Dear Editor
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has requested a national Parliamentary investigation into the recent renovations of the Gelvandale community swimming pool in Gqeberha’s Northern Areas.
These renovations have apparently been funded by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and have bypassed the ward councillor, and local businesses and SMMEs in favour of a contractor from Johannesburg – allegedly connected to the Patriotic Alliance (PA) and its leader, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie.
We have, therefore, written to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture, Joe McGluwa, to launch an investigation to ascertain how departmental funding was used to renovate the pool and if the correct processes were followed to do so.
The involvement of former PA councillor Bradley Murray in the project, coupled with the lack of transparency, raises suspicions that political gain is driving the project rather than a focus on community benefit.
Why is Murray attending meetings regarding this project if he is no longer a PA councillor or part of an SMME in this ward, and why is he still using the swimming pool offices?
A thorough investigation is urgently needed to determine how the procurement process was conducted and whether any irregularities occurred. Minister McKenzie must be held accountable for the lack of transparency in this project.
The decision to award the contract to an external contractor, despite the availability of qualified local businesses, demonstrates a blatant disregard for the people of the Northern Areas, the local economy, and its potential for growth. Local businesses and SMMEs must be prioritised in all projects to ensure fair and equitable opportunities for growth.
Although the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality attempted to reopen the pool during the previous summer season, the DA conducted an oversight inspection at the pool that revealed several critical safety issues that prevented its reopening. Key concerns included safety hazards posed by the deteriorating condition of the pool’s stands.
We have been fighting to have all municipal pools repaired and restored to their former glory and will continue to do so, but this must be done in a transparent and ethical manner.
The DA is committed to upholding transparent and accountable governance, guaranteeing that taxpayer funds are utilised in a responsible manner. We are dedicated to empowering local businesses and SMMEs, driving economic growth, and creating inclusive opportunities that benefit the broader community, rather than merely enriching a select few.
Regards
Yusuf Cassim MPL / Cllr Georgina Faldtman
PE Northern Areas Constituency Leader / DA EC Provincial Spokesperson
