The visit by the national Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Namane Masemola, and Eastern Cape MEC Zolile Williams to the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro (NMBM) undeniably proves that local government has failed under ANC rule.
The visit forms part of a national intervention in the Metro as well as a general national programme aimed at restoring functionality to municipalities.
When national and provincial structures have to step in to restore a municipality’s basic functions – as is happening in the NMBM – it serves as clear evidence that the ANC-led local government has forsaken its constitutional mandate.
The decay of infrastructure, water systems, finances and administration has become so profound that residents pay the price daily.
So, this visit is not a courteous formality, but a desperate attempt to halt the decline and get the Municipality back on track.
This process should not be stifled by documents and committee meetings. Residents need to see tangible results.
The Freedom Front Plus, therefore, welcomes the announcement that ten technical team members from national and provincial spheres will assist the Metro’s directorates. They are tasked with restoring administrative stability, normalising infrastructure projects and promoting good governance.
The party expects Mayor Babalwa Lobishe, all mayoral committee members, executive directors and the acting city manager to give their full cooperation.
The success of this intervention depends on political and administrative willingness to accept responsibility while putting the interests of residents first.
The Freedom Front Plus will exercise stringent oversight to ensure the intervention does not stagnate, but brings about actual improvement.
The only real and permanent solution, though, is for residents to oust the ANC and its cohorts at the polls and elect a local government that puts their interests first.
NMBM residents deserve stability, transparency and sustainable service delivery.
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