EDITOR – The DA in eThekwini is deeply concerned that once again the Municipality is hell bent on spending public funds.
This follows a meeting of the Community and Emergency Services Committee where the DA raised concerns about sending “members of the political leadership” as part of a delegation of U15 girls soccer players to the One Nation Cup in Germany.
While we fully support such initiatives as they provide opportunities for the youth and especially those from underprivileged communities, there is absolutely no need to send councillors along on what would be nothing more than a junket.
I stated that in light of much discussed austerity measures and requests from national structures to curb unnecessary spending, the city should re-look at sending councillors on overseas trips in order to save money.
The DA abstained from the item stating that it could not be party to a decision on an initiative which it ultimately supports but where unnecessary requests for councillors to be sent along are also included. We recommend that eThekwini Municipality follow the example of the City of Cape Town which has placed a conditional embargo on publically funded overseas travel for officials and councillors.
Councillor Shaun Ryley
DA eThekwini councillor
