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Staying true to its nature, cadre deployment is the first item on the ANC’s agenda after removing the DA-led government in Knysna last month. During the council meeting on the 16 September 2022, an item was served recommending changes to the organogram to accommodate support services for political office bearers and fulfil promises made to their partners.

The ANC Coalition of Corruption’s proposal included a chief of staff (T15) and public relations officer (T12) for the Executive Mayor’s office, while the Deputy Executive Mayor gets a political advisor (T12), head of office (T14) and a personal assistant (T8). It was also proposed that Speaker gets a head of office (T14) to assist him.

This means that the minimum cost to taxpayers to fill these pointless posts would be approximately R2.4 million on the minimum scale and more than R3 million at the top salary scale.

Although regulations make provision for political office assistance that is reasonable and cost-effective, these proposals are a smack in the face of clean governance and the community of Knysna fitting the bill.

When the DA was still in government, we budgeted for critical vacancies to be filled in community services, infrastructure and support services. Instead of prioritizing the filling of these service delivery essential vacancies, the ANC coalition aims to feast on taxpayers’ money.

In light of above, the DA could not support these bloated costs for cadres and as a result voted against the proposed recommendations.

Issued by Levael Davis - DA Caucus Leader, Knysna