GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - During a special council meeting held on Tuesday 14 October, an invitation from Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd to the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality to undertake a technical exchange visit to Huawei’s manufacturing and research facilities in Shenzhen, China, from 20 October to 18 November was discussed.
The municipality has already implemented various Huawei technologies within its infrastructure networks, including broadband communication systems and grid-connected backup installations.
Huawei now introduced advanced energy storage systems (ESS) solutions that integrate efficiently with municipal infrastructure, and the purpose of the proposed exchange visit was to evaluate these solutions, assess their compatibility with existing municipal infrastructure, and explore potential partnerships for renewable energy storage integration in the municipal area.
This was to be done as part of the municipality’s technical co-operation with Huawei and Utility Consulting Solutions, that has been implementing alternative energy solutions in the municipality since last year.
The recommendation was that the Municipal Manager, Dr Edward Rankwana, the Director of Finance, Jimmy Joubert and the Director of Infrastructure Services, Bennie Arends, should undertake the visit.
The trio’s international economy class flights from Johannesburg to Shenzhen and back, as well as their accommodation abroad, would have been covered, but their road travel and flights to Johannesburg and back, as well as their meals would have been for the municipality’s account.
After some deliberation on the matter, the ANC (7 votes), CSA (1 vote), and EFF (1 vote) – total 9 votes – voted in favour of the acceptance of the invitation and the DA (10 votes) and FF+ (1 vote) – total 11 votes – voted against it.
Audit in process
In a press release made available to the Graaff-Reinet Advertiser on Wednesday 15 October, the DA caucus stated that they are of the opinion that this visit will not be beneficial to the community, particularly considering the many more pressing issues faced within the municipality itself and in towns within the municipal area.
According to them, the most important issue is the fact that the Auditor-General is in currently auditing the municipality and it would be irresponsible for the directors - the top three senior officials - to be abroad during this critical time.
“Their absence during the audit period could negatively affect municipal operations related to the audit process,” they said.
Internal communication
They also reasoned that, even though the costs involved may be minimal, it would be prudent to save funds where possible and rather focus on addressing local service delivery issues.
In addition, according to them, there is concern about the performance of middle management and it is evident that there are communication gaps between directors and middle management.
“This situation contributes to many long-outstanding operational issues remaining unsolved, not only due to financial constraints, but mainly due to a lack of oversight and follow-through from top management.
Top management’s absence will worsen this problem,” they stated.
Eskom bill
Additionally, the DA stated that, even though previous overseas visits undertaken by municipal officials may have provided personal benefits, they have shown minimal tangible benefit to the municipality.
They said that, despite the municipality's green energy storage initiatives and promises made to reduce the municipality’s Eskom bill, the bill continued to increase, reaching R826m at the end of August.
Therefore, they are of the opinion that an exchange visit to China will certainly not change the situation in the foreseeable future.
Service delivery issues
The DA also cautioned against negative public perception, noting recent incidents such as pipe bursts that resulted in significant water losses, the sewerage crisis in Jansenville, the ongoing water crisis in Steytlerville, inconsistent refuse removal, infrastructure-related problems and issues related to municipal accounts throughout all towns within the municipality, as well as social media criticism questioning the municipality’s ability to respond effectively to service delivery challenges.
“Surely, the community will wonder why the top senior directors are in China during such times and this could reinforce negative sentiment,” they said.
The DA said that the municipality, governed by an ANC/CSA/EFF coalition, should take full responsibility for the existing low level of service delivery, and lack of communication and responsiveness.
They emphasised that they will not consent to the proposed visit to China, but rather consider the interests of the community and advocate for improved service delivery.
Interests of the community
FF+ Councillor Riaan van Heerden described the invitation as inappropriate and untimely, especially in light of the municipality’s severe water shortages, deteriorating infrastructure, and financial strain.
“Residents struggle daily with poor service delivery, unreliable access to water and electricity supply, and deteriorating roads, yet the municipal leadership wanted to jet off overseas - a decision that council has now blocked,” he said.
“This vote is proof that common sense and the interests of the community still have a voice in council.”
Van Heerden said the ANC/CSA/EFF coalition must be held accountable for the mismanagement that has crippled the towns within the municipality and for failing to put the interests of residents first.
He emphasised that the FF+ will continue to prioritise the interests of taxpayers and exert pressure for service delivery that truly serves residents.
Municipal comment
A media enquiry relating to the content of the DA and FF+ media statements was submitted to the municipality on 16 October but to date no response has been received.
In the meantime, it has been confirmed that Joubert and Arends undertook the trip to China at their own expense.
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