In total 9 candidates from Gauteng North were elected to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and the National Assembly; four more than in 2004!
Three of these, Fred Nel, Natasha Michael and Stevens Mokgalapa are from the DA Tshwane Pretoria Caucus while Les Labuschagne, Rika Kruger and Manie van Dyk are re-elected. Les (former National Assembly MP) and Rika to the Gauteng Legislature and Manie to the National Assembly.
New MP's include Sej Motau, Junita Kloppers-Lourens and Kenneth Mubu.
We wish our colleagues all the best - now for the 2011 Local Government Elections!!!

Why You Should Vote DA

From SA Today 17 April 2009

Go out and vote on Wednesday 22 April!

Every single registered voter who supports the DA must go out and vote in the election on Wednesday. Your vote is critical: it could be the vote that tips the scales. The mathematics are simple: the more DA voters turn out relative to ANC voters, the better our chances are of stopping Jacob Zuma from getting the two-thirds majority he needs to change the Constitution.

Voter turnout makes a huge difference to the election result in our proportional representation electoral system. One political analyst uses the analogy of a birthday party to explain the impact of turnout. On your birthday, you buy a cake and have a party for ten people. If everyone comes, each gets one tenth of the cake. If only five attend, each gets one fifth of the cake. This means that each of the five friends who come to the party gets a slice of cake double the size of what they would have got, because the other five stayed away. In the same way, all voters who vote in an election make up the 100% representational tally which is then divided up proportionately among parties. If DA voters stay away in higher numbers than ANC supporters, the effect is to increase the proportional power of the ANC vote. And vice-versa.

In previous elections, differential turn-out has benefited the ANC. This means that more ANC voters than opposition voters turned out to vote. And that proportionately boosted their tally.

Turnout will be decisive on Wednesday. Our own internal research shows that if every DA supporter goes to vote, and if more DA voters turn out relative to ANC voters, we will keep the ANC below a two-thirds majority nationally and we could even drive the ANC below 60%. In provinces like Gauteng and the Northern Cape, where the ANC's grip on power is weakest, if every DA voter turns out, we could win enough votes to be able to form coalition governments. In the Western Cape, if every DA voter turns out, we could win the province outright.

The ANC is power-hungry. It wants even more than a two-thirds majority. On Wednesday, in one of his stock fascist tirades, the imbecilic President of the ANC Youth League, Julius Malema, told students at the University of Cape Town to return the ANC to power with "a three-thirds majority". He was merely parroting ANC Secretary-General, Gwede Mantashe, who earlier in the election campaign said, "We don't want a two-thirds majority; we want a three-thirds majority in any province including the Western Cape". Malema believes Zuma is "unstoppable". He referred to him as a "biological tsunami". That is untrue. If every DA supporter goes to the polls on 22 April, we can prevent the "biological tsunami" from wreaking devastation on South Africa.

Make no mistake: if the ANC gets a two-thirds majority with Zuma as President, the consequences will be serious. Mr Zuma has no understanding of constitutionalism, which is the bedrock of our democracy. He has often said that the ANC is more important than the Constitution, that opposition parties have no automatic right to exist, and that the powers of the Constitutional Court should be reviewed because judges are "not God". Zuma represents the kind of leaders that take governments down the path of cronyism, corruption and criminalisation, towards the failed state. The evidence is already there.

So far, the ruling clique in the ANC has disbanded the Scorpions; fired the former National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Vusi Pikoli; engineered the premature release from prison of Zuma's benefactor, Schabir Shaik; and pressured the acting NDPP, Mokotedi Mpshe, to drop the charges against Zuma. All these steps were taken to shield Zuma and his cronies.

This makes it clear that Zuma will stop at nothing to undermine the Constitution and the rule of law to enrich himself and his cabal, and protect them from prosecution.

