Political promotion of Cape mayor De Lille

22 June 2016

The Western Cape ANC says taxpayer money is used to unduly promote Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille.

In the latest issue (Winter 2016) of City Views ‘celebrating women’s month’ published by the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) a dressed with mayoral regalia De Lille is prominently portrayed as a ‘Wonder Woman’. Thousands of this edition of the free CCID newspaper printed on expensive thick white paper is distributed even though national women’s month only starts on 1 August 2016 – two days ahead of the local government elections.

The CCID is an extension of the City of Cape Town and funded by ratepayers whereas the city collects the additional taxes for this mini municipality in the city. Ironically De Lille says in a quote it is ‘a big responsibility’ to look after ratepayers’ money.

It is not the first time De Lille is entangled in abusing taxpayer money to promote her profile and improve her image shortly before elections. She did this with the drug campaign that faded shortly after a previous election and continues to buy publicity time and space to advance herself even on regional radio. It is shameful and silly. Voters must punish the double standards DA for abusing their money in such a flagrant way.

Issued by JJ Tyhalisisu, ANC metro regional secretary, 22 June 2016