komitee nie die tyd of wil om die inwoners ook toe te spreek nie? Hoekom weier die Burgemeesters komitee om verantwoording te doen en terugvoering te gee ivm die prioritisering en spandering van fondse nie. U kan tog seker nie soveel vertroue in die DA hê dat u verwag dat ons aan hulle gaan verduidelik dat u op verantwoordelike wyse die Raad se finansies bestuur nie? Of weet u dat u,u gaan vasloop teen kundigheid wat nie alles wat u gaan sê vir soet koek gaan opeet nie. Of is dit ‘n geval dat u nie die vermoeë het om ingeligte inwoners met u antwoorde gerus te stel nie.

Die afgelope 3 jaar se IDP proses het groot dele van die Stad elke keer verby gegaan. Hierdie een gaan geen uitsondering wees nie..
What kind of logic was followed to in determining the process table of the IDP? How and what information was used to compile the MTREF (three year strategic agenda)? Did you take any inputs from residents into consideration? What is the use of a public participation process at the end of an 8 month IDP cycle? Will council be able to make the necessary changes to the IDP if residents input require it in March2009? Will u and is it possible to change an 8 month process in March 2009, as indicated in the process plan. Will council really change the budget in March, taking into consideration that the mayoral committee will approve the IDP on a special meeting to be held on 13 May and Council to approve the IDP ON 28 May 2009. It should be stressed that according to all relevant legislation the IDP have to influence the budget. Legislation requires that the budget have to be approved 30 days before the new financial year. How on earth do you expect us to believe that this is possible?
Maybe this is one of the many reasons why the finances of the City are in such a mess.
Speaker dit is uit die verslag baie duidelik dat die inwoners weereens aan ‘n nikssegende publieke deelname proses gaan deelneem. ‘n Proses wat geen doel het nie en wat slegs oë verblindery is. As u dink dat ons nie deur u veragtelike optrede sien nie, dink weer. Die opmerking is al baie hier gemaak dat ons die ANC net kritiseer. Wel Speaker as u ons en ons kiesers op so ‘n minagtende wyse behandel kan u eintlik lojalitiet of erkening verwag nie.

Dankie

Raadslid Casper Mc Donald
Wyk 64
Deel 1 item 3

PART 1: FROM THE MAYORAL COMMITTEE MEETING: 23 JULY 2008
REPORT ON THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS ON THE DECLARATION OF CERTAIN STREETS AND AREAS AS RESTRICTED OR PROHIBITED FOR TRADING

Mr, Speaker,

It is with great appreciation that we, the DA and members of Ward 50, have noted that the Tshwane Metro has decided that hawkers will not be permitted to trade in Zambezi Drive, Braam Pretorius, Linveldt, Lavender Roads and all demarcated areas / streets in Tshwane. Furthermore, they have decided to train the hawkers in business principles and allocate them to specific areas outside the above mentioned roads. This will also protect them from being injured by the traffic when doing business in busy streets like Zambezi Drive. This will have a positive effect on the hawkers Mr. Speaker.

This decision and the implementation of restricted trading areas / streets, will have a positive influence on the flow of traffic in our busy area and that it will also lead to a decrease in crime in our area. The residents will react positively to this decision of the Tshwane Metro as they are in favor thereof and requested such steps to be taken. Hopefully Mr Speaker, the same restrictions will apply to illegal businesses on residential stands and sidewalks and areas as restricted for trading in Tshwane.

Mr. Speaker, residents and persons driving in our area are requested not to support hawkers doing business in these prohibited roads and also to report them to the Metro Police. I am happy that the Metro Police support this cause. We sincerely trust that the Metro Police will enforce these bylaws and decision by the Tshwane Metro to the advantage of everybody, and to deal with the negative elements like hawkers and traders amongst themselves.

Mr. Speaker, urgent attention and completion of the Wonderboom Station and Taxi Rank will also be a solution for the hawkers to do business in a controlled manner, in new stalls and proper public toilets.

Mr. Speaker, the community makes uses of these hawkers, legally or illegally, which means, Mr. Speaker that a need does exist, but it needs to be exercised in an orderly, controlled fashion.

Mr. Speaker, our request is that there be looked at other urgent matters such as traffic dangers and unhygienic conditions and to implement the needed dustbins in the needed areas.

Cllr. B.J Wannenburg
Ward 50

Speech: Council 28 aug 08 - Bus Rapid Transport

Annexure A.1 : Items 9 and 10 – Bus Rapid Transit Operation Plan and Atterbury Road Bridge

Mr Speaker

As Council knows, the proposed BRT system holds a number of advantages over traditional bus networks and the project has received consistent support from this side of the Chamber. Nevertheless, as the report says, it is a “very complex, time-consuming and expensive project”.

