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The proposed Executive Deputy Mayor position in Tshwane is a complete waste of public funds, simply aimed at keeping coalition partners happy at the expense of the city’s residents. 

For far too long, the residents have had to bear the brunt of poor financial decision-making by the DA-led coalition, and this insulting proposal is simply adding to the embarrassing mess. 

A report approved by Council last year broke down the cost of the proposed position, indicating that the Deputy Mayor would receive a salary of R1.1 million, with hundreds and thousands of rands worth of perks.

Moreover, the City has explained that this new seat, promised to Action SA, would see the dissolving of an MMC position, meaning Tshwane residents will simply be paying more for an MMC without a portfolio to keep everyone happy. 

Action SA should be ashamed for opting not to stand on the side of financial prudence, and by extension on the side of residents, but to rather jump into the DA's selfish political mess.

The DA could have followed through on its promise to give ActionSA the Speaker role to maintain stability. This would however have required unseating ATM speaker Mncedi Ndzwanana, which would almost certainly have disrupted the peace and led to another round of no-confidence motions. 

So instead, the residents will pay more, for less effective leadership. 

Political self-interest continues to trump the needs of the people of Tshwane as squabbling has forced the mayor to make unnecessary concessions that will cost unnecessary and supposedly "unavailable" funds.

The City miraculously continues to find public funds when it is convenient for them, but not for citizens. Hammanskraal residents aren't able to access water daily from water tanks. Sinkholes continue to destroy businesses and livelihoods. Homeless shelters are closing down due to lack of maintenance and funding.

All of this is happening whilst millions are being dished out to prevent coalition chaos.

GOOD urges the City to first resolve its financial mess and defer the appointment of the Executive Deputy Mayor. 

The vote on Thursday will send a strong indication of what this governing coalition actually cares about and what it believes must be prioritised.

GOOD will not support this. 

Issued by Sarah Mabotsa, GOOD: City of Tshwane Councillor