Mr. Speaker,

Thank you.  The Executive Mayor ended his speech by saying “God Bless Africa – God Bless Gauteng – God Bless Tshwane”.  We applaud him for that.  It is God that gives us the power and ability to create wealth. It is only with His blessing and as we apply His principles that the people in this City will prosper in a safe and healthy environment.  Not only financially but also in their health, welfare and spiritual lives.

As this is probably the last debate on the State of the City address in our term of office and as the next Local Government Election is around the corner, it is important for the ACDP to reflect on the progress of the City since we took office in December 2000.

We want to congratulate the Executive Mayor, Members of the Mayoral Committee, fellow Councillors and every Official in the Administration for their contribution on improving the City and taking it forward.  We do believe that positive progress has been made in many areas.  However, some mistakes were made and many challenges remain.

We would like to highlight some of the recent achievements; for example the fact that the finances of the city are in a fairly good state.  Our good credit rating, strong balance sheet and financial discipline form a good platform for going forward.  If the finances are not in order, no service delivery will be possible in the future. 

The ACDP is also cautiously optimistic that the roll-out of the OITPS - One Integrated Transaction Processing System - seems to be on track for full implementation in the current year.  This system will form the back-bone of financial- and other management information.

The continued construction of houses is also a good achievement.  A roof over one’s head, serviced with water & sanitation, electricity, roads & stormwater infrastructure gives a person dignity and hope.

Municipal Managers in Tshwane have unfortunately not had a good track record.  It is in this context that Mr. Blake Mosley-Lefatola took office.  We would like to use this opportunity to congratulate him on his achievements thus far and for his personal and valued contribution. With a person of his calibre at the helm, the ACDP is confident that this City will continue on the good course that has been set.

The lack of Customer Care is one of the main issues of concern to the ACDP.  This aspect has improved, but the City still has a long way to go.  We should always remember that our residents and rate payers are our customers.

The Metro Police saga has brought a dark cloud over the City. The fact that corruption and allegations of corruption are not dealt with decisively, and the fact that the Chief Law Enforcement Officer leaves as a result, erodes the confidence the public has in our ability to protect them from evil doers.

As Electrical Engineer, I am appalled that the electrical infrastructure in the Southern and Eastern parts of our City is still far under capacity.  As recently as yesterday, the business sector in Centurion experienced power failures, as a result. Stable electrical power to business is crucial for job creation.

There are a number of challenges still facing this Council.  The ACDP believes that much more could and should be done to improve the lives of our people in the townships.  When moving around in these areas one sees sewerage running in the streets; refuse piled in heaps; street lights not working; cemeteries and parks in a state of neglect; potholes in the streets and insufficient stormwater drainage.  Attending to these issues will bring real hope to our people.

Continued upliftment of the Inner-City should remain a focus.  The creation of the Municipal Precinct should be fast-tracked.  This stimulus will encourage private enterprise to invest further in our beautiful city.

In conclusion Mr. Speaker, the ACDP welcomes the initiatives mentioned by the Mayor such as Cell phone vending of prepaid electricity, the complete roll-out of free basic electricity, the intent to spend at least R 8 million to make our public buildings safe and user-friendly for the disabled, and the expansion of the CCTV system, amongst others.

GOD BLESS TSHWANE – MODIMO O TSOLOFETSA TSHWANE – GOD SEEN TSHWANE – NKOSI SEKELE TSHWANE.

Thank you.

Clr. Richard Dinkelmann & Clr. Pieter de Necker

ACDP