ActionSA strongly rejects the eThekwini Metro Municipality’s recent decision to allocate an estimated R25 million towards a fleet of Security and Protection Services vehicles, as well as an additional R200 million for procuring vehicles for various municipal departments. This decision is both fiscally irresponsible and displays poor governance.
It is particularly disheartening to note that the Democratic Alliance (DA), which previously opposed this purchase, has now aligned with their coalition partner, the African National Congress (ANC), in supporting the R25 million vehicle acquisition.
This flip-flop undermines their credibility and raises serious questions about their commitment to prudent financial management.
Currently, the Municipality has a substantial number of vehicles deteriorating at various City Fleet sites.
Our oversight visit at City Fleet Mobeni workshop, which we conducted during the previous year, revealed that the workshop is critically under-resourced, with many vehicles requiring only minor repairs to return to service.
Instead of addressing these inefficiencies and allocating funds to repair existing vehicles and replenish necessary resources at the workshop, the Municipality has chosen the more extravagant route of purchasing new vehicles.
This begs the question: what plans does the Municipality have in place to repair the vehicles currently stationed at various City Fleet sites?
Additionally, ActionSA vehemently opposed the Municipality’s proposal to host the 2024 resurgence conference, projected to cost the City R9 million, a figure that may escalate due to ongoing negotiations. Such lavish spending is unjustifiable given the current economic climate and the pressing needs of our citizens.
These funds should be redirected towards repairing dilapidated infrastructure throughout the city, bringing relief and much needed services to the people of Tongaat who were devastated by a tornado, which displaced hundreds of residents.
The people of eThekwini deserve strong, principled leadership that prioritises their needs over insignificant expenditures.
The DA/ANC coalition’s actions are setting the stage for the City’s financial collapse, maintaining suffering for the residents of eThekwini.
ActionSA remains committed to being the unofficial opposition, holding the DA/ANC coalition accountable and advocating for responsible governance that truly serves the people.
ActionSA Condemns Irresponsible Spending by eThekwini Municipality and DA/IFP/NFP/ANC Coalition