Senseless tactics by the ANC aimed at deceiving voters ahead of next year’s elections are already in full swing.
Last week, Mpumalanga Premier, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane and Members of the Executive Council (MECs) visited Govan Mbeki in what they labelled an ‘Exco Outreach’. According to the premier’s office, the programme forms a crucial part of their service delivery oversight.
The Provincial Government has implemented a variety of service delivery projects and programmes throughout the Province in its efforts to uplift communities.
However, the premier’s visit and outreach programme completely misrepresented the dire state of living residents are subjected to.
The ANC’s visit to Govan Mbeki was nothing but a campaign dialogue aimed at luring voters back to the ANC. As per norm, the premier and her cabinet ignored failed projects administered by their ANC cadres at municipal level, these include:
- Dilapidated Johannes Steggman Theatre, R3 million meant to refurbish this theatre has allegedly gone to waste.
- Road projects in eMbalenhle were paid for, then taken back as internal projects, and now outsourced again.
- Rebuilding of the stadium in Lebohang, more than R10 million was spent on this stadium.
- Refurbishment of a multipurpose centre in Emzinoni, a project that started a decade ago is still not functional. Millions in taxpayers’ money and donors have seemingly gone to waste.
- Failed regional park in Bethal, R5 million in Municipal Infrastructure Grants was spent, however, the park is non-existent.
- Unsuccessful implementation of the smart meter project aimed at enhancing the municipality’s revenue. Currently the municipality is in a legal battle with a service provider that was irregularly appointed.
- Abandoned Kinross Golf Clubhouse, a municipal facility that could be generating revenue.
The notion that Govan Mbeki is a well governed municipality that renders services to residents is fictitious. Millions in taxpayers’ money have gone unaccounted for, projects that would have benefited communities have been derailed and the flouting of the Municipal Finance Management Act has slowed down the wheels of service delivery.
The DA will continue exposing the rot, the ANC administration in Govan Mbeki has failed dismally. The municipality requires provincial intervention, residents deserve a functional government that will prioritize service delivery.