DA’s ‘secret deal’ slammed

Nelson Mandela Bay deputy executive mayor Mongameli Bobani slated his DA coalition partners at a full council meeting yesterday for not consulting the United Democratic Movement (UDM) “on a secret deal” involving a proposed private partnership between an employment service provider, Harambee, and the metro.

Bobani came out guns blazing, saying all political parties should be involved in youth matters so the processes would be “transparent”.

The partnership between the metro and Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator will put education hubs in communities so unemployed youth will be more exposed to the job market, particularly in the private sector.

“The UDM, as a coalition partner, was not part of this particular item. We must work together. You are giving R10 million to the so-called Harambee, but how is it going to create 32 000 jobs?

“This item does not even have comment from budget and treasury. I do not even see it in this [draft] budget. These people never submitted the business plans. When you deal with the poor, you must ensure that everyone is involved,” said Bobani.

He also questioned the procurement process.

“How do you form a private partnership with these particular people, having its own processes? The chief whip takes councillors on a tour to Harambee a day before they are going to debate on the matter.

“Based on procurement processes not being followed, this is in contravention of the Act and the UDM as a coalition partner is totally not accepting this particular matter,” he said to applause.

The metro’s economic development, tourism and agriculture political head, Andrew Whitfield, who is spearheading the proposed partnership, said it would create 20 000 job opportunities. “We are talking about R535 per work opportunity which may convert into full-time employment.

“[Harambee] seeks to pinpoint a mismatch between supply and demand and proactively goes out to find young, unemployed people and match them to work in the private sector.”

He said the matter was on the agenda to be discussed in council. “The other critical factor to understand is that the municipality is not the majority funder in this partnership. Harambee is matching our funding and is bringing the private sector on board to support this initiative.” – ANA