DA welcomes Strides Being Made by the Multi-Party Coalition in just Seven Months
by Cllr. Khathutshelo Rasilingwane — DA Deputy Chief Whip 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 the DA Deputy Chief Whip in Ekurhuleni, Cllr. Khathutshelo Rasilingwane, during the Ordinary Council Meeting held on the 28th of July 2022.
Honourable Speaker,
I would like to start off by paying my respect to the residents of Ekurhuleni who understood when Nelson Mandela said “If the ANC government does to you what the apartheid government did to you, then you must do to the ANC what you did to the apartheid government.
Today I want the residents to be proud that they live in a city that strives to deliver more efficient, effective, and responsive governance.
For a long time, service delivery was placed on the back burner, with infrastructure being neglected and money being syphoned through statues, museums, and over inflated tender contracts…
7 months in and we can already see the aftereffects of years of neglect. What’s worse is that the ANC cannot accept defeat. We can see this in our communities where public meetings are being derailed, infrastructure sabotaged and tensions being brewed against the government, when in fact their problems stem back to years of corruption and maladministration.
I digress…
Honourable Speaker
Let me take this opportunity to welcome the Executive Mayors address and to congratulate the multi-party government for this positive results in just 8 months. Indeed, it gives me great confidence in knowing that a solid foundation has been built which would see significant improvements in our service delivery efforts in the near future.
The DA would like to congratulate the Coalition on the recruitment of 475 new metro police officers who recently graduated in Boksburg last month. This speaks to one of the key priorities in our coalition agreement, which is to be tough on crime and tougher on the causes of crime by investing in localised law enforcement.
We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the 2 367 4257 residents who have been vaccinated. To the hardworking Health care workers, you have worked tirelessly to achieve this great result. Your ability to reach this milestone will enact change that will benefit us all.
Honourable Speaker…
When the Executive Mayor Alderwoman Tania Campbell delivered her acceptance speech in November last year she said “The challenges in our city are great and it will take a team effort to overcome. Therefore I would like to invite all parties in this chamber today to take hands with us so that we can build an exceptional city that our residents will be proud to live and work in”. Now I believe that while we may all differ in our political persuasions, we must at all times remember why our people from different political backgrounds called upon us to represent their resounding will in this council.
Ladies and gentlemen…
I would like to reiterate the Executive Mayors statement when she said” “that the electorate of this municipality has elected leadership from which they expect effective and cost-effective service delivery which is the core to our functioning as council.
Mr. Speaker…
In order to achieve these noble goals, it must be understood that a harmonic relationship between all political parties is a crucial cornerstone.
Ladies and Gentlemen…
Indeed we do not have all the answers to all the challenges we currently face, but we are working around the clock to ensure potholes are fixed, infrastructure are upgraded, title deeds and housing opportunities are delivered to the rightful owners, and that all the needs of our citizens are heard responded to. Whether from Tembisa, Kempton Park, Benoni, Daveyton-Etwatwa or Katlehong, we need to ensure that all our residents are prioritised to redress the imbalances of the past and ensure the realisation of the values and principles as enshrined in the Constitution.
This multi party government is making strides towards building a city that responds to the needs of its residents and expands freedom, fairness, and opportunities for all.
To our residents…
We ask for you to be patient with us as we work to improve service delivery in our City.
We ask for your understanding and support during the tough times and your optimism during the dark times.
As the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day. But indeed it” Honourable speaker no amount of sabotage will deter us from working for the people.
Colleagues this is the time to deliver, and yes there are still many obstacles but it is up to us to overcome.
Executive Mayor, no matter how hard it gets, be comforted that you have the support not only of your party and your Caucus, but a Coalition represented by a number of leaders and communities.
Let them be distracted while we work.
I thank you.
Cllr. Khathutshelo Rasilingwane
DA Deputy Chief Whip in Ekurhuleni
072 666 1706
