Public looking for united leadership in coronavirus war

Local leaders should not be critical but unite in order to build public’s trust and commitment against the coronavirus.

This request from Ward 116 councillor Adolph Marema was prompted by allegations that some councillors used government’s food relief programme for poor residents for political gain.

The DA, which alleged the practice may be occurring nationwide, wrote to Social Development Minister, Lindiwe Zulu, requesting that the matter be investigated. Their Alex councillor, Shadrack Mkhonto, also complained that councillors of opposition parties were excluded from the programme and have to rely on donors for food distribution to other needy people who, he alleged, are excluded from the department’s list of recipients. His EFF counterpart, Moshe Mphahlele, urged for councillors to leave the distribution to reputable organisations to avoid the allegations and also likely disruption of the distribution process by angry residents.

Marema, who like Premier David Makhura, said the councillors only coordinated but did not distribute the food. He urged for unity saying it was vital to sustain the residents’ compliance with lockdown measures. “Messages and actions from united leaders will encourage their compliance.

“There is no time for party political gain and to complain and point at faults in each other at this critical time when more citizens are getting infected and dying.

“We should be part of a collective, focused only on ensuring compliance and support reaches the needy fairly.

“With the coming winter, which is feared to likely spread the virus more, we should intensify public awareness and reduce infections by encouraging residents to remain indoors.”

He said despite the residents’ depressed social conditions, their general compliance with the measures will be enhance when they see leaders they respect working with the police and the army.

Marema requested donors to also support children with their education. “They are behind their counterparts who continue lessons through virtual learning programme.” This he said, “Shows the huge divide between the rich and the poor, those with medical aid support and indigent, those who traveled and brought back the virus and the poor who in the end will likely be affected the most.” Marema pointed to the increasing numbers of those who require food relief, lost menial jobs and are being evicted as immediate evidence of the dichotomy.