The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in the province is concerned about the continuous bickering of political representatives in the City of Johannesburg. The political squabbles in the council have allowed instability which could destabilize governance and leadership in the city.
Since September last year, the council has been a political battlefield where the interests of parties have succeeded the interests of the residents. The City of Johannesburg has been tussled and used as a cheap weapon leading to the constant reinstatement of mayoral candidates who hold the position only to be removed less than a quarter down the line.
The residents of Johannesburg and the citizens of the country at large cannot afford this stagnation in the executive leadership of the municipality. The members of the council urgently need to put aside their power-induced behavior and redirect their energy to serving the residents of Johannesburg. Time is being wasted when it should be invested in economic development, the alleviation of poverty, and the creation of jobs.
As it stands, the city is without a mayor and has an acting appointment. The spiraling events that residents have become accustomed to are jeopardizing the city’s reputation of being the economic powerhouse of South Africa generating 17 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, mostly through the manufacturing, retail, and service industry sectors. These sectors offer job opportunities to desperate South Africans who are longing to make a living. As a country, we should aspire to find solutions to lessen the current deplorable unemployment rate of 42. 4% instead of wasting precious time on political gains.
COSATU calls on the council and management of the City of Joburg to be rejuvenated in their duty to serve. A capable mayor should also be appointed as a matter of urgency with a collective vision of advancing the city.
Issued by COSATU Gauteng
Provincial Chairperson – Amos Monyela: 079 493 5002
Provincial Secretary – Louisa Modikwe: 066 182 2402