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 The item was withdrawn from the agenda when the DA wanted to discuss the content of the report at the meeting.”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 Calls for Investigation into Housing Corruption

MEDIA STATEMENT BY COUNCILLOR STEVENS MOKGALAPA, DA SPOKESPERSON FOR HOUSING , TSHWANE. 27 JANUARY 2009.

DA calls for proper investigation into housing corruption

The Democratic Alliance today expressed it’s dismay with the housing crisis in Garankuwa, Mabopane Winterveld and Temba as a result of alleged corruption leaving many residents vulnerable and exploited.

It has emerged at a special Tshwane Housing Portfolio meeting today that corruption is rife in the mentioned areas and that the poorest of the poor are exploited by various people misusing their positions for self enrichment.

The DA welcomes a decision that an investigation will be instituted by the North West Housing Corporation (NWHC) to determine the sources of corruption with the aim to root out these mischievous acts.

The alleged corruption relates to fraudulent title deeds involving estate agents and officials of the Tshwane council.

The DA is calling on the NWHC to provide the role players with the terms of reference so as to clearly indicate what the scope of investigation into this saga will be.

The DA would like to see a forensic audit in this regard to determine the involvement of the North West Housing Corporation, the Tshwane Council as well as the North West Province.

“The situation is problematic due to the fact that there are different spheres of government and many role players involved.” said councilor Stevens Mokgalapa. “ We will find a solution to this problem and will not leave any stone unturned.”

Another issue to address is conflicting messages to the community that only result in increased uncertainty.

The DA feels strongly that the interests of people, especially those who cannot defend themselves due to their social economic circumstances must be protected by government and other political role players.

The DA calls on the political will of the North West province, the Gauteng province and the City of Tswhane leadership to resolve this matter. A meeting with all the role players, including the affected residents, must be held as soon as possible.

Enquiries: Clr Stevens Mokgalapa ( 083 275 1779)


MEDIAVERKLARING DEUR RAADSLID STEVENS MOKGALAP, DA WOORDVOERDER VIR BEHUISING, TSHWANE : 27 JANUARIE 2009

DA vra vir behoorlike ondersoek na behuising korrupsie

Die Demokratiese Alliansie het vandag sy onsteltenis uitgespreek oor die behuisingskrisis in Garankuwa, Mabopane, Winterveld en Temba as gevolg van beweerde korrupsie wat die inwoners kwesbaar maak vir uitbuiting.

Dit het vandag tydens ‘n spesiale vergadering van die Tshwane Behuising Portfolio aan die lig gekom dat korrupsie algemeen voorkom in die gemelde gebiede met die gevolg dat die armste van die armes uitgebuit word deur mense wat hul posisies misbruik vir sefverryking.

Die DA verwelkom ‘n besluit deur die Noord Wes Behuisingskorporasie (NWHC) om ‘n ondersoek in te stel na die oorsprong van korrupsie met die oog daarop om sulke voorvalle uit te roei.

Die beweerde korrupsie hou verband met vals titel aktes waarby eiendomsagente en amptenare van die Tshwane stadsraad betrokke is.

Die DA doen ‘n beroep op die NWHC om aan te dui wat die ondersoek na hierdie ongelukkige sage presies sal behels.

Die DA voel dat daar ‘n forensiese oudit moet wees om die betrokkenheid van die Noordwes Behuisingskorporasie, die Tshwane stadsraad asook die Noordwes provinsie te bepaal.

“Die situasie is problematies omdat daar verskillende vlakke van regering en ander rolspelers betrokke is.” sê raadslid Stevens Mokgalapa. “ Ons sal ‘n oplossing vir die probleem vind en sal geen steen onaangeroer laat nie.”

Nog ‘n kwessie wat aangespreek moet word is botsende boodskappe wat tot verdere onsekerheid lei.

Die DA voel sterk dat die belange van mense, veral hulle wie hulself weens sosio-ekonomiese redes nie kan verdedig nie, beskerm moet word deur die regering en ander politieke rolspelers.

Die DA doen ‘n beroep op die leierskap van die Noordwes provinsie, die Gauteng provinsie asook die Tshwane raad om die politieke wil aan die dag te lê om hierdie aangeleentheid op te los. ‘n Vergadering met alle rolspelers moet so gou moontlik gehou word.


Navrae: Raadslid Stevens Mokgalapa ( 083 275 1779)

DA Speeches in Council 29 January 2009: FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup

SPEECH BY CLLR JOHAN WELMANS

FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup

Meneer die Speaker, die DA is baie bekommerd oor hierdie verslag want hierdie verslag en vorige verklarings van die Burgermeester oor die vordering met die 2010 FIFA Wereldbeker oefen stadions soos die HM Pitje Stadion in Mamelodi, stem nie ooreen met wat ons portfeulje komitee onlangs toe ons die Stadion besoek het nie daar aanskou het nie.

