Pretoria - Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Des van Rooyen has called on leaders in the Mogale City Municipality to put the interest of communities first.
“It is now time for the leadership of the municipality to put the needs of communities first and ensure the speedy resolution of all disputes. Municipalities can only be able to meet the objectives it sets itself to deliver services to communities driven through clear plans, programmes and budgets,” said Minister van Rooyen on Monday.
This as it was reported earlier this month that Mogale City Mayor Michael Holenstein was removed from his post six months after his appointment.
Following the local government elections held on the 3 August 2016, the municipality experienced a number of political challenges. The council has failed to convene meetings and take care of the business of the municipality to govern and deliver services to communities.
“In as much our democratic constitution allows for processes to choose and remove mayors, I urged the councillors who are also public representatives to have at heart the will and wishes of communities they serve,” said the Minister.
Minister Van Rooyen further added that it cannot be that communities are left to suffer as a result of infighting and disagreements by councillors.
”We call on all leaders in that Municipality to act now to avoid the catastrophic results from the lack of service delivery, especially for the poor,” said the Minister.
The Minister said local government is the sphere closest to the people and this is where basic services should be delivered.
“The challenges experienced in Mogale City Local Municipality characterised by the failure of council to perform and carry out its executive obligations, are an assault on the poor who expect the delivery of services facilitated by their elected representatives,” said Minister van Rooyen. – SAnews.gov.za
