DA threatened by Ramaphosa
THE DA are in a bit of a pickle. They want the public to regard them as a credible alternative to the ANC and therefore project themselves as occupying the moral high ground as a party vigorously opposed to corruption and political intrigue, but somehow they just keep shooting themselves in the foot.
They are desperate to ditch Patricia de Lille as mayor of Cape Town, but the precise motivation remains veiled in secrecy. And they refuse her demand that her disciplinary hearing be open to the media and the public. What is it that they hide?
When DA members protest in support of De Lille, the party threatens to expel them as well.
As a result of intra-coalition discord, Athol Trollip faces a motion of no-confidence in Nelson Mandela Bay. Now the scene shifts to Tshwane, where DA stalwart and mayoral chief of staff Marietha Aucamp was appointed in spite of the fact that she did not have the minimum qualifications, a BA degree or similar qualification.
If a candidate does not meet the requirements, the Local Government Act requires municipalities to apply for a waiver from the minister of co-operative governance. The council did not apply for such a waiver. Aucamp hastily resigned last week.
Mayor Solly Msimanga came into office on a promise of clean administration and lost no time in exposing the wasteful expenditure and irregular contracts of the previous administration. Msimanga has said he will resign if it emerges he was complicit in the fraudulent appointment.
The political situation in South Africa has changed dramatically as a result of Cyril Ramaphosa’s accession to the leadership of the ANC. The new broom has committed himself to the eradication of corruption, and the public believe him. In this situation, the DA must get its act together or face the inevitability of dwindling support.
Ultimately, what we want is clean, transparent and efficient governance by people who are qualified and able to do the job. This is what every ratepayer and resident expects – and is entitled to.
Thuma mina – send me – is the call from Ramaphosa, encouraging us all to rally together.