Mayor Campbell responds to the ANC’s debt write-off proposal
The multi-party coalition government in the City of Ekurhuleni has slammed the ANC and accused the party of what the mayor of Ekurhuleni, Alderman Tania Campbell, has described as a ploy to incite civil unrest in the area.
According to a media statement issued by the mayor’s office on March 15, the response results from a recent radio interview in which the chief whip of the ANC Caucus in Ekurhuleni, Councillor Jongizizwe Dlabathi, proposed a 75% municipality debt write-off for residents.
“This political and opportunistic call is reckless and short-sighted as it would render the municipality unable to generate critically needed revenue that would help give residents the much-needed quality service delivery they deserve,” said the mayor in the statement.
“The ANC-led coalition’s poor management of the City’s finances in the previous term has placed a severe strain on the municipality and brought it to the brink of collapse. The multi-party coalition has worked tirelessly to stabilise the city’s dire financial situation. We are committed to getting back to basics and delivering reliable and sustainable services to communities across the city.
“Our vision of good governance will not be derailed by the ANC, who are trying everything possible to bring the municipality to its knees! This will ultimately affect the poorest of the poor the most.
“Under the ANC-led coalition government, Moody’s credit rating downgraded the City, which has placed further burdens on borrowings, which now come at an exorbitant cost.
“As a result, we have had to reduce our proposed borrowings by R500m.
“The ANC Caucus is politicising the plight of ordinary residents in the city, while under their leadership, they offered communities no hope. This is the ANC’s last ditched attempt to win back voters who they have failed for 22 years. The mobilisation of residents for political expedience is the lowest form of populism.
“Our Department of Finance and Economic Development is currently drafting a debt review policy that will allow the City to assess debt relief applications on a case-to-case basis. We understand the effect the Covid-19 pandemic has had on our communities. As a city, we will grant debt relief responsibly to ensure the sustainability of the metro’s liquidity position.
“I call for calm in Kwa-Thema and urge residents to engage with the government through the relevant legislative channels, such as ward councillors and ward committees.”
