EDITOR – The front-page report in Friday’s Mercury indicates an attitude from the people who run this city, which is totally unacceptable. The mayor is happy to march against corruption and have his photograph circulated by the City spin-doctors while the speaker, Logie Naidoo mocks and derides the opposition for having the temerity to question why two convicted murderers are still drawing salaries.
EThekwini proudly talks about making this city the most caring city in Africa by 2030. That is a blatant lie! Every single day this city does something that shows that they do not care one iota.
The two councillors were involved in corruption of RDP houses and hired a hit man to kill a young mother who was the whistle blower against this corruption. As chairperson of Abahlali Basemjondolo, all she was calling for was that the correct people, who do not have formal homes, should be getting those homes while the councilors were lining their pockets at the expense of the people.
Does the speaker, or the mayor, or all the other councilors that support the ruling part, apologise that two elected politicians of their party carried out this heinous crime? No!
The two convicted murderers showed no remorse, but nor have their council colleagues, as far as we are aware, shown any concern for this poor murder victim.
These were not two fringe councilors, but were powerful people in council, one of whom chaired one of the most important committees on town planning, a committee responsible for some of the worst decisions we have seen in this city.
Here is our challenge to the mayor and the speaker of the eThekwini Council. Go and meet with the people of the Abahlali Basemjondolo and offer an apology on behalf of all of us, because our elected officials are responsible. Go there without your bodyguards. Surely you have the courage to do this, or is the cowardice of these councillors a trend throughout your elected body?
We demand to hear from each and every Exco member and councillor, whether they believe what has happened is part of the strategy to make this a caring city? Let us hear you speak out if you have the courage?
Logie Naidoo, your party has already indicated your days are numbered. We call on you to resign with immediate effect. This city does not deserve you for another seven weeks.
Kevin Dunkley
Cheryl Johnson
Save Our Berea
