PENSIONERS have been forced to wait a little longer for their annual Senior Citizens’ functions hosted by the municipality due to issues surrounding tenders.
EThekwini Spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela, said the delay in hosting all the senior citizens Christmas parties was due to internal and supply chain processes that took longer than anticipated, adding that the events would now be held later in the month.
Tenders for the events were only awarded on 10 December and, because Supply Chain Management regulations require a 14 day mandatory objection period during which time unsuccessful tenderers have an opportunity to object against the awarding of the tenders, after which the awarded tenderers are able to proceed.
The delay has been loudly ciriticesed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) in eThekwini with Thabani Mthethwa, DA eThekwini Chief Whip, accusing the city of not caring about its senior citizens.
“The annual senior citizens’ functions for 2018 are in disarray. Councillors have not been properly informed as to when and how these events will take place in their wards and attempts by the DA to write to the municipal manager to obtain answers has proven to be fruitless,” he said.
ALSO READ: Reinstatement of electricity for customers in debt
During these events, each ward in eThekwini is allocated 600 tickets. These tickets allow each senior citizens to attend a ward function that includes entertainment and refreshments. This is done to show appreciation for senior citizens. The parties were meant to be held last week in different wards.
Ward 27 councillor Martin Meyer said he felt the delays could have been avoided with proper planning by the City.
“Due to the lack of planning there is now last minute chaos. These circumstances are unfortunately out of my hands and the hands of those volunteering to make the day a success,” he said, adding that ward councillor had no input into the event which is put together by the Mayor’s Office.
Parties planned for wards
Pensioners living in ward 33 can collect tickets from Councillor Mmabatho Tembe’s office at Stella Sports Club at the end of the week. The party will take place on Monday, 24 December at St Johns Anglican Church at 9am. Email ward33@ethekwini.org.
The ward 31 party is on Friday, 11 January at Barns Road Sports Ground in Sydenham at 10am. Email ward31@ethekwini.org.
The ward 27 event will be in the new year. Contact Councillor Martin Meyer from 2 January at ward27@ethekwini.org.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
