During an urgent council meeting on 5 October 2022, the DA vehemently opposed the council’s decision to approve a trip for the Executive Mayor, John Mpe and Municipal Manager, Thuso Nemugumoni, to the Victoria Falls in Zimbabawe.

The Premier extended an invitation to the Mayor and Municipal Manager of Polokwane to attend the Joint Provincial Council (JPC) of the Trans-Limpopo Spatial Development Initiative (TLSDI) meeting scheduled from 6 to 8 October 2022.

A memorandum of understanding was signed in 2012 between the cities of Bulawayo and Polokwane following similar arrangements between other municipalities in Limpopo and provinces in Zimbabwe.

The primary reason for the trip is “to receive reports on the work of the JEC”.

We find the attendance of the Executive Mayor and especially the Municipal Manager  unacceptable during a time when residents have to endure extreme hardship because of inadequate water provision and distribution.

Some areas in Polokwane have been without a constant supply of water for 11 weeks and counting.

If the interests of Polokwane residents were at top billing, our executive mayor and municipal manager would have remained in the city to give the water crisis their full attention.

Instead, the duo opted for a  lavish break away at Vic Falls upon an invite from Premier Mathabatha.

We believe that residents of Polokwane are fed up with the ANC and its distorted priorities and that they will indicate their dissatisfaction at the polls come 2024.

 

Issued by Adrian Roos MP - DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Home Affairs