Ekurhuleni mayor Doctor Xhakaza delivered a speech about his 100 days in office during the city’s ordinary council meeting, held at the council chambers in Germiston on August 29.
He reflected on what the city achieved since he was elected the mayor in April, to serve as the third mayor of the city in the current five-year-term.
“As we align ourselves with the Government of National Unity, we reaffirm our commitment to the values of inclusivity, equity, and collective progress.
“The journey traversed, though filled with some challenges, has been marked by significant strides towards restoring service delivery and rebuilding public trust in our city,” said Xhakaza.
The mayor said one of their key initiatives was the establishment of the ‘Mayoral Service Delivery War Room’– a multi-departmental platform designed to fast-track the response time for service delivery, and to foster greater accountability.
“We came in the last quarter and there is great improvement in the overall system.”
According to Xhakaza, some achievements included:
• The city launched the Mayoral Imbizo Programme to be able to directly engage with communities and resolve the persistent service delivery issues on the spot.
• The city is currently supporting 1000 emerging farmers, has released 20 farms, and is further giving support to 33 co-operatives, 40 workers, and 25 community gardens.
• A total of 2000 EPEP brigades were provided with exit support and guidance on new venture creation.
• A total of 202 households were electrified in Thembisa.
• Five reservoirs were completed.
• 7.55km of water and sewer pipes were upgraded and replaced.
• The parks and cemeteries division received R10 million worth of much-needed grass-cutting and arboriculture equipment.
• They successfully completed the installation of streetlights along several key roads in the city.
• Out of the 14 000 roads queries lodged, 10 000 have been resolved.
• The war room assisted to accelerate CapEx spending with an achievement of 99%.
• Grants spending: in the 2023 financial year, unspent grants were at R154m and on June 30, this year, unspent grants are sitting at R43m.
• Cash on hand improved from a balance R592m to R615m.
• The city achieved 90% revenue collections.
• Significant progress in the second phase towards the establishment of Ekurhuleni University of Science and Technology.
However, most of the political parties in council, including the opposition parties, including the DA, and even the ANC’s coalition partner, the EFF, were not convinced.
Responding to the mayor’s speech, DA caucus leader Clr Brandon Pretorius said: “Listening to the mayor it is clear that the achievements listed of this government’s time in office to date paints but a vague picture of the true experience of the residents and it does not speak to reality.
“Ald Xhakaza, with respect, you and those alongside you – the red rouges, are selling the residents a red and green-faced lie. Driving to council this morning, I witnessed a very different Ekurhuleni to the one you just described.
“While one must always have a plan, a plan is nothing but words on paper if the plan is not implemented. Ons moet implimenteer.
“They say a new broom sweeps clean Mr Mayor, but it seems to us that some among you only sweep things under the rug.
“Another one of these six pillars speaks to the economy and job creation. Yet, when I hear the re-emergence of the Aerotropolis project, I sigh with despair.
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“After millions of rands spent on this white elephant, all we have to show is a negative bank balance and no return on investment.
“How can the city even think about job creation, when they strangle and kill small businesses by not paying service providers on time.
“Just last month, the EFF MMC for environment applauded himself for the delivery of waste trucks as the defining moment that would turn the tide on the literal rot engulfing our city. However, our streets, rivers and communities are overflowing with filth.
“Much fuss has been made about infrastructure, as there should. How nice it would be to have inner cities that have not been left to the mercy of building hijackers.
“Last month, mayor, you lauded the minister for electricity for Eskom’s ability to keep the lights on for 100 days, but it’s a pity that your MMC has not taken a leaf out of the minister’s book.
“There has not been a single day in the first 100 days (and counting) where every corner of this municipality has had its power on simultaneously.
“Imagine if we could secure our infrastructure against theft and vandalism, or even merely maintaining it to keep the lights on.”
ActionSA Ekurhuleni’s caucus leader Siyanda Makhubo said while they acknowledge the mayor’s milestone, his speech is intended to paint a beautiful picture of the city and overlooking the real challenges.
“Over the past 100 days, mayor, the following has since transpired under you. With a set target of 85% set by COGCTA for service delivery and the 75% that your executive has set for itself, reports show that you only achieved 7.9% of service delivery queries finalised.
“Waste has not been collected as expected, specifically to the residents of Thembisa, Daveyton, Etwatwa, Brakpan, Benoni and Katlehong, particularly as a result of non-payment of service providers,” said Makhubo.
During the meeting, the debt relief and rehabilitation incentives item brought by the ANC received overwhelming support from councillors of the different political parties, which led to its approval.