Die verslag noem wel dat die stadion nou eers 25% voltooi is, en as in ag geneem word dat daar reeds November 2007 daarmee begin was en einde Februarie 2009 voltooi moes wees, sal daar nou dag en nag daaraan gewerk moet word as ons dit vir die FIFA Wereld Beker oor 496 dae as oefen stadion wil gebruik.
Met ons Portfeulje komitee besoek aan die stadion in November 2008 het ons gevind dat daar ga-os heers op die terrein en dat kontrakteurs geskitter het in hul afwesigheid as gevolg van berugte van wanbetaling of geen betaling deur die Gauteng Provinsie wat verantwoordelik is vir betaling van die stadion.

Meneer die Speaker, dit help nie ons beskuldig die Gauteng Provinsie wat daarvoor verantwoordelik is nie , dit is die Tshwane Raad en die Bugermeester wat met rooi gesigte gaan sit, en nie die Provinsie nie. Die DA stel nou voor dat die HM Pitje Stadion se vordering nou geevalueer moet word deur ‘n groep onafhanklike boubestuur deskundiges en as dit enigsins blyk dat die stadion nie betyds voltooi sal wees nie, die Raad dit sal onttrek as oefen stadion vir die FIFA Wereld Beker.

Daar sal ook gekyk moet word na die ander betrokke stadions veral met die oog op die Konfederasie Beker wat eersdaags so gou as in Junie 2009 plaasvind.

Die DA vind dit onaanvaarbaar dat daar nog nie ‘n verslag in hierdie Raad oor die program en betrokkenheid van Tshwane by die Konfederasie Beker verskyn het nie. Ons wil weet waar die drie toegekende wedstryde gaan plaasvind, en is daar finansieele komplikasies vir die Raad en gaan daar van die oefen stadions ook gebruik gemaak word.

Ons eis dat daar so ‘n verslag spoedig na die Raad toe moet kom en dat die Burgermeester en haar komitee nou moet wakker skrik.

Die ANC se uurglas is besig om uit te loop en dit is net die DA wat hierdie mooi stad van ons met verantwoordelikheid sal kan bestuur.

Raadslid Johan Welmans
DA Sportwoordvoerder.
(072 617 9197)

DA Speeches in Council 29 January 2009: Transport

SPEECH BY CLLR JUSTUS DE GOEDE

Annexure A Bus rapid transit function

Mr Speaker

Allow me to address these closely-aligned Items jointly, as each bears directly on the other.

The DA has often said in the past that the BRT proposals, which have also been adopted by Johannesburg and Cape Town, are with some reservations, a positive development. No conventional bus system in South Africa can be described as working well and the concept of a dedicated bus thoroughfare, while extremely expensive and complex to build, has been shown elsewhere to contribute to moving people rapidly and safely. Item 3 correctly identifies the problem of taking the taxi industry in particular with us, as both Cape Town and Johannesburg found out to their cost.

Having said this, I think we have to admit that the BRT system in this city – and I am fairly sure the same goes for the other Metros – will not be ready to contribute to public transport in 2010, which makes the reference on page 9 to the fact that “Tshwane’s new buses will not be delivered”, puzzling. I take it these are the standard passenger busses, not suited to the BRT. Estimates from manufacturers are that about 1 200 extra buses would be needed in SA for 2010, assuming they can be built in time ; how does our Metro tend to tackle this problem?

I know that the Mayor is allergic to the word “bus”, but I would be pleased to hear from the MMC exactly what is on the table for the extremely demanding transport program for the World Cup ; we surely don’t intend to run the present museum pieces during the tournament, even if Economic Development has requested a budget for paint to make them look more presentable.

So, mr Speaker, if BRT is no-show in 2010, what then?

Thank you

Councillor Justus de Goede (083 7332557)

SPEECH BY CLLR PETER MILLAR (DA), ward 41.

Annexure A.2. Item 1

Tshwane International Freight Airport

Member of the Portfolio Committee, City Planning and Regional Development.

In the book, Alice in Wonderland, they spoke about curioser and curioser.

In this municipality everything is curiouser and curioser.

This report about the Tshwane International Freight Airport is not just curioser, but also imaginable and quite comical.

About two years ago when the original report first served in Council, it stated the following:
This was a private initiative and the municipality would not be involved.
The only costs to the municipality would be provision of services, water, sewage, electricity, roads, etc.
The main reason for establishing this airport was that Boeing wanted to build a service centre in the southern hemisphere and this was the perfect location.
Freight would be a secondary activity to make extra money.
Wonderboom Airport would not be affected at all by the new airport.

This report starts off with some very flowery language that is reminiscent of the Wonderland that Alice lived in.

In point 2, if you believe the writer, you can imagine the six lane freeway that extends all the way all the way up Africa, through the rift valley, into Cairo. All fantasy, of cause.

The writer of the report starts to hallucinate even more when he talks about the airport creating 66 000 new jobs every year. That is just a dream.

The hallucination continues through the report.

No mention is made of Boeing and its service centre. Maybe that was an illusion in the first place.
The costs of development will be the responsibility of the municipality.
It goes so far as to say that the Municipality must expropriate the land.
Then the report reaches its height of obserdity when it says that Wonderboom Airport must close.

As you can see, this is in total contradiction to the earlier report.

Maybe this report was presented as some kind of joke for our amusement. In that case the writer has something in common with the author of Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll.

