DA Supports Progress made by the Multi-Party Coalition government in Ekurhuleni
by Cllr. Mike da Silva– DA PR Councillor in Ekurhuleni
Date: 28 July 2022
Release: Immediate
Note to Editors: The following statement is a shortened version of a speech delivered in reply to the Executive Mayor Ald. Tania Campbell’s, address by DA PR Councillor in Ekurhuleni, Cllr. Mike da Silva, during the Ordinary Council Meeting held on the 28th of July 2022.
Good Morning Speaker, Executive Mayor, Whip of Council, all protocol observed.
On behalf of the Democratic Alliance I would like to begin by acknowledging the achievements of the people of Ekurhuleni. Whether it is summitting the K2 Mountain, scoring a magnificent victory, or dancing in front of international audiences, we are immensely proud of their triumphs.
As we approach woman’s month it is important to recognise the historical significance of Banyana Banyana’s success at WAFCON. Years of preparation and hard work has led to them being crowned the best soccer team in Africa. We should all draw inspiration from Banyana Banyana and heed the lesson that with time, hard work, preparation, and a relentless dedication to getting the basics right, the City of Ekurhuleni too can become the best in Africa. This will not be an easy road to walk, as the criminal opponents of progress sit all along the path with their weapons drawn, eager to sabotage our infrastructure, terrorise our residents, and weaken our resolve. Their agenda is to have a revolution which sees the further erosion of the rule of law, so that their looting may continue unabated.
The Multi-Party Coalition will not sit back and allow this to happen. With each challenge thrown our way, it must be noted that we are growing stronger. Acts of sabotage only serve to make us more resilient, showing us where our weaknesses lie, and making it easier for us to improve and grow.
In the 2021 local elections, the people of Ekurhuleni called for a Multi-Party Coalition government to clean out the rot and get things done. This means a strong commitment to service delivery, underpinned by the principles of good governance, openness, transparency and the rule of law.
The Democratic Alliance has full faith in this Executive Mayor and in the Mayoral committee she leads. Hers is an experienced and steady hand that has improved the city significantly in just over seven months. The evidence that the back to basics approach is yielding positive results is there for all to see, from the swearing in of hundreds of new EMPD officers, the promise of thousands of job opportunities, and the awarding of 46 tenders to IPPs in order to provide residents of some relief from Eskom’s tailspin into oblivion. Not only that, but we are outperforming other metros in terms of the implementation of EPWP initiatives, resulting in an allocation of over 20 million rand from the Gauteng government. We welcome the 6.5-billion-rand investment in our energy sector, as well as the additional jobs this investment will bring. By reversing the damage caused to our electrical grid through under-maintenance and the removal of some 13 500 illegal connections, as well as replacing old infrastructure from the 1970’s, this coalition is prioritizing the energy needs of the city. The progressive roll out of recycling bins at our triple c’s will not only create jobs but will also aid the global fight against pollution, while the process of bio-remediation will provide much reprieve to our over saturated systems.
The completion of 583 housing units across the city, as well as the assistance provided to residents of Daveyton through collaboration with the provincial governments, are movements towards alleviating the housing crisis faced by the country.
Finally, the clearance of 65% of the pothole backlog is an enormous achievement not to be ignored. What all of this demonstrates, is that the Multi-Party Coalition understands the extraordinary value that getting the basics right will bring to economic growth. Indeed, the good ship Ekurhuleni is starting to turn toward a new horizon. These successes have been achieved despite mysterious ‘breakdowns’, and stage 6 loadshedding which has cost this city billions. It goes to show that no amount of disruption will change the fact that this Executive Mayor is rapidly repairing the damage that has been done by previous administrations.
We salute the Executive Mayor and affirm our support for the progress she has made.
Cllr. Mike da Silva
DA PR Councillor in Ekurhuleni
074 791 5533
