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#Diepslootviolence: SAPS’ lack of action leads to community taking law into their own hands

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng is calling on the Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko to liaise with her national counterparts, the Minister of Police, and the Minister of State Security to urgently brief the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s (GPL) portfolio Committee on Community Safety on the action that will be taken to quell the violence in Diepsloot.

We are greatly concerned that this violence will quickly escalate, and we will see similar scenes as we did in July last year.

The DA believes that there is a fine line between criminality and voicing your concern about undocumented foreign nationals.

While the country’s law must be respected and adhered to by all, we cannot have a situation where our residents take the law into their own hands and injure or kill innocent bystanders.

We condemn the mob justice that has taken place in Diepsloot over the last few days, but we urge our residents to come forward with any information about where they believe criminal activities are taking place.

This will allow the full might of the law to take its course. It is unacceptable that we now have a community like Diepsloot living in fear because of a few individuals who decided to take the law into their own hands.

The DA will be tabling questions in the GPL around the recent activities in Diepsloot as it is very concerning that this community took matters into their own hands shortly after the Minister of Police met with the community to discuss their concerns and deployed a heavy police contingent in Diepsloot.

 

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#GautengWaterCrisis: DA is not looking for votes Minister Mchunu, we want to ensure that the basic right of access to water is not compromised by incompetency

The incompetent and inefficient Rand Water has on several occasions failed to communicate timeously to the residents of Gauteng through their municipalities about the planned water outages due to the maintenance of water infrastructure.

Based on two previous occasions where our residents were abrupt left without water earlier this year, it raised concern for the DA. This is because the situation was not effectively communicated by Rand Water and therefore, we had no choice but to put pressure on the government to ensure that such instances were not repeated.

The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu is now trying to deflect the seriousness of the situation by saying that the DA has caused panic among Gauteng residents. However, the fact that they have delayed the planned scheduled maintenance from 1-3 April 2022 shows that there was no effective communication with the municipalities that were going to be affected.

Rand Water states that they are not responsible for providing water tankers to the affected municipalities during water outages yet, they are the ones who cause water supply interruptions due to their maintenance operations.

While we agree that there is a need to maintain water infrastructure, this however cannot be done by inconveniencing our residents. Rand Water must also be held financially accountable for the financial burden that is now placed on municipalities in terms of sourcing out water tankers.

Municipalities do not have sufficient water tankers to provide water to the affected residents during water outages caused by Rand Water. There should be a shared responsibility between the Rand Water and municipalities to ensure that areas affected by water outages are provided with water during that period. This will leave thousands of Gauteng residents without water and will then blame the municipalities for failing to provide water tankers.

The DA is not desperate for votes and will never politicise such a human crisis. We will continue to put pressure on both provincial and national governments as well as Rand Water to ensure an uninterrupted water supply for all Gauteng residents.

The DA is petitioning the Premier and COGTA MEC to lobby their national counterparts to engage with the South African National Defence Force to assist with water tankers during the water outages. We also demand a proper audit of all our water infrastructure in Gauteng.

We will be engaging with the Department of Water and Sanitation concerning its refusal to grant a license to Rand Water to increase its water capacity supply. We will also be engaging with Rand Water in terms of their water infrastructure maintenance plans and their ineffective communication to the municipalities.

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DA supported the Township Economic Development Bill in the interest of Gauteng residents

Gauteng townships have endured great hardship due to the Covid-19 pandemic which has been worsened by the July unrest. As a result, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has thrown its weight behind the Gauteng Township Economic Development Bill in the interest of our residents and township enterprise development.

The passing of this bill is a step in the right direction and will greatly assist in helping to revitalise the township economy in our province.

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused great disruption in our already stressed township economy and the passing of this bill by the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) is in the best interest of our residents and township enterprises.

The DA firmly believes that the bill will help transform the currently neglected areas in our township to bustling economic hubs, which will contribute to job creation and economic development in the entire province.

We have supported the bill because the Portfolio Committee of Economic Development agreed to the DA’s proposal not to create another agency.

The DA believed that the creation of another agency would have led to funds being looted and the enterprises which were the intended beneficiaries would not have been given any monetary assistance.

Furthermore, through our intervention we have also expanded the definition of what a township is to include areas that are currently economically deprived. This means that job opportunities for our unemployed residents will be created in a wider economic space, which will greatly reduce the current unemployment rate in the province.

The changes that were adopted by the Portfolio Committee were put forward by the DA.

This is once again a testament to the fact that we will always put the needs of our residents first and we will ensure that all our residents are given a fair opportunity to be active participants in the Gauteng economy.

The DA will be closely monitoring the implementation of this bill so that only businesses which meet the criteria set out in the Township Economic Development Bill are assisted.

We will also make sure that the checks and balances put in place to ensure that the growth of the township economy are strictly adhered to, so that our province can become the leader in reducing the unemployment rate particularly for our youth.

