OR Tambo is in the former Transkei, the poorest part of the Eastern Cape which was neglected by successive Bantustan administrations and the democratic dispensation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s ambitious District Development Model is under threat after the collapse of the rural OR Tambo district municipality in the Eastern Cape, where the project was first launched amid excitement about this revolutionary prototype for service delivery. Now, the municipality has been placed under administration due to reported political infighting among its leaders and officials, which hampered service delivery.
This followed widespread infighting among ANC senior councillors and a spat between the mayor, the deputy mayor and the speaker. The power struggle forced Bhisho to invoke section 139 in the interests of residents.But there is concern that the instability, absence of elected leadership and sidelining of appointed officials could derail Ramaphosa’s plan to use districts as centres of service delivery.
Ironically, the first District Development Model was launched at Lusikisiki in the OR Tambodistrict in September 2019 a few months after Ramaphosa was elected. The model was touted as a “revolutionary” way local government could bring services to the people in the rural areas. Cooperative governance and traditional affairs MEC Xolile Nqatha said OR Tambo was placed under section 139 of the constitution because it failed to demonstrate commitment to the objective of the local government.
The expelled councillors were permitted to participate in the approval of budget in violation of the law. The unprocedural council meetings were presided over by the deputy mayor instead of the mayor, which was also abnormal in terms of the legislation. Bhisho stated that the disputes were costly to the municipality as its duty to exercise its authority in the best interest of the community were adversely affected.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ramaphosa to appear at state capture inquiryDuring his last appearance in May, President Cyril Ramaphosa admitted that corruption has negatively affected service delivery.
Read more »
‘Days of sitting in offices are over’: new Joburg mayor vows to get hands dirtyNewly elected Johannesburg executive mayor Jolidee Matongo has announced 10 members of his cabinet, whom he says will hit the ground running in a bid to restore the image of SA's biggest-budget municipality.
Read more »
KRIS DOBIE: Local government: flawed people or flawed system?Improved service delivery requires changes to the system that will enable leaders to do better
Read more »
Joburg's new mayor Jolidee Matongo ready to hit the ground runningMatongo said his administration would focus on stabilising the city’s finances, service delivery and good governance.
Read more »
Play ball or I might see you in court, new Jozi mayor warns officialsJolidee Matongo says those responsible for service delivery had better do their jobs or they will have to ‘sit at home’
Read more »