However, the author was known use opium before writing his books. I certainly hope that the writer of this report does not use opium or anything like that. I hope it was only his wild, creative, imagination that came to the fore while writing this report.

To be able to imagine that this municipality could afford buying the land when money is in such short supply, is a real gift. We are talking about hundreds of millions of rands. However, the report does not specify how much all this will cost, but does expect this almost bankrupt Council to make a decision.

I would venture to say that there are numerous other projects have priority before this type of expenditure.

This project can only become a reality with the backing of national government. We can never do it on our own. Why we are even trying, I don’t know.

We must have a serious commitment from national government before we waste any more time and effort on this unaffordable project.

Let’s have a dose of reality and realise that we do not live in the fantasy world of Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland.

All that we have got is Gwen in Wonderland by Tobogo Komane.

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

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)

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

DA calls for the immediate re-opening of the Metro Police’s Drug Unit

Press release: Ward Councillor Karen Meyer, DA Spokesperson: Community Safety and Emergency Services, Tshwane. 11 July 2008

It is with shock that the DA learned about the closure of the Tshwane Metro Police’s Drug Unit this week.

This unit is according to the DA the most productive and effective unit within the Metro Police. Only this year the unit, with only five members, made 255 arrests – an outstanding achievement!

In Pretoria alone there were 8127 drug cases for 2007/08 which represents 25% of the total drug cases in Gauteng.

The fact that these members with their specialist background and training in line with international standards, are deployed to the Crime Prevention Unit without any consultation or prior knowledge, is unacceptable.

The Council is blaming the new ASD system, but the DA believes we were all mislead by the ANC because there was no indication regarding the closure of the Unit.

This unit would have launched a project in June to address heroin and cannabis problems at schools in Atteridgeville where up to 25 % (2500) of the learners are already addicted to drugs. Due to insufficient resources the project was cancelled that compelled the learners to hold a march on the 20th of June where the mayor was present.
We are clearly faced with a crisis that cannot be ignored. Even more shocking is the ANC’s and the Metro Council’s inability to give guidance and vision in this regard.

Less than two months ago the Council approved an amendment by the DA that the Metro Police purchase effective drug tests and report back on the success to Council within six months. This and the fact that two members of the drug unit has just returned from a course presented by the French government, underline the fact that the Council seriously lacks sufficient planning.

The DA cannot allow that this Division close its doors due to unprofessional management. The DA will therefore submit a motion at this month’s Council meeting insisting on the re-opening of the Unit.

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

DA eis die onmiddelike heropening van die Tshwane Metropolisie se dwelm eenheid!

Persverklaring: Wyksraadslid Karen Meyer, DA Woordvoerder: Gemeenskapsveiligheid en Nooddienste, Tshwane. 11 Julie 2008

Die DA is uiters geskok met die nuus dat die Tshwane Metropolisie Dwelmeenheid se deure hierdie week gesluit is.

Hierdie divisie is volgens die DA die produktiefste en mees effektiefste eenheid binne die Metropolisie. Hierdie eenheid, met slegs vyf lede, het hierdie jaar reeds 255 arrestasie gemaak, ‘n ongelooflike prestasie.

Slegs in Pretoria alleen wys ‘n totaal van 8 127 dwelmsake vir die 2007/08 jaar wat 25% van Gauteng se totaal is. In die laaste jaar alleen is ‘n toename van 85% in Gauteng aangeteken.

Die feit dat hierdie lede met hul spesialiteitsagtergrond en opleiding van internasionale standaarde nou opgedeel en herontplooi is na die Misdaadvoorkomings eenheid sonder enige konsultasie of vooraf kennis, is eenvoudig onaanvaarbaar! Die nuwe ASD sisteem kry volgens die raad amptelik die skuld, maar die DA glo ons is almal mislei deur die ANC aangesien daar geen aanduiding was dat hierdie eenheid sou sluit nie!

Hierdie eenheid sou ‘n projek in Junie geloods het om die heroien en dagga probleem by skole in Atteridgeville aan te spreek waar tot 20% (2 500) van die leerlinge reeds verslaaf is aan dwelms. As gevolg van ‘n tekort aan hulpbronne moes die projek gekanselleer word wat die skoolkinders genoop het om ‘n optog op 20 Junie te hou waar die Burgemeester teenwoordig was.

Ons sit met ‘n ernstige krisis wat nie geignoreer kan word nie. Meer skokkend egter is die ANC en Tshwane Metroraad se onvermoë om die nodige leiding en die nodige visie te gee.

Die raad het minder as twee maande gelede ‘n amendament van die DA goedgekeur dat die Metropolisie effektiewe dwelmtoetse moet aankoop en die sukses daarvan binne ses maande aan die raad rapporteer. Dit en die feit dat twee van die dwelmeenheid se lede so pas terug is van ‘n dwelmkursus wat die Franse regering aangebied het, wys dat die raad self nie behoorlike beplanning aan die dag lê nie!

