GOOD Statement by Keagen Gertse,
GOOD Drakenstein Councillor & Caucus Whip
4 December 2024
The GOOD Party in Drakenstein notes the clean audit opinion that the municipality received from the Auditor-General of South Africa for the 2023/2024 financial year.
The outcomes will be a source of praise for the current administration but GOOD wishes to remind the political and administrative management that a clean audit in no way means service delivery or a clean Municipality.
GOOD hopes this administration does not misuse this audit opinion to mislead ratepayers into believing that this equates to services being delivered – the two are worlds apart.
Mayor Stephen Korabie continuously reiterates that the entire municipal area is filthy, and we cannot agree more with him.
Waste management is dysfunctional and overgrown grass and weeds is an eyesore throughout Drakenstein.
Cemeteries, the final resting place of loved ones, are neglected and run down.
Recently, the Mayor shared a horror story where vehicles drive over graves or leave their vehicles stationary on top of unmarked graves.
What the Mayor does not acknowledge is that this is an admission of guilt on his parties’ side.
The DA, who claims excellent service delivery, has been leading the municipality since 2011.
Where the DA governs you will always find a tale of two cities: one part flourishing in lush greens and majestic views and the other trudging through filth and decay.
In these Municipalities stark evidence exists of first- and third-class residence. Drakenstein is no different.
Several informal settlements are sitting without electricity, running water, refuge removal and ablution facilities.
A clean audit has little effect on the service delivery needs of poor and destitute residents and vulnerable senior citizens in our communities.
Pensioners, the unemployed and women-led households suffer the brunt of Drakenstein’s draconian Indigent Grant Policy.
A clean audit indicates that financial statements and records are drafted and kept in accordance with prescribed regulations and that the Municipality is fulfilling its statutory obligations in terms of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 56 of 2003.
A clean audit is a legal requirement and in extension a performance indicator of the accounting officer. It is not a reflection or measurement of the delivery of services.
What Drakenstein needs is a government that actively seeks ways to innovate service delivery and to better the living conditions of everyone.
Media enquiries: media@forgood.org.za