Yesterday, the Cabinet announced that it had approved the draft Constitution 17th Amendment Bill, which empowers national government to usurp powers from local government. The Bill will now go to Parliament, and if the ANC gets a two-thirds majority on 22 April, it will force the Bill through Parliament.
If it is enacted, the law will be used by the ANC to severely limit the mandate of an elected local government, especially where the ANC does not govern and where local authorities legitimately refuse to implement ANC policies. The Cabinet approval of the Bill came two days after ANC spokespersons categorically denied the existence of such a Bill.

A two-thirds majority will give the ANC the power to act on other threats.
The ANC has already threatened to revoke property rights, undermine press freedom and make the courts an extension of the ANC - just as constitutional institutions such as the Public Protector and the National Prosecuting Authority have been turned into extensions of the ANC through cadre deployment.

Nationally, the DA is the only party that can be trusted to stop Zuma's clique from abusing its power to change the Constitution. But we are not only contesting this election nationally. We are contesting it in all nine provinces, too. There is an excellent chance that we will win the Western Cape, and also a possibility that we may be able to form coalition governments in one or two other provinces.

We must win power at provincial level, because this will enable us to demonstrate the difference that our alternative vision, principles and policies make in practice, for everyone -just as we have demonstrated where we have won at local government level. This is the most effective role we can play, not only where we govern, but for our country as a whole, as we undertake the process of national political realignment.

Winning power in the Western Cape, for example, will allow us to show what co-operative governance between local authorities and a province can achieve. Both spheres are closely inter-linked in many ways and we can attain exceptional outcomes if we all pull together, rather than in opposite directions.

Winning power provincially also means that we can take the next step in our political journey. That journey started in 2006 when the DA won the City of Cape Town and other local authorities in the Western Cape. Our journey will continue after 22 April, as we prepare to contest the 2011 local government elections, in which we will win cities and towns across South Africa. At the end of the final leg of our journey, we will form the core of national government in 2014.

Without your vote on Wednesday, we cannot continue this journey. We will not make the connection we need to reach our final destination. And if the ANC gets a two-thirds majority, it will throw every obstacle it can onto the track to derail us.

The most important election in Zimbabwe was not last year when the MDC won more votes than Mugabe's Zanu-PF, despite the election being blatantly rigged. It was in 2000, when the MDC narrowly lost to Zanu-PF by 1% of the vote. If every MDC supporter had gone out to vote in that election, Zimbabwe's catastrophic slide may have been halted. Today Zimbabwe might have been the prosperous nation it once was, instead of the failed state it has become.

That is the difference your vote makes. It is the difference between success and failure. This election will be a defining moment in South Africa's history. In fact, it is the most important election since 1994, because the choice we make will determine whether our country becomes a successful democracy, which is tantalisingly within our reach, or continues the downward spiral towards a failed state.

In a democracy, voters get the government they deserve. The future of South Africa lies in the hands of every individual voter this Wednesday. One vote can win it - or lose it. In ten years time it will be obvious to everyone that voting for the DA in this election was the right thing to do. By then it will be too late. So do it now.

COUNCIL EMBARKS ON ANOTHER EXPENSIVE FUNCTION IN WAKE OF CASH FLOW PROBLEMS

Issued by Fred Nel, DA Tshwane spokesperson on Public Accounts

The DA has learnt reliably that Council this week approved expenditure to host a function for 600 people on 4 April 2009, despite no invitations being issued yet. Even worse is the fact that the Council is hosting this function when its top officials are scratching to collect enough funds to pay salaries at the end of the month.
Fred Nel, the DA’s spokesperson on Public Accounts in the Tshwane Metro commented said: “This smacks of ANC electioneering at the Council’s expense. How can you organise a function for 600 people in just over a week and you have not yet sent out invitations? The council only decided on service providers for this event this past week. We are very concerned about the way this event is being put together and will ask for an investigation into the procurement of service providers for this event as well as whether this is another wasteful expenditure as it is unlikely that many people will turn up for this event.”
The DA is very concerned about the Council’s cash flow situation and question why so much money is being spent on such a large function when times are so tough. The DA calls on the mayor to put an end to lavish parties that places increasing pressure on the council’s cash flow position.