Die DA kan nie toelaat dat hierdie divisie sy deure sluit as gevolg van onprofessionele bestuur nie en sal by hierdie maand se raadsvergadering ‘n mosie indien waarop ons gaan aandring op die heroopmaak van hierdie eenheid!

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

Tshwane not ready for 2010

Press release: Councillor Johan Welmans, DA Spokesperson for Sport, Tshwane. 24 June 2008

The Democratic Alliance warned the ANC lead Council on numerous occasions that Tshwane is not on track with it’s preparations to host the 2010 World Cup Soccer tournament .

“ I can only reiterate my comments made in this regard before: If the city does not get it’s act together we can forget about hosting the 2010 soccer tournament in South Africa’s capital city.” said Clr Johan Welmans, the DA Tshwane Metro caucus’ spokesperson for sport, reacting to statements in the media confirming the DA’s reservations about the City’s readiness for 2010.

Clr Welmans also pointed out that the DA asked for a report regarding the Confederation cup to be presented a year prior to 2010. “We are still waiting for that report. If we cannot even present the Confederation cup, then really, how can we expect to be ready for 2010?” Welmans asked.

Welmans confirmed that work at the Loftus Versveld stadium and the Giant stadium in Soshanguve is far from complete.

“We are running out of time and still the council is dragging it’s feet. Had Council only taken the DA serious when we warned them about the situation, we would not have been where we are now.” Welmans said.

This is clearly the result of a poorly administrated city council caught up in petty politics that continues to ignore the constructive contribution the DA as official opposition makes.

‘One can only hope that now that the mayor of the city has been warned by her own party, on the highest level that is, will they come to terms with the reality of the looming 2010 crisis.” Welmans added.

Clr Welmans submitted a letter to the MMC for Sport asking to convene a Portfolio meeting as soon as possible to discuss the issue as a matter of great urgency.

The 2010 soccer world cup is a prestigious event that offers South Africa the opportunity to showcase its best. The Tshwane City Council must get it’s house in order to prevent a major embarrassment.

Councillor Johan Welmans – 072 617 919 7



Media verklaring :Raadslid Johan Welmans, DA Woordvoerder vir Sport, Tswane. 24 Junie 2008

Tshwane nie gereed vir 2010

Die Demokratiese Alliansie het die ANC geleide raad op verskeie geleenthede gewaarsku dat Tshwane nie op koers is met sy voorbereidings om die 2010 Wêreldbekersokkertoernooi aan te bied nie.

“ Ek kan net my kommentaar in hierdie verband herhaal: As die stad nie sy sake in orde kry nie kan ons daarvan vergeet om die 2010 Wêreldbekersokker toernooi in Suid-Afrika se hoofstad aan te bied.” het raadslid Johan Welmans, die DA Tshwane metro koukus se woordvoerder vir sport, gesê in reaksie op media berigte wat die DA se bekommernis oor die stad se gereedheid vir 2010 bevestig.

Raadslid Welmans het ook daarop gewys dat die DA gevra het vir ‘n verslag betreffende die Konfederasie beker wat ‘n jaar voor 2010 aangebied moet word. “ Ons wag steeds vir die verslag. As ons nie die Konfederasie beker kan aanbied nie, hoe kan ons verwag om gereed te wees vir 2010?” het Welmans gevra.

Welmans het bevestig dat die werk by die Loftus Versveld stadion asook die Giant stadion in Soshanguve ver van klaar af is.

“ Die tyd is besig om uit te hardloop en die raad sleep steeds voete. As die raad maar net die DA ernstig geneem het toe ons hulle oor die situasie gewaarsku het, sou ons nie nou hier gewees het nie.” het Welmans gesê.

Dit is die gevolg van ‘n swak bestuurde raad, vasgevang in klein politiek, wat aanhou om die goed bedoelde en konstruktiewe bydrae van die amptelike opposisie te ignoreer.

“ ‘n Mens kan net hoop dat nou dat die burgemeester deur haar eie party gewaarsku is, nogal op die hoogste vlak, hulle die realiteit in die oë sal kyk betreffende ‘n 2010 krisis.” het Welmans bygevoeg.

Raadslid Welmans het ‘n brief vir die lid van die Burgemeesters kommitee gestuur waarin ‘n dringede portefeulje vergadering aangevra word om die krisis as ‘n saak van dringendheid te bespreek.

Die 2010 Wêreldbekersokkertoernooi is ‘n prestige geleentheid wat Suid-Afrika die geleentheid bied om sy beste ten toon te stel. Die Tshwane raad moet sy huis in orde kry om homself ‘n groot verleentheid te spaar.

Raadslid Johan Welmans – 072 617 919 7

Mmutle: a political appointment without benefit for the city

Persverklaring: Wyksraadslid Karen Meyer, DA Woorvoerder: Gemeenskapsveiligheid en Nooddienste, Tshwane. 19 Junie 2008

Mmutle: ‘n politieke aanstelling sonder voordeel vir die stad

Die Demokratiese Alliansie het met skok kennis geneem dat die ANC beheerde raad voortgegaan het met die kontroversiële aanstelling van Kommissaris Mpho Mmutle as hoof van die Tshwane Metro Polisie. Dit kom na herhaalde waarskuwings deur die DA dat hierdie nie ‘n gewensde aanstelling is nie.

