The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) has serious misgivings about the purpose of the two-day visit to Nairobi, Kenya, in February by the Mayor of Ekurhuleni Metro, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza.
According to the Mayor, the purpose of the visit was to participate in a series of workshops focused on climate change, environmental sustainability, urban resilience and city air quality.
However, a report tabled to the Council detailing the activities of the visit, reveals a shocking discrepancy between international engagement and local implementation.
The Metro’s budget, which was recently adopted despite several votes against it, including the Freedom Front Plus’s, demonstrates no real commitment to environmental actions, particularly regarding air quality monitoring.
Monitoring air quality is a growing concern for Ekurhuleni residents.
Despite experts reiterating that R2 500 000 is the minimum amount needed to ensure Ekurhuleni’s air quality monitoring stations are fully functional and operational, the Metro allocated a mere R2 250 000 to the entire Department of Health. This Department is responsible for a wide range of health services, including air quality, which means the portfolio will receive only a small and inadequate portion of the total amount of funds.
The Freedom Front Plus fears that the Mayor’s international visit– which apparently had “no direct costs” for the Council – will turn out to be no more than a symbolic exercise with no practical outcomes or strategic follow-up.
The Freedom Front Plus will not be swayed by so-called “cost-free” work trips that do not benefit the people of Ekurhuleni. Residents deserve to see results – not just reports and good intentions.
They deserve budgeted, measurable actions that demonstrate genuine political will to improve living conditions and protect public health.
Ekurhuleni continues to face serious environmental challenges – from poor air quality to general vulnerabilities due to climate change.
The Freedom Front Plus and the public will keep seeing such trips as wasted opportunities for as long as leadership fails to show that it is able to translate international exposure into local impact.
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