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Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza says some councillors are a disgrace to government as in most cases they cause embarrassment by not responding to the needs of the people who elected them to power.

Premier Mabuza was speaking at a handing over ceremony of four sponsored houses to destitute families in Perdekop yesterday Tuesday, 10 July 2012. The Premier said he had observed that some councillors were not "patriotic" to the people who elected them into power, but were concerns about their positions.

He said some councillors did not display much-needed leadership in dealing with issues affecting communities. It is in this regard that he opted to engage the business people to assist him deliver some of the services to the people through a public-private-partnership.

"It is unfortunate that some of our councillors are not up to their task, they have created a distance between themselves and the people who elected them. They are a disgrace and make all of us feel ashamed.
"They have petty squabbles over petty things instead of being united and work as a team in meeting the needs of the people. The people raise one and the same issues everyday, but since some of the councillors are divided and not focused, we will not win as a team."

"Our people can no longer wait not even one day to get a better life. While some councillors are wearing expensive, stylish and warm clothes, our people out there are feeling cold not because it is winter, but because they are left behind," said Mabuza.

He urged the councillors to be committed in working for the people by humbling themselves and deliver services on their behalf. He added that those elected to leadership positions needed to have “basic things” such as respect for the people who entrusted them with their government.

The Premier further appreciated the sponsors' contribution in building the houses where need was necessary, adding that their social responsibility activities would always be acknowledged by the people.

"It is our idea that government should partner with business because we cannot do everything alone, we need such partisan partners to assist us. It also means it is possible that if we put our hands together, we can change our lives on our own.

"We can transcend our differences, unite and help ourselves. Let us all stay focused and tell ourselves that when we wake up tomorrow, we want to change our situation and make a difference in our lives because South Africa is indeed our home," said Mabuza.

One of the houses was built by a local business man who passed on before it was officially handed over to its beneficiary.