Dying diggers of Namaqualand need saving
| by Grantham Steenkamp, MPL – DA Northern Cape spokesperson of COGHSTA |
| Date: 02 September 2020 |
| Release: Immediate |
| While the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Northern Cape remains concerned about the wellbeing of the Renosterberg local municipality, we are concerned that political undertones are serving as greater driver for the current attempt to dissolve Council, than the actual state of the municipality.This comes amidst ongoing NCOP deliberations following a request by MEC Bentley Vass to get the necessary authorisation to invoke a Section 139 intervention.We acknowledge that the municipality has failed to consecutively submit financial statements for two years running, which is simply unacceptable. No government institution must think that they are above the law or that they can evade being held accountable.Nonetheless, we are also aware of corruption combatting actions that are taking place within Renosterberg municipality and of an ANC factional battle within Council, that has seen a certain ANC cadre opting to vote with his conscience as opposed to voting along party lines.If the true basis for the dissolution of council is the wellbeing of Renosterberg municipality, then so be it. But if the real motivation is to enforce ANC party loyalty, then this is unacceptable.Capacity to assist embattled municipalities is lacking. At the same time, we are less than a year away from the local government elections. Government needs to think carefully about whether or not to plunge another municipality, and all of its residents, into a further state of crisis that will undoubtedly have a negative impact on service delivery. |
| Media Enquiries |
| Grantham Steenkamp, MPLDA Northern Cape spokesperson of COGHSTA071 797 6292 Shelley de WittResearcher082 847 1387 |
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