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The Democratic Alliance in Dawid Kruiper municipality has requested the Municipal Manager to facilitate an urgent presentation in respect of an unplanned and uncosted trip to China that was bulldozed through council last week.

The DA voted against the trip, given the glaring lack of detail of its purpose, the delegation and the cost implications. We have also not been given any detail of the visit or proposals put forward by the Changsa City delegation, during their visit to Dawid Kruiper on 12 June.

According to the municipality’s proposal, the aim of the expedition is to foster friendly relations with Changsa City and to explore possible trade and investment opportunities and the promotion of cultural exchanges. No details are provided in respect of what sectors are being targeted, or what specific projects are envisioned.

The trip has also not yet been costed. This is despite the fact that the cost implications will be carried by the cash-strapped municipality and will cover airfare, meals and transportation, as well as any other incidental costs such as visa applications fees and insurance cover.

The Executive Mayor and Municipal Manager are also still to decide on the delegation from a political and administrative level.

It is premature for the municipality to seek approval for a trip without being able to put a detailed plan on the table. Specific projects must be researched and identified, as well as coordinated with role-players in the specific sectors, in addition to a fit-for-purpose delegation being proposed, for the trip to have any real meaning.

At the same time, we question why it is necessary for Dawid Kruiper to pay a reciprocal visit to China so soon after they have been here. We also question the role of the provincial government, in particular the Premier and the Northern Cape Economic Development, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, in this matter.

The municipality is financially constrained and there is no way that the DA is prepared to rubber-stamp such an open-ended trip that provides no indication of the expected return on investment.

In addition to calling for an urgent presentation on the trip, the DA has also alerted the Office of the Auditor General to ensure that this international excursion is included in their audit.

Issued by Henk Opperman, Cllr - Dawid Kruiper Municipality