Mayor receives plastic scooter from AfriForum

AfriForum members and volunteers handed over a memorandum to Govan Mbeki Municipality’s Executive Mayor Nhlakanipho Zuma on March 8.

The district coordinator of AfriForum’s Highveld region, Hennie Bekker, also gave the mayor a plastic scooter in jest.

He said instead of a new mayoral car, the scooter is all the mayor needs. The mayor took it in a good light and said he was going to donate the scooter to charity.

In the memorandum, AfriForum urges the municipality to take action for responsible governance and prioritise community needs over personal luxuries.

Bekker said the municipality’s debt to Eskom and Rand Water directly impacts the provision of essential services such as electricity and water to Secunda and Bethal residents.

“This debt not only jeopardises the well-being of our community but also reflects poorly on the fiscal responsibility and stewardship of our municipal government,” said Bekker.

“At a time when many of our fellow residents are struggling to make ends meet and subjected to frequent service disruptions due to unpaid bills, it is unconscionable to prioritise the purchase of a luxury vehicle for yourself as mayor of the municipality.

“The optics of such a decision are not only tone-deaf but also indicative of a fundamental lack of understanding of the priorities and needs of the people you were elected to serve.”

AfriForum further urged the municipality to reconsider its decision and instead redirect the money earmarked for the purchase of the new vehicle towards paying off the debt owed to Eskom and Rand Water.

“By doing so, you will not only demonstrate commitment to fiscal responsibility but also show solidarity with the residents of our municipality who are bearing the brunt of the consequences of these unpaid bills.

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“Furthermore, I urge you to adopt a more transparent and accountable approach to governance, where the needs of the community are given precedence over personal indulgences.

“The trust and confidence of the electorate can only be earned through responsible stewardship and a genuine commitment to serving the best interests of the people.”

Bekker concluded the memorandum by urging the municipality to act in the best interest of the community by prioritising the payment of the outstanding debt to Eskom and Rand Water over the purchase of a new vehicle for the mayor’s personal use.

“The future prosperity of Govan Mbeki Municipality depends on the responsible allocation of resources and the adherence to principles of transparency and accountability in governance.”

The mayor said he will respond to AfriForum’s memorandum within seven days.

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