Dit is duidelik dat politiek belangriker is as effektiewe dienslewering en produktiwiteit. Hierdie aanstelling voeg nie ‘n waarde by tot die Gemeenskapsveiligheid Department nie, ‘n department wat juis nou bekwame bestuur en leiding benodig om effektiewe dienslewering te verseker.

Mmutle is in Desember 2004 met ‘n lang lys aantygings teen hom van die raad na die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiediens “teruggeroep”.

‘n Forensiese oudit deur die ouditeursfirma Deloitte en Touche het in 2004 tugstappe teen Mmutle, sy drie adjunkte en nog vier senior metropolisielede aanbeveel na bewerings van nepotisme, korrupsie en wanbestuur op die televisie program Carte Blanche.

Soever bekend is die aantygings van wanbestuur teen Mmutle nooit weerlê nie.

Daar is ook reeds aanduidings dat Mmutle sy eie span saam bring na die pos by die Metro polisie.

Die DA is vas oortuig dat daar ander kandidate vir hierdie pos was sonder ‘n negatiewe geskiedenis. Waarom moes die keuse juis op Mmutle val?

Misdaad is almal se vyand nommer een. Juis daarom betreur die DA die feit dat die belange van die gemeenskap die knie moes buig voor goedkoop politiek met met geen voordeel vir die breë gemeenskap nie.

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. 19 June 2008

The Democratic Alliance learnt with shock that the ANC went ahead with the controversial appointment of Commissioner Mpho Mmutle as the head of the Tshwane Metro Police. This happened despite repeated warnings by the DA that this is not a desired appointment.

It is clear that politics are more important than effective service delivery and productivity. This appointment doesn’t add value to the Community Safety Department, a department that needs skilled management more than ever to ensure effective service delivery.

Mmutle has been ‘called back’ to the SAPS from the Council in 2004 with a long list of accusations against him.

A forensic audit by the audit firm Deloitte and Touche recommended disciplinary steps against Mmutle, his three deputies and four senior metro police members following accusations of nepotism, corruption en mismanagement on the television programme Carte Blanche.

To the DA’s knowledge these accusations of miss management have never been refuted.

There is already an indication that Mmutle will bring his own team with him to the post at the Metro Police.

The DA is convinced that there were other candidates for this post without any negative history. Why was Mmutle chosen?
Crime is everyone’s number one enemy. Therefor the DA finds regrettable that the interest of the community had to bow before cheap politics with no benefit for the broader community.

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

DA Win Victory on IDP in Tshwane Council

On Thursday 24 April the DA in Tshwane made a proposal about public participation in the Tshwane Council with regards the Tshwane Integrated Development Plan (IDP). The DA had serious concerns about the fact that the public participation on the IDP was poorly executed and that the document was nor freely available.

During the debate DA leader in the Tshwane Council, Fred Nel, spoke in support of an extension of the the public participation period for the IDP. He reiterated that the document was not made freely available and that is was also not put on the agenda during public participation meetings.

Cllr Elmarie Linde from the DA then proposed an amendment to the report suggesting a further extension for the public participation on the Tshwa IDP. The ANC in the council agreed with the DA amendment and the period for public participation was extended to 15 May 2008.

Below are some of the speeches delivered during the debate by DA councillors.

COUNCIL 2008-04-24 ITEM 1 THE DRAFT TSHWANE INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2006-2011

CLR C J NAPIER

Mr Speaker
We have had six years of compiling IDPs and we are still not getting it right. The only real differences between the first draft document we received in 2002 and the one before us is that the present one is a little thinner and also this one still does not focus on the real issues. The present one contains many tables of what we have in terms of water and toilets and so on. My ward 57 committee has over the years made many reasonable inputs to the IDP. In the document before us I see very little of relevance to my ward which I must add is probably one of the most rapidly developing in the Tshwane municipal area. It seems that the ward 57 inputs simply disappear into the big pot. My ward committee would feel happy if they got some sort of feedback in response to the inputs made. All they want are reasons as to why their inputs can or cannot be accommodated.

Mr Speaker – I have had to ask a question in this council as to whether the ward 57 inputs are being considered. After a long wait I received some replies and others I am still waiting for to this day. This is not how the process should work. My ward committee is becoming very dissolutioned. The Municipality calls for people to become involved – for public participation. If people are to become involved and stay involved they must get some feedback otherwise they will simply drift away and distance themselves from political processes. Integrated Development Planning will simply return to what it was – a highly bureaucratic and centralised process – and this is something we do not want. I believe it is time to rethink the whole IDP process.

I thank you.

