Not much to crow about after DA’s 100 days in office

DECEMBER 1 marked 100 days since Joburg’s new mayor took office. So much had been promised by this minority DA administration, in power by virtue of their relationship with the EFF, and expectations were high.

A detailed report-back was expected and the mayor’s speech should have clearly articulated the successes and challenges of this period. It would not be unfair to say the speech was totally underwhelming, short on details of what has actually has been done and long on excuses. There was, however, one exception (and a surprising degree of honesty): The DA confirmed that it is continuing to implement the ANC’s programmes for this financial year (where possible, of course, claiming them as their own).

If you want power, a little research before you take it is not a bad thing. By his own admission, it has taken 100 days for the mayor to learn something about the strict national legal framework that governs finance and how that needs to be aligned to the plans of the city.

Long-term planning is a necessity in an complex urban environment. Whether learning has taken place in terms of integrated planning and co-ordination with provincial and national government is less clear and the mayor’s speech is silent on this.

But what is not apparent from the mayor’s reflection on 100 days in office is whether there is some semblance of awareness of how to plan for the next financial year. We should now be well into the planning cycle for 2017/18, with consultation completed at a ward level to find out what residents believe are the priorities for their area.

Many residents who live in the minority of wards controlled by the DA will likely be unaware of this consultative requirement. Some of their ward councillors had been a little tardy about discussing priorities with residents while in opposition and are even less likely to develop a strong motivation to ensure inclusion in the plans for the city.

The process is quite simple: needs identified, priorities decided, costed out and translated into the plans and budget for the future. It’s not difficult provided you believe residents should have some say over their lives.

Regrettably, not a lot has changed between the DA in opposition and the DA in power. Still plenty of shoulder-shrugging – except that the blame game should no longer work.