Disrupting meetings divides communities

I AM disappointed at how some members of the community thrash and abuse our constitution in the name of democracy by disrupting IDP/budget meetings. For the past three weeks, in our daily newspaper, scenes of this act are reported.

I witnessed it at Babs Madlakane Hall at KwaNobuhle, where a meeting which was meant to give us members of the community and business an opportunity to engage and present our thoughts had to be discontinued.

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa states that there is no government which can claim authority if it is not based on the will of the people. It further makes it an obligation for the government, in particular the local sphere through the Municipal Finance Management Act, Systems Act and the Municipal Structures Act to consult communities on all developments including finances. This is done through engagements with the community.

In these consultation meetings, the following benefits might arise – promotion of democracy and enhancing transparency and accountability; opinions of stakeholders and individuals are reflected in the IDP, and access to information etc. It should be noted that, between the community, council and the administration, there is a contract which makes it possible for the communities to hold the administration and the elected leadership accountable. One way of accountability is through these public meetings where reports are tabled and, in return, our views and inputs help to shape our communities.

Disrupting a meeting does not help build the community. Instead it creates hatred and deep divisions in the community, because people sacrificed their quality time to be at a meeting, only to face unnecessary behaviour which is foreign.

I humbly appeal to those who are involved in these activities to immediately refrain from this evil and unconstitutional act. We live in a democratic society and we have to hold the government accountable. If this continues, we have no choice but to deal with those tendencies.