The Ethekwini Fiasco

COSATU in KZN welcomes the decision of the ANC in this province to mandate a comprehensive forensic investigation through the MEC of Co-operate Governance and Traditional Affairs.  We believe that this is a process long overdue, especially when individuals have and continue to use public funds for their own personal private financial interests.  We urge and appeal to the MEC to leave no stone unturned. Clearly some individuals have resorted to media leakages in order to tarnish each other's images instead of using state institutions created to serve that purpose.

We are very much impressed by the courage and determination demonstrated by the ANC in launching such a forensic investigation against a municipality who is under their control on the eve of local government elections.  Clearly the ANC has demonstrated maturity and has to be congratulated on such a bold step which demonstrates commitment to the people and their well being. 

The issue of eThekwini is just a typical example of the consequences of the tenderization of the state.  Tenders should be the last resort and therefore we believe that before there is a process towards a tender, there has to be proof that the state has no capacity and such a project in its totality remains unsustainable. We urge also our government to tighten up the role of public representative, office bearers and public servants on doing business in particular with the state.

We reject the opportunist demands but the DA that the eThekwini Mayor must resign based on what the DA has also claimed to be a liberal part but continue to behave and act like a complete unrepentant right wing formation.  Liberal principles teaches respect for individual rights, respect for a constitutional democracy which includes a person being innocent except if proven guilty by a court of law.  This demand may sound progressive but at times it could be used as a cover-up so that the public may not know the truth.

We appeal to our union SAMWU to co-operate with this investigation but obviously we expect the MEC to bring them on board on the processes.  We will also do our share because our people have been told that they must be patient with lack of service delivery whilst individuals are raking in millions of rand.  If there are individuals implicated to have been counting membership with us during the day and at night are busy counting profit, let the law take its cause.  We also believe that this revolutionary alliance must attend to the problem of a lack of revolutionary morality due to the intersection between political leadership and private capital.  We as COSATU believe there is a need for tighter regulation and guidelines.

Statement issued by Zet Luzipo, COSATU KZN Provincial Secretary, March 17 2011

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