Ask the mayor: Masina promises to tackle problems

1. Dear Mr Masina, following the recently launched bold business youth initiative worth R12 billion, are sustainable jobs as well as on-the-job business training programmes assured since these are the main challenges youth face in economic participation? Khumbulani Dlongolo from Delmore, Boksburg, ward 21.

• The aim in ensuring that the R12 billion is specifically allocated for business run by the youth is to ensure that we not only stimulate job creation, but also afford young people an opportunity to get access to business opportunities.
• One of the greatest challenges for small businesses, especially those that are run by young people, is the restrictive nature of access to the market.
• We wish to reiterate that this isn’t a fund. However, as the City of Ekurhuleni, we are saying that R12 billion of what we spend will be through businesses that are run by youth.

2. Hi, I’m Keabetswe and reside in Boksburg. My question is: I work in Wadeville and due to my work I sometimes knock off late. It’s scary because the streetlights are not on at night and it’s not only in Boksburg or Wadeville but in most parts of the metro. What I want to know is why the municipality is not doing anything about it and if they are, how long will it take to get them fixed?

• One of the reasons we have embarked on the Siyaqhuba programme is to develop an accelerated service delivery programme, where even the smallest service delivery issue is tackled.
• If members of the community see such problems, ie potholes, streetlights not working or things such as parks or sidewalks which have not been maintained, do contact us or if possible report to the local ward councillor or customer care services centre.
• Streetlights, as correctly put are essential for safety, especially now that we are getting into the winter season.

3. Mayor Masina, the pay date for April has now come and gone. What happened to the promise you made to hike the pay of the workers? The pay scale of traffic officers and emergency service workers is below that of other metros. Why did you not live up to your promise, and what are you going to do to rectify the issue? KK

• I’m glad this question has been raised as a number of misconceptions have been peddled in the media.
• As of April 1, the T-scale remuneration method takes effect. This isn’t a promise, but a council resolution which the executive must adhere to.
• Administratively this has been delayed. However, this in no way indicates that we will not deliver.
• In fact, the city has a responsibility to effect this and will adhere to that.

NEXT WEEK: Herman Mashaba, mayor of Joburg, responds to your questions.

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