No” to public funded ANC bash
The DA in the Tshwane Metro Council today refused to sign a blank cheque to fund ANC centenary celebrations with taxpayers’ money next year.
In an astounding move the Speaker permitted a report from the Mayor to serve before council at her discretion basis proposing an elaborate celebration of the ANC’s existence.
The DA’s message, supported by smaller parties like Azapo and the PAC, was clear. The ANC is fee to celebrate its own existence, but it should foot the bill itself.
While many communities and residents in Tshwane enjoy no formal service delivery and no or poor infrastructure, it is disappointing that the ANC would rather use State funds to celebrate their birthday.
Many past heroes of the ANC are today also heroes of all South Africans and we recognise their monumental contribution to democracy in South Africa but we refuse to accept the excuses tendered for this celebration. Millions of South Africans still have only been freed in title only but live as prisoners of poverty. All our funds must go to free these people and deliver improved services to all South Africans.
Diverting funds earmarked for service delivery in order to pay for a bash for the ruling party cannot be disguised as a way of honouring the heroes of the past.
The people of Tshwane will see it for what it really is: a way of shoring up ANC support ahead of the 2014 election and perhaps even an opportunity for one ANC faction to gain ground against another.
Mayor Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has agreed that the blanket approval sought was inappropriate and has undertaken to provide Council with more details. Unfortunately the ANC is firm in their resolve to conflate State and Party and we fear that this resolution will make a comeback at the next council.
The DA hopes that the ANC sees reason and ensures that their centenary celebrations which interfere with the city’s budgetary priorities is placed in the trash can and funds for their party found elsewhere.