TSHWANE COUNCIL CASH FLOW PROBLEMS COULD SEE OFFICIALS WITHOUT SALARIES

Issued by Fred Nel, DA Tshwane spokesperson on Public Accounts

The Democratic Alliance has confidentially learnt that the Tshwane Council’s cash flow headache has now reached crisis proportions.
“Our information from reliable sources is that the Council is struggling with its cash flow and that its officials are scratching their heads to find enough income to pay salaries at the end of the month” said Fred Nel the DA’s spokesperson on Public Accounts in the Tshwane Metro.
“We were aware that there were concerns about the Council’s cash flow last month when a turnaround strategy for its finances was submitted to Council, despite the Mayor assuring Council that there were no problems with the Council’s finances. Why would we need a turnaround strategy when there was nothing wrong with Council’s finances? The item was withdrawn from the agenda when the DA wanted to discuss the content of the report at the meeting.” said Nel.
The DA is concerned that the turnaround strategy seemingly followed by Council only concentrates on cutting expenses and freezing vacancies in the Council but ignores collecting money owed to the Council. The Council’s outstanding debtors amounts to an excess of R 3 billion.
“Current debt collection strategies are failing and the lack of political will to collect on outstanding debts is pushing the Council further into the red. We warned council in August already that this was going to happen but the ANC did not listen. If the DA was in control we would have concentrated in getting the money in instead of cutting expenses which could negatively affect service delivery.” said Nel.
The DA calls on the Mayor to ensure that a suitable and realistic turnaround and debt collection strategy is tabled at the next Council meeting in order to address this crisis. Although, by then it may already be too late.

DA REQUESTS PROBE INTO MISUSE OF COUNCIL RESOURCES FOR MAYOR’S DAUGHTER

Issued by Fred Nel, DA Tshwane Spokesperson on Public Accounts

It is with shock that the DA learnt that Tshwane Council VIP vehicles and body guards were used to escort the Mayor’s daughter to the Hatfield Community Court to appear on charges of alleged drug possession and assault on Tuesday 24 March 2009.
“The Mayor’s misuse of council resources for a private matter is shocking and can be viewed as a wasteful expenditure under the Municipal Finance Management Act. Consequently we will request the Council to investigate the misuse of Council resources (VIP vehicles and bodyguards) by the Mayor and her family” said Fred Nel the DA’s spokesperson on Public Accounts in the Tshwane Metro.
The DA also mentioned that the Mayor’s daughter did not qualify for such special treatment by the Council and should have travelled to the court on her own steam. Although the mayor attended to support her daughter it was a private matter and not part of her official duties, and therefore she did not qualify for the use of official Council resources.

The ANC has failed the youth

Speech delivered by Helen Zille, Leader of the Democratic Alliance5 March 2009 at UCT

