For the past two weeks AfriForum’s East Rand branches submitted written commentary to the respective Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs) during the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) meetings.
Although the meetings were communicated to the public on extremely short notice, each of the meetings were attended by the local AfriForum branch management. The written commentary was received well by most of the municipal managers, except in Springs – MMC Masele Madihlaba refused input from the local Springs branch management and insisted that any commentary be emailed. Further Madihlaba also refused to communicate with the audience in English and the branch chairperson had to insist on English as communication medium to accommodate everyone.
Written commentary during these meetings is of utmost importance, as it entails the public’s participation in the budget process up to and including 2022. The branches each compiled refined input about problems in the various towns needing urgent attention. Branch management focused on municipal expenses, the municipalities’ Spatial Development Plan (SDP) and the zoning of various open areas.
The public has until 23 April 2019 to still submit commentary by sending input to budgettips@ekurhuleni.gov.za via email.
“We must have insight into the allocation of resources and service delivery, as well as what the municipality plans for each residential area,” says Marie Naude, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for the East Rand.
AfriForum encourages residents of the East Rand to take part in this public process and become involved with their nearest AfriForum branch. SMS “GOP” to 45342 (R1) and add your name to this action.