Honourable Mr Speaker
I comment on the Draft IDP for Tshwane. It is also known as the UDP.
The Unintegrated Development Plan for Tshwane.
An integrated plan is an integrated holistic picture. It is a plan in which the various sections compliment each other, after interaction with each other.
BUT:
There is a lack of interaction of the various departments of the TMMC in the compilation and implementation of this Development Plan. Much more participatory governance and acknowledgement of participation from the local community is necessary to become successful.
What comments have been received from the various mechanisms of the municipality e.g. Ward Committees and have been accommodated in the TIDP tabled today.
The Unintegrated compilation of inputs from the various Departments will once again result in future integrated chaos on our roads and with service delivery. Departments function as islands distantly separated from each other. There is no indication that Land usage, City development and Roads and Storm water interact on the Integrated Development Plan. It is an Unintegrated mismanaged form of governance.
The fact that land use intensification has been allowed to taken place without matching infrastructure development (roads and public transport infrastructure, storm water, sewage disposal, electricity etc) is a major cause for concern for residents.
Over the past few decades money and the interests of property developers have dictated the nature, pace and direction of development in the city. Successive municipal councils have allowed this to happen without providing the infrastructure and services required to support this development. We are concerned that this pattern will continue with this TIDP.
Governance must consolidate the needs of the various departments, wards, developers and communities in an integrated way. Governance should not follow the one sided inputs of developers in an Unintegrated and unplanned way.
Do we hear the tune of: “Money, money, money” instead of “Planning, planning, planning” in the TIDP.
The DA supports the Ward Committees and residents request that:
o The growth problems are correctly analysed in the document so that the correct remedy can be applied: namely to clearly state that infrastructure provision has lagged behind market lead densification and land use intensification.
o The TIDP clearly outlines the principle that land use intensification and infrastructure development should go hand in hand.
o The TIDP gives substance to this principle by proposing a framework on how the various service delivery and planning departments in the CTMM will work together to ensure that spatial development and service delivery is properly coordinated and linked to time frames and budgets
o The TIDP outlines the need for infrastructure expansion to cater for density increases.
Further consultation must take place before the TIDP is approved or, alternatively the TIDP should state that the detailed selection of activity spines and “mixed use” area along these spines should be dealt with as part of the “local precinct plans” provided for in the RSDF. Detail for specific locations should be discussed with local stakeholders and dealt with as part of the precinct plans.
These needs should either be rectified in the TIDP document or be acknowledged in the document with a recommendation on how these shortcomings will be addressed.

I thank you Mr Speaker

Councillor Doulien VdM Snyman
Ward Councillor – Ward 42

How Do I Calculate My New Property Rate Tax?

There is quite a lot of anxiety about the new property rates taxes that will come into effect on 1 July 2008. However, before you panic we provide you with the formula that the Tshwane Council will use to determine your new monthly property rate tax. Here is what you should do to calculate your property tax.

First, go to http://www.tshwane.gov.za/ to see what your new property valuation is.
Secondly, apply the following formula to calculate your new tax rate.

Your property value - R50 000 X 0,9% - 35% ÷ 12 months = monthly rate

Example for a property valued at R 1 million

(1000 000 - 50 000) X 0,9% - 35% ÷ 12 = R463,13 per month

We hope that you find this information useful and that it provides certainty about your new property tax rate.

Tshwane Raad Mors Geld op Voertuighuur

Persverklaring: Raadslid Adriana Randall. 8 April 2008

Die Demokratiese Alliansie (DA) het die Tshwane Stadsraad se yslike voertuig huurrekening gekap.

Die geskatte totale koste vir die huur van voertuie vir die periode Augustus 2007 tot Januarie 2008 is ‘n verbysterende R 8 509 362-36, waarvan 91 voertuie toegeken is aan die Landbou en Omgewingsbestuurs departement en 50 vir die Elektrisiteits departement. Die Metro-Polisie departement het slegs 9 voertuie ingevolge hierdie kontrak verkry.

Dit is omdat die Raad nie in staat is om voertuie betyds te bekom voordat langtermynkontrakte verstryk nie. “Dit is duidelik dat die stadsraad se voertuig vlootbestuur en verskrygingseksies nie in staat is om te beplan wanneer hulle weet voertuie moet vervang word nie. Dit blyk die gevolg te wees van onbevoegdheid en ‘n gebrek aan verantwoorbaarheid by die betrokke seksies.” het Raadslid Adriana Randall van die DA gesê.

Die DA bevraagteken dit ernstig of hierdie geld sinvol spandeer is. “ Dit kan eenvoudig nie ‘n koste effektiewe wyse wees om die voertuigvloot van die stadsraad te bestuur nie.” het Randall gesê. Sy het bygevoeg dat hierdie tipe buitensporige uitgawes laat dit voorkom asof die stadsraad hoegenaamd geen tekorte het wat fondse betref nie. “Ons weet almal beter, die raad kan nie sulke huurkontrakte bekostig nie.”

Die DA wil weet watter plan die Raad in plek het om die voertuigvloot behoeftes aan te spreek. Deur die voertuie te huur teen gemelde bedrae kan die stadsraad die voertuie wat benodg word aankoop binne ‘n jaar of twee en miljoene rande in die toekoms spaar.

Die African National Congress (ANC) geleide Raad is die belastingbetalers van Pretoria ‘n verduideliking verskuldig. Inaggenome die infrastruktuur behoeftes van die stad veroordeel die DA sulke spandabelrigheid en maak ‘n beroep op die Raad om sy plan asook ‘n tydtafel vir hoe ‘n koste effektiewe voertuigvloot in stand gehou kan word in die volgende finansiële jaar, bekend te maak.