In the ANC's closed, crony society, people get preferential treatment if they have friends in high places. That explains why Jacob Zuma's former financial advisor, Schabir Shaik, can be fast-tracked for release on medical parole -- without official confirmation that he is terminally ill -- while hundreds of other terminally ill prisoners die waiting for their parole applications to be processed. Shaik's discharge is a case of "parole for pals". That is how the closed, crony society operates. It benefits members of a closed network whose interests, like Zuma and Shaik's, are mutually reinforcing. It leads to corruption and power abuse. Shaik’s parole is just the first step. In a recent interview, Zuma hinted strongly that he would pardon Shaik should he become President. He said: “Why should I discriminate against him [Shaik], because he happens to be my comrade and friend? How can I punish him for that?” The ANC has failed the vast majority of prisoners who do legitimately qualify for medical parole, but it has personally benefited Shaik. In the same way, the ANC has failed to create opportunity for the vast majority of South African youth with its closed, crony policies, but it has privileged a select few, like its blundering Youth League President, Julius Malema. In return for their slavish obedience to Jacob Zuma and their promises to “kill for Zuma”, members of the Youth League’s ruling clique are rewarded with perks, positions and privileges. They drive around in fancy cars and wear flashy clothes, which haven’t been earned through hard work and talent, but which have been acquired through networks based on cronyism and corruption. The Gucci revolutionaries in the ANC Youth League couldn’t care less about empowering and developing the youth. Like their counterparts in the parent body, they are only interested in keeping on Zuma’s right side, lining their back pockets and entrenching their power inside and outside the party. That is why, at its National Executive Committee (NEC) Lekgotla ten days ago, the Youth League undertook to continue its support for Zuma and insisted on nominating its Deputy President as Chairperson of the new National Youth Development Agency (NDYA) Board. The NDYA will be funded by the taxpayer, and you can count on it that if members of the ANC Youth League get onto the Board, taxpayers’ money will be wasted in expensive hotels and restaurants and squandered on BMWs and designer labels. The ANC, like its Youth League, has betrayed the youth of South Africa. One of the key findings that went unnoticed earlier this week when Statistics South released its latest unemployment data is that 75% of all unemployed South Africans are aged between 15 and 34. More than one third are between 15 and 24 years old. These figures are an indictment on the ANC. They show that the ruling party has failed to equip the “born-free” generation with the education and skills they need to participate in the economy and thereby contribute to the prosperity of all South Africans. The growing pool of poorly educated, unskilled and unemployed young South Africans aggravates a vicious cycle of other social problems – like poverty, delinquency, alcoholism, drug abuse and crime – which destroy the cornerstones of a democratic society: openness and opportunity. It also breeds frustration, anger and despair. But the fact is that the ANC has actively swelled this pool of disadvantaged youth through its policies, which are destroying opportunity and entrenching the closed, crony society. The rot starts in the education system. Too many learners drop out of the system before they reach benchmarked levels of achievement, and before they are functionally literate and numerate. Between 2005 and 2007, 535 000 young people left school without a passing certificate of any kind. Most of these people have no prospect of finding gainful employment. Those who remain in the system do not, by and large, receive a quality education: they are not provided with the tools they need to exercise their freedom, take advantage of their opportunities, and develop their full potential. Even if learners make it to matric – and pass – this does not guarantee them a job. That is because of labour laws which make it harder for job-seekers to enter the market and discourage employers from hiring workers – especially those who do not have a skills qualification or work record. Meanwhile, the ANC’s efforts to improve skills development by funding learnerships through the sectoral education and training authorities (Setas) have backfired. The Setas are a financial sinkhole: they are riddled with corruption and they have repeatedly failed to respond to the needs of the market. The DA believes that the state should focus on expanding and promoting equal opportunities for the youth through quality education, incentivised skills development and policies conducive to job-creating economic growth. Our education policy focuses on the essentials: reading, writing and calculating. It helps learners from disadvantaged backgrounds to overcome poverty and develop their natural talents by encouraging them to match their opportunities with hard work and personal responsibility, and by rewarding them for doing so. We will introduce a bursary voucher programme for academically promising children from low-income families, giving them the opportunity to receive better school education. The DA will provide all learners who pass matric with an opportunity voucher that they can use to start a small business or subsidise the costs of further education.To make it easier for young people to enter the labour market, we will reform the laws that destroy the prospects of many unemployed people to get jobs. We will encourage employers to hire first-time jobseekers by subsidising employees’ wages for a specific period to enable them to gain experience and demonstrate what they are capable of doing. And to promote skills development, we will reimburse employers for the cost of skills training. We believe that these policies will go a long way to reversing the scourge of youth unemployment brought upon us by the ANC. Our manifesto also includes a range of proposals that enable youths from disadvantaged backgrounds access to various work opportunities. They can sign up for a Youth Development Programme, or enrol for voluntary community service in the public sector, the police or the defence force. Those who complete these training periods would either be absorbed into the permanent structures of the public service or qualify for an opportunity voucher to further their careers. These proposals will create opportunity for the youth. In fact, the DA is the only party that puts youth development at the centre of its agenda. We have a range of other initiatives aimed at empowering the youth – like our Young Leaders’ Programme and our volunteer campaign, which you can find out more about at www.contributetochange.org.za. I invite you to be part of the DA’s efforts to empower the youth. There is a new wave of interest in politics among young people. During the recent IEC voter registration window, more than 1 million young people in the 18-to-29 age bracket registered to cast their ballots for the first time, compared to 300 000 older citizens. A total of 6 million youths under the age of 29 are now on the voters’ roll, compared to 4 million in 2004. Your vote is your power. Vote for a party that cares about the youth. Vote for a party that has carefully researched, workable, and costed solutions to unemployment, poverty and crime. Come 22 April, vote DA and vote to win!

