Local Government and Housing MEC Humphrey Mmemezi said government should find ways to protect the private properties of councillors in an event that they are attacked and destroyed by members of the public during violent protests.
MEC Humphrey Mmemezi told the two day Gauteng SALGA conference today in Tshwane that councillors are the foot soldiers of government and they need to be insured by government.
“We need to find a way to protect our councillors and their properties because they are representatives of government in different communities. We need to be there for them because no one will come to their rescue if we don’t,” said Mmemezi
Mmemezi said there are issues that demand urgent attention to strengthening a developmental state that is fundamentally about people. “There is a need to continuously provide services to people and fulfilling the needs of people in communities. Let’s ensure that people access opportunities that will move them out of poverty to a better life that we all aspire to,” said Mmemezi.
He appealed to the conference to explore ways in which the employment contracts in municipalities can be extended to all employees, irrespective of level of position. The MEC said good governance should guide the actions of management at all times, such as in matters of supply chain and the overall oversight mechanisms that they institute.
Until tomorrow, the conference will be focusing on service delivery in the province. Experts from the different industries that have a direct impact on local government sphere will also interrogate issues such as service delivery and related issues.
Current Chairperson of SALGA in Gauteng Mr Khorommbi Dau emphasised the urgency of finding solutions to challenges facing the local government sphere. “We cannot afford to ignore the many challenges facing councillors and this conference should pronounce on our position as a province, regarding council welfare and security,” said Dau.
Dau said it is imperative that the conference ensure that they resolve on measurable and deliverable targets to enable the new leadership to effectively operate. He urged the delegates to find a common ground to make SALGA more effective in the new term of office and also use the lessons learned from previous terms to ensure that they carry the baton forward.
For more information contact:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
Malebo Tau
Cell: 082 802 1752
