Councillor should not blame ANC

Ngcobo was victim of political rivalry

I RESPOND to the article “Ngcobo suspension lifted, council to pay costs” (Daily News, August 22).

I draw your attention to the fact that I have had the opportunity of working closely with Thembinkosi Ngcobo for many years during my tenure in office as Ward 25 councillor, raising civic matters which I referred to his department for resolution.

During this period I have found Ngcobo to be very diligent and professional in his duties. His remarkable attitude, commitment to service excellence and sterling organisational skills were valuable components in his high sense of duty and success. His opendoor policy made pursuing matters with his department a pleasure. He welcomed our queries, complaints and questions and has always been approachable, cordial and proactive.

When his suspension became public, it was apparent that he was a victim of political rivalry. His return to the council augurs well for service delivery and efficiency.

I would like to wish Mr Ngcobo a long and productive stay with council. M YAKOOB BAIG

Durban WITH reference to your frontpage lead story “Politics behind land invasion: Plot to boost votes against the DA” (Daily News, August 22), DA ward councillor Warren Burne should not look for a scapegoat to mask his inability to service his ward.

Burne’s allegations that politics (implying the ANC) is behind the building of shacks in Bonela to boost voter support is questionable. For his information, Ward 30 was and still is an ANC stronghold. The large majority of residents living in the ward are supporters of the ruling party.

The reason the ANC lost the ward to the DA was that the electorate was unhappy with the lack of service delivery in the area and so stayed away and did not vote in last year’s elections. The land invaders in Bonela belong to Abahlali baseMjondolo. This movement aligned itself with and supported the DA in last year’s local government elections.

The ANC-led eThekwini Municipality does not tolerate people building shacks on vacant land. The municipality has a housing programme that ensures homeless people are housed in formal homes and not informal dwellings.

If we don’t prevent the building of new shacks, we will never win the war to eradicate informal settlements in eThekwini. RAMESH SUKDEO

Sydenham