DA uncovers “staggering” waste and corruption in councils it has taken over: Maimane

The Democratic Alliance has uncovered a “truly staggering display of waste and corruption” in the councils it has taken over‚ DAS leader Mmusi Maimane says.

“It is clear that most ANC councils were being used as bloated employment agencies for ANC cronies‚ wasting money meant for service delivery for the poor‚” he said after a two-day meeting of the DA’s federal executive (FedEx).

 “In the coming weeks‚ we will set out in detail some of what we have found‚ and how we are dealing with it‚” he added.

 Mmusi added that many of the new councils the DA now led were in dire financial situations.

 “It will be complex and difficult to turn these councils around and sweep away years of ANC neglect and corruption. But we are excited for the challenge‚ and will take it on with zeal‚” he said.

 He said the party regarded it as a “profound privilege” to be able to govern the municipalities where we it had won‚ and took this responsibility very seriously.

 “Our governance footprint is substantial. The DA is currently in government in 37 municipalities – including 4 metros — in 6 out of 9 provinces. We have never been in such an opportune position to govern honestly‚ govern well‚ and prove to the people of South Africa that come 2019‚ the DA is the party to move South Africa forward again.

“The instruction from the FedEx to all DA-led governments is clear: govern with honesty and humility‚ so that all can see the difference a DA government makes to people’s lives‚ especially the lives of the poor‚” Maimane said.

 Every DA-controlled government‚ he said‚ was accountable to the DA’s federal executive for its performance‚ implementation of the party’s manifesto and adherence to the party’s values.

 “This includes providing FedEx with regular and detailed reports on the state of the administration which must include the extent to which the manifesto of the Party is being implemented.

“The Mayors‚ Speakers‚ and Chief Whips of every DA-controlled government will attend meetings arranged by the Party to co-ordinate efforts and to exchange best practice.

“The Party has given a clear mandate to all our mayors to ensure our election mandate of cutting corruption‚ creating jobs and delivering better services is the blueprint for all our governments – and is the golden thread that runs through all municipal budgets and Integrated Development Plans (IDP)‚” the DA leader said.

With regards to the South African Local Government Association (SALGA)‚ he said that the federal executive of the party had considered the ongoing participation of DA-controlled governments in SALGA.

 “The Fedex recognises the Constitutional role that SALGA plays‚ but equally that is failing in its mandate and not providing value for money. DA representatives will therefore move substantive motions that are aimed at ensuring that SALGA fulfils its mandate in a non-partisan and effective manner. The DA will not allow it to be abused by the ANC and for ratepayers’ money to be wasted on simply talk shops‚” Maimane added.