The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) noted with concern the reports that a year-end function was held for senior municipal officials of the Tshwane Metro last Friday, while residents across the Metro experience daily power outages, water problems and mounting financial pressure.
According to information provided to the party, staff were instructed to describe the gathering as a “corporate value-driven meeting”.
Given the excessive quantities of alcohol reportedly served to guests, the situation could not be more ironic. It raises the question of whether the ActionSA, ANC and EFF subscribe to a political culture of hosting parties while ratepayers have to sit in the dark and get by without water.
Meanwhile, the Metro is plagued by persistent power outages, a water crisis that resulted in several hospitalisations and a budget buckling under the pressure.
In addition, security contracts that were left to lapse exposed critical infrastructure to sabotage and vandalism. Private security companies often have to step in and protect substations and other infrastructure – sometimes without being compensated by the Municipality.
In the Freedom Front Plus’s view, it is unacceptable that residents are expected to put up with declining service delivery and mounting financial pressure amid reports of lavish functions for senior officials.
The party sent a letter to the City Manager, Johann Mettler, demanding full disclosure of:
•the nature and purpose of the event;
•the total cost;
•who authorised the expenditure; and
•whether any municipal funds were used to pay for it.
Tshwane residents deserve a municipal administration that puts service delivery and responsible spending before extravagance.
The Freedom Front Plus will keep an eye on the matter and demand accountability.
