Democracies are the ultimate shared-value model. Like in the business world, when all parties participate, everyone wins. But as in companies, when unfettered power is vested in the highest office, it stimulates corruption faster than the sea air breeds rust in exposed metal. The ANC is bearing the brunt of that process now with the new brooms sweeping away dirt which accumulated during two decades of absolute control in major metros. Last week Tshwane’s new Mayor started the ball rolling. Now his DA counterparts in Johannesburg and Nelson Mandela Bay are following suit. Competitive politics works wonders. And quickly. Â – Alec Hogg
From Fin24
Cape Town – Gauteng owes the City of Joburg R259m in unpaid rates and has 30 days to hand over the money, mayor Herman Mashaba revealed on Monday.
“Following an investigation I can reveal that Gauteng government departments owe the City of Joburg R259m in outstanding rates,” Mashaba said in a statement.
Mashaba, the Democratic Alliance member who took over the mayoral post after the African National Congress lost the city in the local elections, has hit the ground running.
Last week Mashaba stopped a bicycle lane project worth R70m as he said the money should first be used to tar roads that are in poor form.
In Monday’s announcement, he said he would write to Gauteng premier David Makhura, giving his government 30 days to either pay the R259m or enter into an acceptable repayment agreement with the City, “as any other defaulting resident is expected to do”.
“Failure to do so will result in the City taking immediate action – where possible – cutting services to defaulting departments,” said Mashaba. “We urge the defaulting departments to urgently comply within this timeframe so that such action will not be necessary.”
“Hear me well, there will be no slaps on the wrists or golden handshakes. Those found guilty of corruption will go to jail.” Herman Mashaba👏
— South African Heroes (@SA_Heroes) September 13, 2016
He said the departments guilty of failing to meet their rates payments are as follows:
The Department of Infrastructure and Development – R161m; The Department of Human Settlements – R39m; and The Department of Health – R59m.“These provincial government departments, who budget for rates and taxes, have not paid their dues to the city for a long time,” he said. “One has to ask: what has happened to their budget, which would have been set aside for this purpose?”
He said the debt had accumulated over time. “It is disgraceful that the previous ANC-led administration allowed the ANC-run provincial government to get away with this for so long,” he said.
“I have a clear message to give to Premier Makhura and his government: from today, you will not receive free lunches in the City of Joburg any longer. Pay up or face the consequences.
“Between April and June this year, money owed by residents to the City grew by R2.8bn. Evidently, the provincial government has been a large contributor to this.”
An indaba on City bills is set to take place next week, he said. –Â Fin24
Source:Â http://www.fin24.com/Economy/joburg-mayor-tells-gauteng-to-pay-back-the-money-20160919
Trollip bans business, 1st class trips for Nelson Mandela Bay officials
By Paul Herman, News24
Port Elizabeth – Nelson Mandela Bay Mayor Athol Trollip has banned city and public officials from flying Business or First Class during domestic work trips. “Under previous administrations, an excessive amount of money was spent on luxurious travel instead of on service delivery. Those days are over,” Trollip said in a statement on Sunday.
Trollip said that officials travelling for the purposes of city business would now only use economy class.
“Furthermore, travel arrangements will be co-ordinated well in advance so as to secure the lowest possible fares. This will be negotiated with our current service providers.
Trollip said his administration had made a promise to save R100m in its first 100 days in office, to be redirected towards improving service delivery and creating jobs.
The latest move was to help achieve this, he added.
President Jacob Zuma, meanwhile, flew SAA in his latest visit to the US on Saturday.
Zuma said that it had been a pleasant experience and encouraged South Africans to use the service.