Dear Editor
At a council meeting in Theewaterskloof yesterday, the ANC coalition tried to approve an adjustment budget, moving money from Water and Electricity to council executives and staff, for expenditure on VIP security, secretaries, political advisors, and the like. This is a clear display of where ANC priorities lay. Luckily, with a swift response and strategic footwork, the DA managed to ensure that these shameful tactics did not work.
Furthermore, the ANC coalition approved the unauthorized issue of VIP security and argued that it is value for money. The DA opposed this and proposed that an independent external committee should be appointed to determine whether there was financial gain. To this end, the DA has written to the Western Cape Minister of Local Government.
At the meeting, the ANC acknowledged that the disciplinary charges against a suspended senior official will be withdrawn and an exit package was presented. The details are, unfortunately, not available at this time. The DA opposed this and was of the opinion that the official immediately take up their position in office again, as no disciplinary hearing had been initiated since their suspension six months ago. The charge against the official was a procedural fiasco aimed at driving a political agenda.
Lastly, the Deputy Mayor, under the protection of the Speaker, completely lost his temper when he once again tried to table hollow claims against DA councillors who are taking the ANC to task in council. This is but a desperate attempt to distract residents from ANC corruption that is destroying our municipality and the country as a whole.
On a positive note, the public gallery at one point erupted in support of DA councillors bravely speaking out for the residents of Theewaterskloof. Again, we want to reiterate that we will continue with this fight. We care for the people of Theewaterskloof and we will not let this go!
Regards
Martie Koegelenberg
DA Constituency Chairperson, Theewaterskloof
