Ray of hope as KDM ups capital budget

to Council of more than R160 million, which remains a burden for ratepayers and customers.

“Property Rates and Property Rates were increased by an overall R39 million after considering that there are new developments being registered and new rates accounts being opened, and that the midyear property rates category had a positive variance of R11 million from budgeted revenue.

“The savings are a result of the timing of the filling of vacant positions, resignations, and untimely loss of municipal officials.

“The critical posts have been re-evaluated and the recruitment & selection processes are underway with vacant positions to be addressed prior to year-end.

Although the overall employee-related category has been decreased, the overtime budget has been increased by approximately R3 million,” Nhaca said.

Corrupt officials

Mayor Nhaca also touched on the thorny issue of Rocky Park, where invasions occurred recently, resulting in violent protests. The Mayor strongly condemned certain councillors and municipal officials, whom she accused of colluding with community groups with an intent to cause mayhem and target municipal property. Nhaca added that it was unacceptable to note that there was widespread reluctance amongst members of Council to speak out against the Rocky Park invasions, and the resulting chaos in the area.

“I would like to call all councillors to support the legal process of allocating the human settlements including these flats to the qualifying beneficiaries and original beneficiaries on the list. In the same vein, I will be instructing the Municipal Manager to implement consequences management in order to act on corrupt officials that are party to the invasions at the Rocky Park Flats.

“It is very depressing to have seen circulating video footage depicting a woman burning an election T-shirt depicting a photo of the Speaker of this august council. This was also part of the Rocky Park protest. Madam Speaker, you do not deserve such treatment, no matter the circumstances. I stand united with you and I call upon all peace-loving citizens in condemning such injustice to women in leadership,” Nhaca said.

Nhaca went on to remind councillors that Council had an obligation to deliver decent housing to deserving beneficiaries, while refusing to entertain those elements whom she described as “opportunists”.