So much so, mr Speaker, that we once more have to urge speed on the municipal departments responsible ; there is general skepticism about even Line 1 being operational in 22 months’ time, when the SWC begins. These doubts have been reinforced by statements from the taxi operators here and elsewhere in the country, that they have not reached agreement with BRT operators on routes and other issues. The same caution applies to the Gautrain feeder systems, where the operators cannot as yet tell us what the arrangements are.

The other element of concern in the report is the reference to “integration of the Tshwane Bus Services“ with the BRT network. Sir, I am not certain what is being referred to here, as the inner-city bus service known to me is the Pretoria City Transport, which is in such disarray that a motion has been submitted to this meeting for later discussion. It does not help much to postulate a role for a transport operator which, at best, will have to be radically overhauled.

The widening of the Atterbury Road bridge to accommodate the BTR lane is a welcome piece of far-sighted planning ; the only question is – when will it actually be used?

Councillor Justus de Goede
Democratic Alliance
Tshwane Metro Municipal Council
Cell : 083 733 2557

Speech: Council 28 Aug 08 - Automotive Supplier Park

SPEECH ON ITEM 4 OF PART 1 OF COUNCIL AGENDA OF TSHWANE METRO COUNCIL ON 28 AUGUST 2008

COUNCILLOR JOHN BARENDRECHT WARD 4

I shall start in English and finish in Afrikaans

I welcome this item and can support its recommendations on pages 74-75, with the exception of recommendations 10 and 11. I think 10 should refer to rec. 11 below and the amendment should relate to the Akasia-Soshanguve town planning scheme of 1996 or the new Tshwane Town Planning scheme. These recommendations should be rectified before Council can adopt them.

I also have a problem with paragraph 5.11 on page 73 of the report. Since 1 March 2006 I have been the ward councillor for ward 4 and my comments should have been included. Whether ex-councillor Mathibe has no objection to the sale is of less concern. I have here copies of correspondence with City Planning department where I communicated on this matter on 17 and 31 May 2006.

I urge officials to please communicate with the correct and existing councillor on reports so that valid inputs could be obtained. At the top of this report on page 64 is the name and contact number of the author of this report. I have phoned this number more than once, but could not get clarity on why I was not contacted. If this happened to me it could happen to any ward councillor.

What perturbs me more is the fact that on 31 May 2006, I indicated that the streets could be closed, and now only on 28 August 2008 is a report before Council for them to be sold and closed. On page 67 of the report the SPDC refers to “development ready” land, which are important in the automotive supplier business. This Automotive Supplier Park is a Blue IQ project of Gauteng Provincial Government.
In terms of co-operative developmental government, why did it take the Tshwane Metro so long to assist in realising objectives of Gauteng Province?

The same applies to the erven of Phase 4 which is the second element of the report. On page 68 SPDC refers to a lead time of 30 months! One realises that the leasing of properties of the Tshwane Metro is preferred to the outright sale as the land belongs to the people. But a delay of 30 months in a Blue IQ project is undermining the economic growth, job creation and creation of a better life for all! We all know that we have an economic downswing and projects like these are needed for economic growth.

Please officials and fellow councillors we have an obligation to our business sector and our community to expedite projects of this magnitude. We cannot be hampering developments like these , but should be a willing and helpful partner.

Lastly I would like to refer to a worrying aspect in the assistance to the motor industry by the Tshwane Metro, which came to the fore in our last Portfolio Committee on Economic Development. There appear to be cases where assistance to the motor industry was approved by Council, spearheaded by the Economic Development Division, which are then not implemented by officials in other departments. This is totally unacceptable in terms of service delivery!
Council resolutions must be implemented by officials especially if economic growth depends on their implementation.

Baie welkom aan al die nuwe voertuigindustrieë wat besluit om Rosslyn, Wyk 4 en die Tshwane Metro hulle tuiste te maak. Ons sal julle graag welkom laat voel deur meer doeltreffende dienslewering in die toekoms.