In order for our township economy to flourish and to contribute to GDP of our country there is a great need for such legislation to enable economic growth and investment to take place.

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DA submits candidates in every ward in Gauteng

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has successfully submitted candidates in every ward to contest the upcoming Local Government Elections, which will be held on 1 November 2021.

This follows a very rigorous and thorough selection process.

We are excited that every ward across Gauteng will have an opportunity to vote for a DA candidate. This speaks to our commitment to bring real change in every community through a DA-led government.

The DA is the only party that is big enough to challenge and beat the ANC. Smaller political parties do not have the same footprint that can unseat the ANC and get things done. A strong DA remains the best defence against the rise of the EFF.

The DA’s election campaign is already progressing at full steam. Yesterday, our DA Mayoral candidate, Randall Williams, unveiled 107 candidates who will be contesting all the wards in Tshwane.

Today our Mayoral candidate, Refiloe Nt’sekhe, will be launching her vision and plan to get services on track in Ekurhuleni Local Municipality.

Our Mayoral candidates for Johannesburg, Midvaal and Mogale City together with our DA public representatives and activists from across the province are on the ground daily engaging with communities about the DA difference.

We are campaigning for the win, to put in a capable DA-led government in every municipality, to restore services, stop the rot and get things done.

Local Government Elections are coming up! Visit check.da.org.za to check your voter registration status.

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Let’s continue to build Midvaal into the beacon of service delivery and good governance

Leadership of the Democratic Alliance, colleagues and residents, I am honoured to accept my party’s nomination to stand for Mayor of Midvaal Local Municipality.

I remember growing up in the streets of Meyerton, riding my bicycle as a young boy. I have watched our area grow from strength to strength under the strong leadership of the Democratic Alliance and my predecessors.

I am ready to build on the work that the DA has laid – of providing quality services to all of Midvaal’s residents.

I want to acknowledge and thank our outgoing Executive Mayor, Bongani Baloyi, and the administration for a stellar performance in Midvaal.

The municipality has been recognized as the best performing municipality in Gauteng and one of the top six in the country through its achievement of clean audits, excellent service delivery and commitment to good governance.

Service delivery excellence is the golden thread used to weave a tapestry of transparent, accountable, clean and good governance. The DA in Midvaal has brought accountability and worked hard to remove corruption.

While ANC-led municipalities across the country are marred by corruption and mismanagement, the DA has held on to its brand of good governance and service delivery.

As I accept my party’s nomination, I look forward to taking Midvaal to new heights while continuing to ensure exemplary governance.

I have gained invaluable experience through various positions within Midvaal ranging from being a ward councillor, Member of Mayoral Committee and Political Head. This has placed me in an opportune position to understand the holistic culture of Midvaal and the perseverance needed to keep the wheels of success turning.

I undertake to serve and lead Midvaal with integrity and pride. I undertake to make my family, the DA, residents and most importantly God, proud, as I journey down this path.

I would like to extend my condolences to those who have lost loved ones during this unprecedented global challenge we face caused by Covid-19 and wish a speedy recovery to those recovering from the virus.

This pandemic has forced us into a new normal, and, as public servants, we need to recognize the economic hardships that our residents are faced with. Hardships that pose a threat to not only the fiscal situation of the municipality but have had a severely negative impact on people’s livelihoods.

Ensuring financial stability while maintaining and expanding service delivery in this time is a daunting task, however, it is not insurmountable. Thinking out of the box, coupled with hard work and dedication will certainly make it possible.

The DA has already started with the groundwork to keep Midvaal DA. In the coming months, we will continue to engage with all communities to ensure that we gain support and continue to build on the good work we are already doing.

Democrats, I leave you with this quote from the former President of America, Barack Obama: “We need to internalize this idea of excellence. Not many folks spend a lot of time trying to be excellent. The future rewards those who press on. I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself. I don’t have time to complain. I’m going to press on”.

I thank you.

Local Government Elections are coming up! Visit check.da.org.za to check your voter registration status. 

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DA terribly saddened at the passing of MPL Lebo More

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng is totally heartbroken to learn of the passing of our colleague and friend, Lebo More, a DA Member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.

Lebo had been serving the DA as the Shadow MEC for Sports, Arts, Recreation and Culture in the province – a role which saw him take on many issues, including the non-payment of Covid-19 relief funding for struggling artists and athletes.

Lebo first joined the DA in 2003, where he was shortly elected as the DA Youth Branch Chairperson at the Mogale City Branch. Between 2005 and 2013, Lebo continued his work in politics, where he became a member of the DA Gauteng Commission on Youth and then as a Councillor in Mogale City that saw him go on to serve as Deputy Chief Whip for the DA’s caucus in that municipality.

In 2013, Lebo was sworn in as a MPL in the Gauteng Legislature.

