We have noted the intention by the DA to drag the Demarcations Board to court on its decision to amalgamate Tlokwe and Ventersdorp municipalities. We reject their intentions on two grounds; the first is the ridiculous allegation that the board has been co-opted by the ANC. In the absence of a logical and convincing argument, it is not surprising that the DA would resort to slanderous accusations to tarnish the image and standing of the Demarcations Board. In the history of this institution it had been at the forefront of ensuring that the local government system works. Towards this end many municipalities have merged to consolidate their revenue base and to address the problem of non-viable municipalities to ensure that communities in those municipalities are not left behind in terms of the delivery of basic services. 

Secondly, we reject their argument that such mergers are calculated to ensure that the ANC wins the upcoming local government elections.   Local government in SA is 15yrs young, a system that is still evolving. The ANC has been at the receiving end of re-demarcation. We have accepted the logic and purpose of the board having noted that the rationale will benefit the country and our governance system rather than advancing a narrow and partisan view.

The application to the Municipal Demarcation Board was made legally in terms of the Municipal Demarcation Act with a view to decreasing the number of unviable municipalities. We believe the Board has independently applied its mind to the application, agreeing to some proposals and rejecting others, for example some in Mpumalanga. We view this backward argument as merely an electioneering gimmick by the DA to disrupt a legitimate and legal process."

Issued by Zizi Kodwa, National Spokesperson, ANC, 8 September 2015