Monday, September 1, 2008

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

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

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)