Dankie, mnr. die Speaker

Speech: Council 28 Aug 08 - Financial Report

COUNCIL MEETING: 28 AUGUST 2008: ANNEXURE “A”
ITEM 10: CORPORATE MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 APRIL 2008, pp 53 – 55

Mr. Speaker

(1) Once again, the Council is supplied with a Report, called a “comprehensive financial overview”, whereas the Report is a far cry from “comprehensive”. The Report is cryptic, incomplete and it does not according to Section 71 of the Municipal Finance Management Act [MFMA] highlight the corporate financial performance of the municipality, as well as certain important financial ratios reflecting the financial soundness of the municipality
(2) The Report refers to paragraphs 6.1, 6.3, 7 and 8.3 for further detailed explanations and information, but no such paragraphs are provided
(3) The Mayoral committee resolved, inter alia, to take “cognisance” of the financial results and that the Municipal Manager ensures that all Heads of Departments take the necessary corrective measures to make certain that all budgeted operating revenue is recovered, that operating expenditure is managed to prevent over expenditure/unauthorised expenditure, and that capital expenditure plans are effectively and efficiently executed
(4) Departments’ responsibility in terms of the MFMA is to provide reasons for variances for expenditure and corrective measures to be implemented. To ensure compliance, this information is requested each month from all Departments, but the example set by the Department of the Office of the Executive Mayor and the Municipal Manager is a symptom of the poor management and control that exist in the Municipality. During the ten months ended 30 April 2008 this Department responded twice, but for the other eight months there was no feedback. I beg the question whether the Executive Mayor and the Municipal Manager are above the law?
(5) The pro-rata under-collected Operating and Revenue for the period is R463 million of which the amount for service charges is R196 million due to under collection and non-billing, presenting a sterling example of the lack of management and control
(6) Crime reigns Tshwane, yet R30 million during this period is under spent on Community Safety. The amount under spent on Roads and Stormwater is R108 million and it is therefore no wonder that residents have to buy 4-wheel vehicles and in so many wards the infrastructure cannot cope with raw sewerage
(7) During the 10 months only 51% of the Capital Expenditure has been spent. It is not surprising that stockpiling takes place during the month of June. Why are there so little or no corrective measures for Departments in order to achieve their service delivery expenditure targets during the year?
(8) Consumer Debtors owe R2,8 billion at 30 April 2008 of which amount Debtors older than 90 days comprises R2 million. Not surprising: I have personally dealt with Debtors accounts owing R11 000, R13 000, R19 000, R26 000 and last month with an account of R88 000. I took a copy of this account to the Municipal Manger, but he, as the Accounting Officer, told me to write to the Executive Mayor. This I did and had to deliver it by hand to the Mayor’s Office and let them sign for the letter that I wrote and a copy of the account; otherwise in my experience such information usually simply disappears at the Municipality. It is the legal responsibility of the Municipality to ensure that payment is received for services rendered. Why do we have Debtors collection rules and by-laws as these are merely ignored in many cases? What happened to cut-off procedures when services supplied are not paid for? Management and Internal Control are totally inadequate and inferior. ANC, you are in a position of trust of public funds and responsible to the residents
(9) This Report should really be referred back for adjustment as it is a defamation of the concept of a “comprehensive financial overview” as claimed

(Prof) Hein Redelinghuys
DA Spokesperson for Finances
TSHWANE
28 August 2008.

Speech: Council 28 Aug - Mabopane Station Report

COUNCIL MEETING 28 August 2008
Item 13 of the main agenda & Item 5 of Annexure A
Expansion of City Shopping Complex and Urban Design Framework, Mabopane Station

Speech by Councillor Peter Millar (DA), ward 41.
Member of the Portfolio Committee, City Planning and Regional Development.

In all the years that I have been in this Council, many reports have been submitted that contain wonderful ideas.

So many of them remain just good ideas. In spite of all the hype, promises and expectations, they are never implemented. They lie on some musty, dusty shelf and will probably be destroyed when and if Munitoria is every imploded. The rebuilding of Munitoria is another example of good ideas still waiting to happen.

Much effort and time has been put into the framework for the Mabopane Station and not without good cause. Further development and upgrading of this area has become necessary for upliftment of the region.

There is so much more potential there and this has been spotted by the Council, Intersite, Metrorail, the owners of Central City shopping centre and the entrepreneurs making a living in the precincts and surrounding areas of the station.

Central City shopping centre its self is an amazing place. It looks good; it’s clean, well maintained and thriving. This proves there is a demand for this type of facility in spite of all we have been told that this would never work. It can compete with the best shopping centres in more affluent areas of our City and the rest of the country. There is a good mix of tenants from small boutiques to national chain stores, banks and various service providers. Therefore, it is a good idea to encourage Central City to expand and for the Council to sell them the extra land required.

Intersite, the property subsidiary of Transnet, has committed its self to large and expensive extensions and renovations to the station. They will be providing much better facilities for train passengers and hawkers.

