The sad tale of Nero fiddling as ancient Rome burned is repeated in every generation where governance is ineffective, rife with corruption, malfeasance, and anarchy, and without direction.
When you hear gloomy and chilling reports that even mortuaries are not spared and cannot cope, with undertakers returning decomposing bodies of loved ones to grieving families as a result of Eskom’s frequent rolling blackouts, you have to wonder if politicians and councillors are affected by such horrifying occurrences.
Do councilmembers care? Do they feel the suffering, anguish, and misery of the populace?
It has become foreseeable that “a vote of no confidence” will be the most important item on council members’ agendas, with smaller parties also participating in these useless arguments.
Should councils pursue frivolous agendas, as they already do, or should they be more focused on running metros and councils efficiently, delivering enough services to communities, and meeting their needs?
Who must become mayor, who must be deposed, and what arrangement must we, the specially favored councillors, make to benefit from the generosity?
Are these the questions that plague the minds of council members? What about broader societal growth and developmental agendas that are beneficial to society? Do these topics ever occupy their thoughts?
What chance is there when political leaders at the municipal level disregard the welfare of those who voted them into power in favor of their own happiness and political survival?
Nationwide, cities and towns are on the verge of collapse. Garbage floods the streets, towns, cities, and villages are filthy, cemeteries are neglected, streets are broken and full of potholes, water and electricity are scarce, service delivery is neglected, and the infrastructure is in disrepair.
There are no plans to construct attractive new cities, towns, or villages.
So, what do our councils, municipalities, and metropolitan areas actually operate that is not broken? The country is on the verge of collapse, with nearly broken public administration and political vultures hovering over the budget to engage in unethical acts.
On Thursday, the Joburg council was filled with jubilation and ululation as the circus of Dr. Mpho Phalatse’s ouster unfolded.
At Ekurhuleni metro, a similar situation developed, with the exception that the recall of MPs was postponed — for another day. This will occur on another occasion.
Philani Mavundla, the deputy mayor of the eThekwini metropolitan area, is fighting for his political survival, resulting in widespread disorder.
The chaos is advancing while the public watch and wonder if the promised better life can ever be realized.
Our three Gauteng councils, Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and Tshwane, are in chaos.
In a mere two years, Joburg’s metropolitan area has seen seven mayors.
The condition must be eliminated immediately.
This must end immediately. Now.
»Act immediately: the nation is being run to ruin«