Daar is ‘n algemene hulpkreet vir beter dienslewering onder al die gemeenskappe van die Tshwane Metropolitaanse stad. Die DA sal aanhou om sulke nie-rassionele finansiële uitgawes te ontbloot. Gesonde finansiële bestuur word vereis vir ‘n goed funksionerende stad. Die DA sal volhard om daarop aan te dring

Die DA beplan om die burgemeester te vra oor die prestasie bonus strukture vir die twee betrokke departemente. “ Die prestasie kontrakte van die bestuurders van daardie departemente moet sekerlik gekoppel wees aan die kern besigheid, naamlik om die voertuigvloot effektief te bestuur en die verkryging van die mees koste effektiewe opsie vir die stadsraad. Ons wil van die burgemeester weet of dit inderdaad so is en of die bestuurders ter sprake gepenaliseer sal word omrede sulke vermorste uitgawes vir die stadsraad aangegaan is.” het Randall gesê.

Raadslid Adriana Randall (083 263 8667)

Tshwane Council Wasting Money on Vehicle Rentals

Press release: Councillor Adriana Randall. 8 April 2008
Persverklaring: Raadslid Adriana Randall. 8 April 2008


The Democratic Alliance (DA) has slammed the Tshwane City Council’s hefty vehicle rental account.

The approximate total cost for vehicle rentals for the period August 2007 until January 2008 is a staggering R 8 509 362-36, of which 91 vehicles were allocated to the Agriculture and Environmental Management department, and 50 to the Electricity department. The Metro Police Department only received 9 vehicles under this vehicle contract.

This is due to the fact that the Council is unable to procure vehicles in time to replace those of which the leases run out. “It is clear that the City Council’s fleet management and procurement sections are unable to plan in advance when they know when vehicles have to be replaced. This seems to be a result of incompetence and a lack of accountability among the respective sections” said Councillor Adriana Randall from the DA.

The DA seriously questions whether this is money wisely spent. “This can simply not be a cost effective way to manage the vehicle fleet of the City Council.” said Randall. She added that this type of extravagant expenditures makes it appear as if the City Council has absolutely no shortage of funds whatsoever. “We all know better, the Council cannot afford these rentals.”

The Democratic Alliance would like to know what plan the Council has in place to address its vehicle fleet needs. By renting vehicles at these costs the Council can buy the needed vehicles within a year or two to save millions in future.

The African National Congress (ANC) lead Council owes the tax and rates payers of Pretoria an answer. Considering the infrastructure needs of the city the DA condemns this type of extravagant spending and calls upon Council to release it’s plan together with a clear timeframe as to how a cost effective vehicle fleet is to be maintained in the next financial year.

There is a general outcry for better service delivery by all the communities of the Tshwane Metropolitan City . The DA will continue to expose such non-rational financial expenditures. Sound financial management is required for a well functioning city. The DA will persist in demanding it from the City Council.

The DA intends to question the mayor about the performance bonus structures for the two departments in question. “Surely the performance contracts of the managers in these departments should be linked to their core business of managing the fleet effectively and procuring the most cost effective options for the City Council. We want to know from the mayor whether this is indeed so and whether the managers in question will be penalized for causing such wasteful expenditure for the City Council” said Randall.

Councillor Adriana Randall (083 263 8667)

DA Objects to Irregular Council Meetings

Persverklaring: Raadslid Peter Millar. 1 April 2008

Press release: Councillor Peter Millar. 1 April 2008

The Democratic Alliance (DA) seriously questions and objects to the African National Congress’s (ANC’s) stance that the Tshwane Metro Council meet only every second month. By contrast, the Metro Councils of other cities such as Cape Town, Durban, Bloemfontein and Johannesburg understand the logic of meeting once a month.

Being the capital city of South Africa with vast infrastructure, socio-economic and political challenges, the arrangement of meeting only every second month makes no sense. In fact, this arrangement is not conducive to transparent and accountable government in any way what so ever.

A motion was submitted by DA councillor Peter Millar at the Council meeting held on 27 March 2008 calling for council meetings at least once a month.

In the motion that was tabled by Councillor Peter Millar the following was pointed out:
“By meeting every two months there is a delay in making important decisions and retarding development. There is a delay in dealing with and responding to motions, questions, and petitions, thus resulting in a lack of accountability and openness to ordinary citizens, the media, ward committees and other structures in society.”

The ANC was reluctant to accept the motion and referred it instead to the Council’s programming committee for review.

This is not the first time such an appeal was made to the ANC and one wonders how long the ANC will drag their feet on the issue. By meeting only every second month, democracy is not served.

The DA does not accept this tendency to side step the meganisms that were put in place to promote democracy. The DA will continue calling on the ANC to revisit this arrangement. Hopefully, not to many months will slip away before logic replaces selfish political rhetoric.


