Good governance is the single most important factor in eradicating poverty and promoting development.
Democracy in AbaQulusi is increasingly under threat, with a hegemonic ruling party shooting and sjamboking community members and viewing opposition politics as treason while fixated on cementing its hold on power.
The greatest single threat in anytime of risk is a lack or absence of leadership. This is something that we have seen since the IFP-led government in AbaQulusi. The absence of leadership in the municipality is against the reality that change and transformation is necessary for nation building, social cohesion and strengthening our democratic discourse, underpinned by inclusivity and access.
Since 2016, our municipality has tripping from failure to failure, which has culminated in public protests marches to the municipality. This reality proves the IFP is not fit for purpose as leaders of this municipality and no longer enjoy the support and confidence of the constituency they are supposed to serve.
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Oh – let’s bear in mind that the reality since 2016 is the majority of voters in AbaQulusi did not choose the IFP, as the ANC holds the majority wards and councillors in Council. The nerve, cheek and audacity of the IFP however, to keep protecting a Speaker who the community has brought serious allegations of corruption, nepotism and interference in administrative issues against, speaks volumes of the lack of seriousness, and that we are led by a party which is out of touch with reality. The numerous motions of no confidence against this Speaker tells a tale and the protection thereof by the party leaves a lot to be desired.
AbaQulusi can ill afford to continue on this slippery slope. Furthermore, they keep supporting a speaker who under his leadership led a barbaric group of IFP members from all over Zululand as Chairperson of the IFP in the District, who on his watch meted out brutal violence and shooting of public members who wanted answers from a memorandum they handed over to the municipality, where allegation against the very same Speaker and his sister the Director of Corporate Services and IFP councillors and leaders were mentioned.
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Acts of violence seen on that day have been made acceptable by all those that protect corruption, corrupt individuals and those public representatives who shot and bullied the voting community for raising issues of concern and questions of clarity and accountability. The community is tired of being left in the wilderness, struggling and vulnerable in a political wilderness where we do not get service delivery or make our lives better.
We will be meeting soon as Bhekuzulu to discuss a way forward since the municipality has failed up until today to even bother to respond to our memorandum. It’s a disgrace to say the least!
Simangaliso Zwane
The above correspondence was sent to the IFP for comment, and non had been received at the time of going to print.
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