“No politician should distribute food parcels “ – MEC Mandla Msibi
The Provincial Command Council has resolved that in light of the confusion and interruptions reported due to involvement of councillors in the food parcels, no politician should be found defying the instructions of the President.
MBOMBELA – MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mandla Msibi has fired a broadside at provincial politicians across the board, not to get involved in the distribution of food parcels and also steer away from the issuing of informal business permits.
He said: “It has come to my attention that there are some politicians contesting the space for the distribution of food parcels in the province which has caused a lot of uncertainty and to some extent, unnecessary commotion.
“I, therefore, need to put it categorically clear, in support of the directives from the President and the Provincial Command Council as chaired by the Honorable Premier, that no politician should be involved in the distribution of food parcels.
“The Provincial Command Council has, therefore, resolved that in light of the confusion and interruptions reported due to involvement of councillors in the food parcels, no politician should be found defying the instructions as laid out by the State President.
“We have, therefore, resolved in support of the decision of the Provincial Command Council, to utilize the Community Development Workers (CDWs) to support the work and activities by the Department of Social Development that is currently tasked with leading the process of food parcels distribution with SASSA and DARDLEA. We, therefore, expect full cooperation with all CDWs in this regard,” stated Msibi.
Addressing the matter of issuing of business permits during Covid-19, he said: “It should be made clear that no other authorized persons shall be allowed to issue business permits except the authorized Municipal Managers or delegated senior managers for this purpose. Councillors are also not supposed to issue business permits in this regard.
“This Circular further intends to emphasize that no misconduct shall be tolerated during these difficult times of fighting Covid-19 and programmes associated with this purpose.
“As repeatedly stated and indicated by His Excellency, the President, all persons found contravening the Regulations or acting in direct contrast of the Regulations or acting in direct contrast of the Regulations or in a conduct that suggests irregular, corrupt or instances of midemeanor that is detrimental to the course of the Covid19 Programme, shall be dealt with harshly within the ambit of the Laws of the Country.
“No Councillor (s) or officials under any condition should be found in circumstances as explained above. I, therefore, wish all our Councillors and officials safety, sanity and clarity during these difficult times. We must remember that encouraging people to stay at home, keep up with hygiene standards and compliance with directives, may save your life and those around you. May God save and protect us,” concluded Msibi.