While Central City and Intersite are doing such a good job, the Council must not forget its responsibility.

Over and above building all the new services, roads, taxi ranks, etc., the Council must make sure that proper maintenance is done and that sufficient money is allocated in the budget for this in the future. All too often, Council facilities fall into disrepair very quickly due to lack of maintenance and management. The excuse is always the lack of provision in the budget.

Another good idea that never seems to be implemented is a ring fence budget. It is time to implement this other good idea and give the development a further boost. It will ensure money for maintenance into the future.

Also, hawkers must be pressured to keep their areas clean and tidy. They must not block walkways and the free flow of pedestrians and train passengers.

Further, taxis must learn to use the expensive facilities provided for them correctly. They must realise for once and for all that they are not a law unto themselves. Strict law enforcement will have to be implemented to make sure the area does not degenerate into a messy free-for-all, as so often happens.

Let us get on with this development as quickly as possible now. Let it not become just a good idea that has been forgotten about and end up on a dusty, musty shelf.

PETER MILLAR
DA COUNCILLOR, WARD 41
012-342-0527
082-574-4103
petermillar@polka.co.za

Speech: Council 28 Aug - Alternative Service Delivery

City of Tshwane Metro Raadsvergadering op 28 Augustus 2008 om 10h00.

Meneer die Speaker ek wil graag reageer op Annexure A. punte 2, 3, en 4 van die Burgemeesters Komitee verslag.

Ek begin by punt 2 wat handel oor die sogenaamde ASD poste vir personeel strukture in die Raad. Meneer hierdie ASD poste strukture is ‘n euwel en niks anders as ‘n geleentheid vir die ANC om van ou bekwame en ervare personeel in die Raad ontslae te raak sodat hulle, hul eie valse politieke agendas kan gebruik om regstellende aksie toe te pas.
Daar word gevoelloos, mense van buite oor ervare aptenare aangestel wat nie die werk kan doen nie en om daardie rede dat ons Raad se lewering van dienste so agter uit gaan.
Menneer van die 24 top bestuurs poste van die verlede is daar sover slegs 11 oor en dan nie te praat van alle ander senior poste nie. In my eie portefuelje sit ek hier met ‘n elle lang lys van amptenare wat of gedemoveer is na minderwaardige poste (selfs na buite hulle departemente verplaas is) of word dan so gedwing deur onbevoegde nuwe senior amptenare wat hulle self minderwaardig voel en dit dan moeilik maak vir die ou bekwame amptenaar om nog aan te bly en dan eerder bedank.
Meneer die Speaker dit maak nie saak hoeveel veranderings ons aan hierdie stelsel aanbring nie dit sal op die ou eiende die ANC se kop op ‘n skinkbord eis.

Punt 3 Meneer handel oor die ontwikkelings strategie beleid vir sport in ons Metro. Ek dink ons is ander Metros ver voor en kan die Minister van sport gerus in Tshwane kom kyk hoe om sport ontwikkeling en transformasie te bevorder. Sport behoort met die hulp van plaaslike regerings met die daar stel van sportfasiliteite en ontwikkelings programme in samewerking met die sport kodes onwikkelings te doen.
Die ANC Regering moet eerder sportfasiliteite en plaaslike regerings deelname aanmoedig as om die sport met politieke agendas te wil regeer. Daarom is dit nie snaaks dat ons die swakste in die geskiedenis gevaar het by die Olympiese spele in Beijing nie met slegs een silver medalje, selfs swakker as Zimbabwe met vyf medaljes wat op hierdie stadium geen Regering het nie !
“ Politieke inmenging in spankeuses,afrigters en spanbestuurders stel meriete onderhewig aan regstellende aksie in bykans elke Olympiese sport soort “ hierdie stelling is gemaak in Sondag se Rapport deur ‘n Olympiese sport skrywer.
Ons sport mense se altyd jy torring of verander nie aan‘n wenspan nie en daarom weet ons ook dat met die politieke aanstelling van die derde beste Rugby afrigter vir ons Wereldkampioene ons nou maar ook tevrede sal moet wees met die derde plek in Wereld rugby.

