City of Tshwane 'is in a dire state', Mayor Moya lays it bare
Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya says residents must not be shielded from the true state of the capital city.
City of Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya. Picture: X/@nasiphim
JOHANNESBURG - Newly elected Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya says the capital city "is in a dire state."
While most government heads reflected on their first 100 days in office, Moya gave a 100-day action plan to turn around the city's fortunes on Wednesday.
She says her administration has been poring over the city's reports since taking office earlier this month, and they do not paint a pretty picture.
Moya said residents must not be shielded from the true state of the capital city.
The city has an unfunded budget, meaning it is not generating enough money to meet its service delivery expenses - added Moya.
“Many of the city’s residents feel neglected and disengaged from the work of government, having lost faith in our willingness and ability to improve the conditions in which they live.”
Moya unveiled a six-point plan that aims to stabilise the city's finances, increase revenue and boost economic development - among others.
She said these are short-term goals her administration aims to achieve by the end of January next year.
The African National Congress (ANC)-led governing coalition in Tshwane has taken a "zero tolerance" stance on corruption.
During the eight years under Democratic Alliance (DA)-led coalitions, the capital city has been marred by corruption scandals, chief of which is the irregular multimillion rand Rooiwal tender awarded to controversial businessman Edwin Sodi.
In addition, the municipality last received a positive unqualified audit opinion in the 2018 / 2019 financial year.
Moya said the stability of the city's finances is her administration's number one priority.
“In addition to the focus on financial sustainability, we have tasked the City Manager with improving audit outcomes. We cannot return to the era of adverse audit requirements. This includes taking a zero-tolerance stance on corruption in the City to ensure that public funds are spent responsibly for the benefit of residents.”