Councillor Peter Millar
082 574 4103

Tshwane Beeld Artikel oor Eiendomsbelasting - Regstelling

Persverklaring: Raadslid Natasha Michael, Hoofsweep DA Tshwane Koukus. 2 April 2008

Die Demokratiese Alliansie (DA) in die Tshwane Metro Raad het met teleurstelling gereageer op die artikel wat in die Tshwane Beeld van 2 April 2008 verskyn het.
Rdl Natasha Michael, hoofsweep in die raad het gesê dat die artikel nie die bedoeling van die beleid aandui nie. Ook is die standpunte van die DA in hierdie verband nie korrek aangedui nie. Michael het verwys na die stelling wat gemaak word dat ‘n interne omsendskrywe deur die koukus leier, Fred Nel, uitgestuur is waarin aangedui word dat tariewe in sekere gevalle met 600% kan styg.
“ Rdl Nel het ‘n interne memo uitgestuur waarin hy bloot verskeie scenarios uitwys wat deur ons as raadslede ondersoek moes word. Hierdie scenario’s is ondersoek om te verseker dat ons te alle tye in die beste belang van ons kiesers optree. Uiteindelik, toe ons ‘n finale kopie van die beleid ontvang het, was ons aangenaam verras om te sien dat nie een van die moontlike slegte scenario’s gerealiseer het nie, en dat dit ‘n regverdige en aanvaarbare beleid was.” het Michael gesê.
“Die Vryheids Front + (VF+) is weereens besig om die publiek te mislei deur op onnodige en onprofessionele wyse te probeer om kiesers bang te maak deur halwe waarhede aan hulle te bied. Interessant is om kennis te neem dat die VF+ slegs een setel het op die Finansies portefeulje komitee. Dit is ook interessant dat die VF+ lid, dit is Rdl Cornelius Janse Van Rensburg, van die laaste sewe vergaderings slegs drie vergaderings bygewoon het. Hy was nie by die vergaderings van 11 Maart 2008, 6 Maart 2008, 11 Januarie 2008 of die vergadering van 25 Oktober 2007 nie. Eerlikwaar, hoe kan mens verwag dat hy sal weet wat aangaan rakende die beleid as hy vergaderings wat die beleid bespreek, misloop!
Ons het ons eie bekommernisse gehad oor die beleid, maar na deeglike berekening en oorweging was ons tevrede dat die beleid regverdig was.
Wat verstaan moet word is dat in gevalle waar waardasies aansienlik onder markwaarde was, sulke tariewe natuurlik sal verhoog. Hierdie toedrag van sake is net logies, maar selfs in sulke gevalle is dit nie naastenby so drasties as wat die VF+ voorgee nie.
Sovêr dit die DA betref is die beleid regverdig en ons is gelukkig daarmee. Ons leef in ‘n mark gedrewe ekonomie, en dit is daarom verstaanbaar dat tariewe in die meer eksklusiewe woonbuurte hoër sal wees as tariewe in minder eksklusiewe woonbuurte want die erwe is meer werd.
Hierdie is nie net ‘n Suid-Afrikaanse verskynsel nie, dit gebeur regoor die wêreld.” het Michael verduidelik.


Raadslid Natasha Michael
Hoofsweep DA Tshwane Koukus
083 282 0668

The FF+ is Misleading Pretoria Residents

The Freedom Front, by way of a press statements issued on Friday 28 March and Monday 31 March, alleges that the Democratic Alliance supports ANC policy in the Tshwane Council that will bring low cost housing to parks in our wards. The FF is misleading residents on purpose. Here are the facts.

- The DA did not support such a policy as can be seen from the minutes of the Tshwane Council on 2 August 2007. The DA voted against this policy.
- This policy does not propose the use of park or recreational spaces for any form of housing at all.

“The DA is very disappointed with the FF’s tactic to use lies to further its own cause. It will benefit everybody if the FF followed the DA’s example in fighting the abuse of power by the ANC rather than dividing the opposition. The DA’s use of questions and motions constructively promotes the interests of residents in the Council while the FF uses cheap politics for its own benefit!” said Fred Nel leader of the DA in the Tshwane Council.

According to Nel the DA is considering legal action against the FF for its false statement and called on the FF to further its own cause in an honest manner. “We will be writing to them today demanding an apology and a withdrawal of their statement which is clearly without any substance. We are also concerned that it has become so easy for them to have their misleading statements published in the media as fact.”
The DA expressed the wish that this would now clear this matter and put it to rest.

Property Rates - Check the Value of Your Property!

The Tshwane Municipality has published its estimated property values for all properties in the municipality for inspection.
The new property rates system levies your monthly property rates on the market value of your full property (i.e. stand and improvements).
Make sure the valuation of your property is accurate by inspecting the draft valuation roll to make sure you don’t pay too much property tax from 1 July 2008.

If you want to lodge an objection to your property valuation please remember:
- No objection will be considered unless it is lodged on the prescribed form and submitted on/ before 30 April 2008.
- Only original forms will be considered.
- Lodging an objection will not defer liability for the payment of your rates.

Also note that all properties are valued on market value and if your valuation is correct or less than market value it would serve no purpose to lodge an objection to the value of your property.

Click on the brochure posted here for more information on how and where you can check your property's municipal valuation.