DA Pretoria Candidates Announced

The DA in Pretoria is proud to announce the names of 10 candidates who obtained high positions on the DA's provincial and national parliamentary lists for the 2009 elections. In the photograph above are:

Back: Kenneth Mubu (Academic), Stevens Mokgalapa (Councillor), Dr. Manie van Dyk (MP), Fred Nel (Councillor), Justus de Goede (Councillor).

Front: Les Labuschagne (MP), Rika Kruger (MPL), Sej Motau (Businessman), Natasha Michael (Councillor).

Absent from this photograph is Juanita Lourens-Klopper (Academic).

You may contact any of these candidates to address a house meeting or other event or just chat with them about the DA through the DA Gauteng North Regional office at Tel: 012-343-1358.

SUBSIDISED HOUSES WITHOUT WATER METERS COST TAX PAYERS MILLIONS

MEDIA STATEMENT: COUNCILLOR GERT PRETORIUS, DA SPOKESPERSON FOR PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE, TSHWANE. 13 JANUARY 2008.

For almost three years now water connections are made to some houses in the Tshwane metro pole without water meters. Housing departments at the various government levels simply continues with the building of subsidized units and connect these houses without water meters to municipal networks.

At present there are an estimated 15 000 houses in the Tshwane metro pole without water meters or that does not receive municipal accounts for water usage. If 15 000 houses use an average of 20 kl of water a month for which they don’t receive an account, it cost the city council R20. 5 million rand a year.

The DA supports a suggestion that an audit be conducted immediately to determine the magnitude of the problem and that negotiations between the various departments of the provincial and local authorities take place as a matter of urgency.

It is very unfair that the tax payer must boot the bill for poor service delivery.

Enquiries: Clr Gert Pretorius ( 082 552 3590)


MILJOENE OPGEDOK VIR GESUBSIDIEERDE HUISE SONDER WATERMETERS

MEDIAVERKLARING: RAADSLID GERT PRETORIUS, DA WOORDVOERDER VIR OPENBARE WERKE EN INFRASTRUKTUUR, TSHWANE : 13 JANUARIE 2008

Gedurende die afgelope ongeveer drie jaar vind wateraansluitings na sommige huise in Tshwane sonder watermeters na hartelus plaas. Behuisingsdepartemente van die onderskeie regerings gaan doodeenvoudig voort met die bou van gesubsidieerde eenhede en sluit hierdie wonings sonder watermeters by die munisipale netwerke aan.

Na raming is daar tans ongeveer 15,000 wooneenhede in die Tshwane metropool wat geen watermeters het nie of wat ‘n munisipale rekening vir die verbruik van water ontvang nie. Indien 15,000 wooneenhede gemiddeld 20kl water per maand gebruik waarvoor hulle nie ‘n rekening ontvang nie, kos dit die stadsraad R20.5miljoen per jaar.

Die DA steun ‘n voorstel dat daar onmiddelik ‘n oudit uitgevoer moet word om die omvang van die probleem vas te stel en dat samesprekings tussen die verskillende departemente van Provinsiale en Plaaslike owerhede as ‘n saak van dringendheid moet plaasvind.

Die gewone belastingbetaler kan net nie meer die houe vat nie – hulle is al vuisvoos geslaan oor volgehoue swak administrasie.

Navrae: Raadslid Gert Pretorius ( 082 552 3590)

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 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

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.

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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