Meneer die Speaker punt 4 handel oor die Raad se deelname aan ons gedenk dae wat elke jaar gevier word.
Ons het voorheen al in hierdie Raad gese dat die aard van programme van al hierdie dae is niks anders as ANC rallies nie en mors die ANC miljoene Rande van die belastingbetallers se geld om mense met 50 busse aan te ry om te kom eet en drink en na ‘n program kyk wat net vir een kultuur groep is, sodat hulle daarna ook na die ANC sprekers kan luister.
Meneer die Speaker ons wonder of dit nie dalk beter sou wees om net elke vyf jaar so ‘n gedenkdag viering te hou nie en eerder die ander ander vier jaar se miljoene Rande gebruik vir behuising, klinieke en sorgeenhede vir ons armes en bejaardes nie ! Wanneer gaan ons almal eendag in Suid Afrika kan tuisvoel om as een nasie ons demokrasie te kan vier ?

Ek dank u,

Raadslid Johan Welmans
DA Sportwoordvoerder Tshwane Koukus
Sel : 0726179197

Call for Urgent Business Environment Survey for Tshwane City Council

MEDIA RELEASE BY COUNCILLOR ADRIANA RANDALL: DA TSHWANE CAUCUS, 22 AUGUST 2008

The present flight of skills experienced at the Tshwane City Council threatens to paralyze effective service delivery in Pretoria.
It is of utmost importance to establish the reasons why the working environment at the council appears not to be conducive for motivated and productive working performances.

The Democratic Alliance calls on the City Council to commission an independent working environment survey to ascertain the morale, or lack thereof, of employees and to establish what factors are contributing to the spate of resignations experienced at present.

“Human resources are the council’s most precious asset. Without the human factor, no system, even if supported by the most advanced technology, can be of any use. Retaining skilled and loyal employees is a non- negotiable.” said Councillor Adriana Randall.

Racism, nepotism, poor management in general, the manner in which the Alternative Service Structure (ASD) is implemented and inadequate travelling allowances, to mention a few, are cited as possible reasons for widespread negativity among personnel.

In the light of the present exodus at the Council it is clear that time is not on our side. We need to get to bottom of this as soon as possible. An appeal is consequently made to Council to commission a survey without delay.

The DA questions the ANC-lead Council’s commitment to the “Batho Pele’ principles, which are supposed to inspire employer and employee alike. Without the political will and commitment noble ideas remain elusive dreams.

On the one hand, it is only fair to all employees to ensure positive working conditions which will benefit their performance and output. On the other, residents and tax payers of the city deserve no less than effective service delivery.

Councillor Adriana Randall (083 263 8667)

MEDIA VERKLARING DEUR RAADSLID ADRIANA RANDALL: DA TSHWANE KOUKUS, 22 AUGUSTUS 2008

Oproep om ‘n dringende besigheid omgewingsopname by die Tshwane stadsraad

Die huidige uittog van kundigheid by die Tshwane stadsraad dreig om effektiewe dienslewering in Pretoria lam te lê. Dit is uiters noodsaaklik om vas te stel waarom die werksomgewing by die raad nie bevorderlik blyk te wees vir gemotiveerde en produktiewe werksprestasie nie.

Die Demokratiese Alliansie doen ‘n oproep op die stadsraad om ‘n onafhanklike werksomgewing opname uit te voer om die moraal, of gebrek daaraan, onder werknemers te bepaal en vas te stel wat aanleiding gee tot die huidige vlaag van bedankings by die stadsraad.

“Menslike hulpbronne is die raad se belangrikste bate. Sonder die menslike faktor kan geen sisteem, selfs al word dit ondersteun deur gevorderde tegnologie, van enige nut wees nie. Die behoud van kundige en lojale werknemers is ononderhandelbaar.” het raadslid Adriana Randall gesê.

Rassisme, nepotisme, swak bestuur in die algemeen, die wyse hoe die Alternatiewe Dienste Struktuur (ADS) geimplimenteer word en ontoereikende reistoelaes, om net enkele voorbeelde te noem, word as moontlike redes aangedui vir die wydverspreide negatiwiteit onder die personeel.

Teen die agtergrond van die huidige eksodus by die stadsraad is dit duidelik dat tyd nie aan ons kant is nie. Ons moet so gou moontlik by die kern van die probleem uitkom. ‘n Oproep word dus op die raad gemaak om ‘n onafhanklike opname sonder verwyl uit te voer.

Die DA bevraagteken die ANC beheerde raad se verbintenis tot die ‘Batho Pele’ beginsels, wat veronderstel is om beide werkgewer en werknemer te inspireer. Sonder die politieke wil bly edel idees ‘n mens ontwyk.

Enersyds is dit regverdig teenoor werknemers om positiewe werkstoestande te verseker wat hul prestasie en uitsette ondersteun. Andersyds is die inwoners en belastingbetalers van die stad geregtig op effektiewe dienslewering.
Raadslid Adriana Randall ( 083 263 8667)