DEMOCRATIC Alliance leader Helen Zille has done one thing that is sure to be a real crowd pleaser.
DEMOCRATIC Alliance leader Helen Zille has done one thing that is sure to be a real crowd pleaser.
The Western Cape premier has promised to cap car allowances for official vehicles. This is indeed welcome news in a sluggish economy that has driven most South Africans to their knees.
The recent mad rush by cabinet ministers to buy expensive cars has left a sour taste in most people's mouths. It was an insensitive move that robbed government of the goodwill of the people.
The astute Zille says the province will write its own low budget handbook that will see car allowances slashed by half.
We echo Cosatu's demand that salaries should also be capped. It seems that these huge payments lead to vicious infighting for status and benefits.
South Africa's politicians, especially those of the ANC, are openly at each other's throats over positions and tenders. This worries foreign investors and the citizenry who see comrades ripping each other to shreds.
Careerism has really got a toehold in South African politics and working to advance revolutionary gains is now a forgotten ideal.
If South African politics is to mature, then personal material and financial enrichment should be strictly outlawed.
Cosatu says that the huge salaries that MPs are paid help to distance them from ordinary people. There was hope that the high salaries would curb greed and theft.
The opposite has happened, with South Africans buffeted daily by reports of nepotism, fraud and jobs for cronies.
Let other premiers follow Zille's example.
Good show Helen Zille
DEMOCRATIC Alliance leader Helen Zille has done one thing that is sure to be a real crowd pleaser.
DEMOCRATIC Alliance leader Helen Zille has done one thing that is sure to be a real crowd pleaser.
The Western Cape premier has promised to cap car allowances for official vehicles. This is indeed welcome news in a sluggish economy that has driven most South Africans to their knees.
The recent mad rush by cabinet ministers to buy expensive cars has left a sour taste in most people's mouths. It was an insensitive move that robbed government of the goodwill of the people.
The astute Zille says the province will write its own low budget handbook that will see car allowances slashed by half.
We echo Cosatu's demand that salaries should also be capped. It seems that these huge payments lead to vicious infighting for status and benefits.
South Africa's politicians, especially those of the ANC, are openly at each other's throats over positions and tenders. This worries foreign investors and the citizenry who see comrades ripping each other to shreds.
Careerism has really got a toehold in South African politics and working to advance revolutionary gains is now a forgotten ideal.
If South African politics is to mature, then personal material and financial enrichment should be strictly outlawed.
Cosatu says that the huge salaries that MPs are paid help to distance them from ordinary people. There was hope that the high salaries would curb greed and theft.
The opposite has happened, with South Africans buffeted daily by reports of nepotism, fraud and jobs for cronies.
Let other premiers follow Zille's example.