Admin
30 Sep, 2015
Diverting ratepayers’ funds in Beacon Bay, Buffalo City
Honourable Mr JG Zuma President of the Republic of South Africa Honourable Mr Pravin Gordhan Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Dear Mr President and Minister DIVERTING RATEPAYERS FUNDS IN BEACON BAY, BUFFALO CITY MUNICIPALITY The above matter has reference. A group of ratepayers residing in Beacon Bay, Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape have for period of three to four years, decided to divert their rates to a separate bank account held with PSG, a registered financial institution. This is a civil protest by these residents based on a range of allegations against the municipality. Amongst these is the claim that the municipality has no valid by-law empowering them to force ratepayers to pay rates and that the municipal accounts are not consolidated as required by the Municipal Systems Act. They further allege that the municipality has elected to close ears, and rather threaten them with disconnections whilst they also threaten the municipality with legal action as and when they need information in terms of Promotion of Access to Information Act. The immediate and long term victim of all this is the economy of the area and its poor citizens. If the rates are not paid, the revenue base of the municipality is compromised and service delivery impossible. It is my firm belief that this matter can be resolved without having to go through the straining process of litigation which on its own will have to be funded by citizens. Accordingly, I request your office to make a decisive intervention on this matter to ensure that it is resolved as quickly as possible and in the interest of service delivery. For further information, I am happy to refer you to their spokesperson who contacted me. His name is Mr. Johan Koekemoer Pr Eng whose contact details are: Your prompt and decisive action is awaited. Mr Bantu Holomisa, MP President of the United Democratic Movement
Admin
16 Sep, 2014
Motion without notice on Ward 45, Buffalo City Municipality Councillor’s burnt home
Motion without notice on Ward 45, Buffalo City Municipality Councillor’s burnt home by CN Filtane (MP) I move without notice on behalf of the Chief Whip of the United Democratic Movement (UDM): that the house: (1) Notes that on the evening of Tuesday the 9th of September 2014, Buffalo City Ward Councillor, Gideon Norexe’s house was allegedly burnt into ashes by angry residents. (2) Further notes that incidence took place just two weeks after the alleged assault of Mr Norexe by two residents. (3) Acknowledge the right of citizens to demand speedy services delivery without damage to human life and properties. (4) Condemn this act as illegal and uncalled for. Thank you
Admin
02 Apr, 2014
UDM outrage at R10m tender scam in Buffalo City and asks the Public Protector to investigate
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is outraged at the blatant attempt by the Buffalo City Municipality to sweep under the carpet the R10 million housing scandal implicating a senior African National Congress (ANC) official. Also, it was widely reported that Koko Godlo, whose company was awarded the tender, was appointed by the ANC to head its elections campaign for 2014. The link to the ruling party is clear. It is no wonder that he was just given the R10 million tender without the proper processes being followed. The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has lodged a complaint with the Public Protector in the Eastern Cape and requested an investigation into the matter. The council’s official response to media enquiries shows disdain of public accountability and press freedom. This attitude of the ANC-led municipality confirms our firm view that the people of South Africa, and particularly those in Buffalo City, must use the forthcoming elections to reclaim their freedom. Almost every day the poor citizens of Buffalo City are presented with a range scandals of gross misuse of the people’s money (imali yabahlali) which undermine their freedom yet rates and taxes continue to rocket. The UDM calls on the Mayor to table the report at an urgent council meeting whilst also suspending the fat cats of Buffalo City. It was reported that city officials had salary increases and yet their capacity to deliver is far below average – if it even exists. Each of voter in Buffalo City has the right to say “no” to corruption and poor service delivery. Make your voices heard and say: “We will not stand for the looting of state resources”. There is hope for South Africa and the UDM can lead real change in your lives. Voters need to think about an alternative because the incumbent government has failed our people in the worst way. The UDM is that alternative.
