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Time to start rebuilding
The groundswell of protest against the
incompetence and mismanagement of the municipality of Madibeng is
gaining momentum. Last week there was the protest meeting in
Schoemansville attended by more than 500 residents, the week before
that there were protests in the corridors of the municipal offices
in Brits and last Friday saw the march of a reported
3 000 members of the Mothlutlung community in Brits while other
residents of Brits have arranged a meeting for next Monday night.
Brits industrialists have reportedly initiated an action that could
see legal action against Madibeng.
On a provincial scale there has already been intervention by the ANC
in that new mayors have been appointed in six municipalities and
that several chief whips have been replaced, as reported in Beeld.
The municipalities involved are Rustenburg, Mafikeng, Lekwa Teemane
(Christiana and Bloemhof), Greater Taung and Maquassi Hills (Leeudoringstad,
Wolmaransstad and Makwassie). The moves are the result of the
intervention of the ANC provincial task team and Madibeng has been
identified as one of municipalities in dire need of intervention.
But it would appear that residents have now lost their patience and
matters could easily get out of hand if the protests are not managed
properly.
Of course in a situation as volatile as this there is always the
opportunity for mercenaries and political opportunists to raise
havoc. Among a certain section of the population there is always the
threat of violent demonstrations; others are just looking for
support for a rates boycott while still others see in it an
opportunity to promote themselves.
At the Schoemansville meeting the local Machiavelli, who through his
internet Mini-Me in the past has vociferously tried to promote a
rates boycott and virulently attacked Kormorant for cautioning
against such a course of action, now finally baulked at the legal
complications. But it is not unlikely that a rates boycott will be
high on the agenda of many who will be attending Monday night’s
meeting in Brits.
It is quite possible also that at least some of the protest actions
have been instigated by supporters of the suspended municipal
manager. Especially the ANCYL’s agenda is obviously not the same as
those of residents of Elandsrand or Ifafi, but the fact remains that
their protests have to be managed.
The most sober approach to the whole issue seems to be that of the
Brits industrialists who reportedly have already obtained quotations
for legal support to get intervention in Madibeng in terms of the
Municipal Finance Management Act. After all, it is all about money
and how it is spent. It will cost money, but if it is supported on a
wide front it could be financially less damaging to residents than a
rates boycott.
Whatever one’s take on all the protest actions, it is blatantly
obvious that serious interference is essential. And not only must
steps be taken, they must be seen to be taken. The residents must
see what remedial steps are taken, both in governance and execution,
so that the process of rebuilding can begin, not only of the
infrastructure and services, but also of trust.
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3 February 2010 |