Lebo’s record of unconditional and dedicated public service was a demonstration of his commitment to fight against corruption and help build a South Africa for all. He leaves his DA colleagues, family and friends in mourning, while still honoured to have known and worked with him.

We hope his soul finds everlasting peace. He will never be forgotten.

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DA deeply saddened by the passing of Johannesburg Councillor, Noorbhai

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng is saddened by the passing of Councillor, Abdul Razak Noorbhai, from the DA’s City of Johannesburg Caucus.

Councillor Noorbhai was first elected to Council in October 2018 and was a PR Councillor assigned to Ward 8 in the City of Johannesburg.

He will be remembered as a lighthearted soul, who always displayed commitment and dedication.

We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues, and we wish them all the strength they need in this difficult time.

Local Government Elections are coming up in 2021! Visit check.da.org.za to check your voter registration status.

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Seventh clean audit for DA-led Midvaal Municipality

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is proud to announce that the DA-led Midvaal Municipality is continuing its good governance practices and managing its financial resources in a sustainable manner.

The Auditor General has awarded the municipality another clean audit for the 2019/20 financial year, the seventh consecutive award since 2013, making it the best performing municipality in Gauteng.

Receiving this accolade proves once again that where the DA governs, we do our utmost to ensure that taxpayers’ money is spent on delivering services efficiently to our communities.

The DA commends Mayor Baloyi and his team for another positive audit outcome, and most importantly we thank the residents of Midvaal for their support.

 

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e-Government once again incurs irregular expenditure to the tune of R354 milion

The Department of e-Government in Gauteng has once again incurred irregular spending of R354 258 000 for the 2019-’20 financial year and the DA will now submit questions to ensure proper procurement processes are followed in the future.

The irregular spending was revealed in the annual report for the department for the previous financial year.

According to the annual report this irregular expenditure was incurred because of the following:

  • Month-to-month extension of an irregular Security Operations Centre extension due to the delay in the SITA procurement process.
  • Contravention of the PFMA 16A 3.2(a): Lease contract date precedes the evidence of ownership date.
    Request of variation after contract expiry: Email as a service.
  • Deviation from the normal procurement process for procurement of Gauteng Broadband Network (GBN) services excluded from the SITA request for bid.
  • GBN proposed substantive conditions not yet attained.

This trend of irregular expenditure is extremely concerning as this is not the first time that irregular expenditure has occurred.

Last year the department incurred irregular expenditure of R31,9 million due to not following the correct procurement process.

It is becoming clear that this department lacks the political will to ensure that the proper procurement processes are followed as this is again the reason for the irregular expenditure for the 2019-’2020 financial year.

Given the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the country, the Department of e-Government can play a key role in improving service delivery to the residents of Gauteng, modernising the public service and stimulating the province’s knowledge-based economy.

Considering this year’s annual report and the history of this department failing to properly implement and roll out the Gauteng Broadband Network (GBN) then the department is falling on its core mandate to improve service delivery to the residents of Gauteng.

Last year, this department was identified as a key growth area by the Gauteng Provincial Government and received R1.4 billion to fund key projects like the GBN and the creation of the e-services platform that will allow residents to connect with government.

It is worrying that this department has once again regressed and received a qualified audit opinion from the Auditor General.

I will again be submitting questions to the MEC to determine what steps will be taken to ensure that the proper procurement process is followed by this department and if a resolution has been reached on the GBN and the implementation of the second phase of this project.

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MEC Mazibuko fails the victims and survivors of gender-based violence in Gauteng

 The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng is disappointed to learn that the Gauteng Department of Community Safety has consistently failed to roll out the Green Doors meant to ensure that the victims and survivors of gender-based violence receive prompt and effective services and toprevent secondary victimisation of the survivors.

This information was revealed in the department’s second quarter report for the 2020/21 financial year.

 A Green Door is a safe space in the community that is at least 5kms away from a police station and is run by community members. It offers debriefing, containment and referral to necessary stakeholders such as local NGOs, SAPS, and courts. Green Door is a link between the community and SAPS, and the victim can stay for up to 6 hours at the site.

 According to the second quarter report, the department had a target of rolling out nine Green Doors.

 This target was not achieved, and the department has not given a reason for the deviation. The department states that the ambassadors have been recruited and screened and that the procurement process is underway to ensure that the rollout happens before the end of the financial year.

This target was also not achieved in the first quarter of the 2020/21 financial year. The reasons given by the department for non-achievement is that due to lockdown, no Green Doors were erected because of the inaccessibility of the homes.

It is worrying that the department consistently fails to establish Green Doors despite the increase of gender-based violence cases across the country during the lockdown.

 The DA calls on the Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko to ensure that these Green Doors are prioritised to provide adequate and effective service and support to the victims and survivors of gender-based violence. We will hold MEC Mazibuko accountable for the increase in cases of gender- based violence if these Green Doors are not erected as a matter of urgency.