City becoming 'dustbin for failed politicians', says Kimberley Action Group

WHILE talks continue with authorities following last week's march to the Premier's Office, the Kimberley Action Group (KAG) says it is standing firm on its non-negotiable demands, which include the removal of the Sol Plaatje Municipality Speaker and the municipal manager.

Boyce Makodi from the KAG said politicians had a duty to restore public trust.

“The ANC must do the right thing. It is blatant disrespect to treat Kimberley as a dustbin for failed politicians.” 

Makodi added that he had submitted an application in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) for a detailed breakdown of expenses incurred during scheduled water shutdowns.

“We want to know exactly how much is paid for the water trucks, who is receiving tenders and how much is paid to each company.” 

He said this was part of the group’s broader mission to build the city and restore the dignity of its residents.

“We are fighting for an affordable cost of living, job creation, decent electricity tariffs, and sustainable economic development. While engagements with the ANC and the Premier’s Office are ongoing and appear to be positive, we are eager to see action. It can’t be all talk and no action. We want to make Kimberley a better place.”

Premier’s Office establishes task team

Spokesperson for the Office of the Premier, Naledi Gaosekwe, said the premier had convened a series of meetings over the past week with the KAG, Sol Plaatje Municipality, and the Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta).

“The meeting resolved to set up a task team, consisting of the Office of the Premier, Coghsta, Sol Plaatje Municipality, and the Kimberley Action Group. The task team has been established to deal with all the responses that the Kimberley Action Group has received from the municipality.” 

She added that the Office of the Premier was committed to finding a constructive solution and was in "constant engagement" with the KAG.

Sol Plaatje maintains ‘pro-poor’ stance

Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson Thabo Mothibi said a comprehensive response was provided to the Premier’s Office, as the chief recipient of the memorandum of demands, and was willing to engage with the KAG.

He added that questions about the removal of municipal officials “lacked journalistic ethics”.

Mothibi pointed out that a tariff reference group had been established last year to allow businesses and the Northern Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry to provide input.

“It’s unfortunate that KAG's leadership walked out of the reference group meeting to attend to other matters. National Treasury, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) and other experts are part of the parties we consult when staging engagements on electricity tariffs. The political office is better suited to respond to the co-governance manoeuverings of the KAG.” 

Mothibi also referred media enquiries as to whether tariffs could be adjusted after already being approved by the council to the political office. 

“We have demonstrated that we are pro-poor with an annual four percent increase for water and 9.6 percent for electricity - under Nersa’s approved tariff of 12.6 percent.”

ANC says its doors remain open

ANC spokesperson Sandiseni Sithole referred queries regarding the establishment of a steering committee to involve the KAG in municipal decision-making processes back to Sol Plaatje Municipality.

“We held a very successful meeting with the action group on July 15 to listen to their grievances, and they were also furnished with responses.” 

He said the ANC provincial executive committee would provide guidance regarding demands for the removal of the Speaker and municipal manager.

“We enjoy a cordial relationship with all forums, including the action group. Our doors remain open for further round-table engagements,” Sithole added.