It has been noted that “corruption” is the root of all malfunctions in the Official Government Departments of S.A, as was accentuated by the National Planning Minister Trevor Manuel in his speech whilst addressing a crowd at the annual economics symposium held in the Eastern Cape. A total of R21, 1 Billion in irregular spending has been lost in the last financial year ending 2011/2012 as per consolidated report we received from the Auditor-general Mr. Terence Nombembe. That money could have been well spent to alleviate some of the problems highlighted in the National Development Plan envisage by the state till 2030.
One of keynotes is the fact that “nepotism and favoritism” are factors that have destabilized the procurement mechanism of the government to award tenders. Some government officials have direct link with the suppliers and are duly able to contest the outcome of the tender. The problem with our government is the lack of accountability and that alone cripples the management and administration processes, hence it is imperative that we adhere to Checks and Balances in order that the Implementation Process of the National Development Plan is successful and efficient enough to reach the destitute and deserving communities.
The Municipalities in the Eastern Cape are lagging behind in the Delivery of Basic Services and this could result in the continuation of Civil Unrest and permanent Protest marches. The Makana Municipality is such a phenomenon where there is constant redress in the Administration of Government Departments by self-serving Officials and the failure to implement its Mandate. This has resulted to poor or inadequate Service Delivery, especially in the Eastern side of the town where the majority of the Black residents have lost hope in their leaders and the chance of ever getting descent services from the municipality. The Municipality of Makana is so reluctant in providing any means of success for any envisaged Business Proposal emanating from the Black Businesses and there is so much beaurocracy that, it has led to some businesses forfeiting their envisaged Development Plans.
I do agree with Mr. Trevor Manuel that the citizens of this country should take initiatives in addressing the issues affecting their communities, but he must also remember that it is the government officials who approve of all the procurements. It is therefore the reason I challenge Premier Noxolo Kiviet of the Provincial government and our Mayor Mr. Zamuxolo Peter to appoint a Truth Commission to look into the affairs of our town (Grahamstown) and distinguish the reason there is continuous failure in addressing the needs of Kwa-Ndancama and surrounding areas. The communities of Kwa-Ndancama have been waiting for ages to receive proper and efficient Service Delivery from the Grahamstown Municipality.
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