We won't countenance another Erasmus Commission - Plato
I have received legal advice that the Ministerial "task team" formed by the Minister of Co-Operative Government and Traditional Affairs on alleged ‘water cuts-offs' by the City is unprocedural and unconstitutional. I have therefore issued an instruction to the City Manager that staff may not participate in any way in the task team.
The City of Cape Town was not consulted prior to the appointment of the task team by Minister Shiceka, as required by the principles of co-operative governance. We were merely informed that the Minister had unilaterally ‘decided to establish a Task Team which will comprise representatives from the three spheres of government' (in a letter dated 12 October).
This disregards the constitutional autonomy of the City as a separate sphere of government. National interventions in the affairs of local government can only be made under very specific (and extreme) circumstances (spelled out in legislation), and only if the Provincial Government is unable to perform its supporting role in terms of Section 139 of the Constitution. The Minister should be aware of these provisions given that it is his mandate to uphold them.
If the Minister has been given the names and addresses of any residents who have indicated that their water has been cut by the City, the correct procedure would be to refer the list of details to the City, either at a one-on-one engagement, or via correspondence, so that we can investigate and follow up.
We would then be able to provide feedback to the residents and the Minister, which would address any issues of substance in the spirit of co-operative governance.
There is no reason for a ‘ministerial task team', with ‘hearings' to be formed for this.
The Minister's unilateral move is clearly intended to selectively target the City of Cape Town for the purpose of a politically motivated witch-hunt. This is exactly what Premier Rasool sought to do with the Erasmus Commission. This was declared unconstitutional and illegal by the Cape High Court . Minister Shiceka's move is, I believe, politically motivated to denigrate and undermine the City of Cape Town in the run-up to the 2011 election.
We refuse to entertain another Erasmus Commission. The Minister must withdraw the task team immediately, and follow the proper process, failing which we will move to declare an inter-governmental dispute, and take court action if necessary.
Your attention is invited to the fact that the City of Cape Town was recently recognised as the top city in South Africa for service delivery by Empowerdex, an economic empowerment rating agency. This assessment was completed by an independent external body. The survey covered 231 local municipalities, 46 district municipalities and six metropolitan municipalities. It rated service delivery in terms of housing, water, waste removal and sanitation in terms of current status and progress over time. The City scored 89,5% compared with a national average of 59,7%. The capital budget for Utility Services has doubled in the past few years - from R960 million in 2005/6 to R1.8 billion in 2009/10. A total of R3.2 billion has been invested in utilities infrastructure in the intervening three years.
I therefore find it particularly questionable that the City rated with the best service delivery record is being singled out for this investigation, whilst many other municipalities that lie on the brink of bankruptcy are ignored.
Statement issued by Communication Department, City of Cape Town, November 4 2009
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Comments
Shik@ka is too used to dealing only with sycophants and constantly covering up ANC inadequacies.
The ANC will use any and all means, legal and illegal, to undermine opposition. They have bitten off more than they can chew with the DA.
by Peter on November 05 2009, 06:36
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The truth of the matter is that the ANC no longer supports democracy.
by witbooi on November 05 2009, 07:03
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Another example of the "honourable" Minister's waste of our money! Blinged up 4x4's at our expense and now this!! The African National Corruption party cannot abide anyone else showing them how things should be run!
by Richard on November 05 2009, 07:32
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That is why, when I voted like many others in the Western Cape... WE VOTED TO WIN!!!! And we won...
by The African on November 05 2009, 09:31
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I cannot believe that this has not made the news on radio. Prime Media is definitely under the influence of gov!!!!!!
by didi on November 05 2009, 09:34
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