The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) strongly opposes the creation of ten media liaison posts in the Tshwane Metro Council’s Mayoral Office, which will cost the Metro more than R6,3 million annually.
These posts are being considered even though the wage bill already exceeds R13 billion annually.
This clearly points to an inflated and unsustainable administration.
Besides, comprehensive cost calculations for these posts have not been done.
Additional expenses such as equipment, software and office space have simply been omitted, undermining responsible budgetary practices. This approach prioritises political interests above public service and increases the burden on taxpayers.
The Freedom Front Plus also does not fall for the excuse that replacing the catering assistant post with that of a driver/messenger in the offices of mayoral committee members is to address a real administrative need.
It is nothing but a smokescreen for further cadre deployment. The catering assistant and driver/messenger posts were inherited from the former ANC coalition, but were not filled during the administration of the previous coalition, of which the Freedom Front Plus was part.
Now, they are being presented as new posts, not based on service needs but driven by political opportunism.
During the previous coalition, mayoral committee members performed their duties effectively without these posts being filled.
The proposal demonstrates a deliberate shift in priorities – from the needs of residents to political loyalty.
The Freedom Front Plus condemns this blatant squandering of residents’ tax money.
Transparency, service delivery and budgetary integrity should take precedence over political agendas.
