South Africa Drought Debate

The Democratic Alliance speech regarding the drought situation in South Africa. The drought is not the biggest challenge right now, NO, it's the African National Congress (ANC) leadership. The ANC is the greatest disaster in South Africa. It is shocking that they have been allowed to turn this once beautiful country into such a mess.

  Democratic Alliance speech by
Kevin Mileham MP
DA Shadow Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Government’s poor water management has compounded the effects of the drought

25 February 2016
Release: immediate

 The following speech was delivered by Kevin Mileham MP, DA Shadow Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs during the Drought Debate, called for by the DA.
Chairperson,
The issues of drought are not limited to prolonged periods of abnormally low rainfall. Of particular concern is the failure of this government and many municipalities to properly administer the water resources under their control, and to maintain the water infrastructure.
In a water scarce country, we can ill afford to allow ANY water to go to waste. And part of the problem is that we don’t know exactly how much water we are losing to this wastage. We know how much is produced by water treatment plants. We know how much is billed. We know the difference between these two amounts. But the system losses – the water that literally goes down the drain unused - that we don’t know.
While the long-term effects of the drought are of critical concern, it must be noted that more than 55 towns and communities have no water RIGHT NOW. My colleague, Hon Mbhele, listed some of them during the SONA debate. Let me list more for you now:
Jacobsdal
Fauresmith
Trompsburg
Bethulie
Smithfield
Zastron
Wepener
Dewetsdorp
Dealesville
Brandfort
Theunissen
Winburg
Soutpan
Tweespruit
Marquard
Clocolan
Steynsrus
Fouriesburg
Memel
Warden
Petrus Steyn
Lindley
Parys
Koppies
Vredefort
Oranjeville
Senekal
Qwa-qwa
Mangaung
Kroonstad
Ladybrand
Kestell
Sannieshof
Delareyville
Lichtenburg
Schweizer Reneke
Zeerust
Mafikeng
Pomfret
Ratlou
Tswaing
Mookgophong
Roedtan
Bakenberg
Rebone
Gilead
Lebowakgomo
Makhada
Polokwane
Mutale
Modimolle
Barberton
Jozini
Mtubatuba
Hlabisa
As Hon. Mbhele said – “Awekho Amanzi”. In most cases, it is a result of mismanagement and maladministration, which have now become a crisis.
And yet, our Minister of This and That has not seen fit to declare this water crisis a national disaster.
I repeat what I said during the SONA debate, that the work of non-governmental organisations is commendable, and we are indeed extremely grateful for their intervention! – but that should NOT excuse government at National, Provincial or Local level from their responsibility to ensure that all South Africans have access to sufficient water. Indeed, s27(2) of the Constitution expressly places this duty on the state, Minister Sisulu!
S23(6) of the Disaster Management Act defines a national disaster as one that affects more than one province. Thus far, no less than seven provinces have declared the drought a disaster of either a provincial or local magnitude. But will the best qualified Finance Minister ever be appointed – oh, wait, he isn’t that anymore, is he? – have the guts to declare a national disaster, so that the necessary emergency funding can be released, and resources such as the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) be brought in to assist?
No, he won’t.
Will the esteemed Minister of Weekend Specials intervene in and take over the administration municipalities that are failing to meet their financial and service delivery obligations?
No, he won’t.
Will he ensure that the Municipal Water Infrastructure Grant, and the Municipal Infrastructure Grant, and the Urban Settlement Development Grant, are used as intended – to upgrade and maintain the infrastructure of our municipalities and provide basic services such as water – and not to pay municipal salaries?
No, he won’t.
Will the Minister of No Water and Poor Sanitation stop playing hide and seek with the Blue and Green Drop reports?
No, she won’t.
Will she admit the true state of affairs of South Africa’s water resources, and the extent of our reliance on other countries for water?
No, she won’t.
Will the Minister of Finance top up our contingency reserves, which are meant to address emergency funding requirements such as this, but were instead used to pay for a bloated public servant wage bill?
No, he won’t.
Why won’t they do this? Because, fellow citizens, I’m sorry to say that the drought is NOT the worst disaster in South Africa. No, the biggest national disaster in our country, is the ANC government.

South Africa is it Evil or is it Good

It is not all doom and gloom for South Africa, that is according to reports recently published. The widespread violence in universities, the ongoing strikes, filth and burning of buildings does not actually mean the country is sliding into chaos.

South Africa under the ANC leadership

South Africa is a wonderful country, a diverse country with a rainbow nation and 11 official languages. The heritage of different cultural groups and intensity among the people generate a varied perception that all is is well at times and not so well on other occasions. The ongoing racial conflict between these educated students (among others) spills out the hate the majority has toward the English and Afrikaans speaking people. What is the government doing to stop this from flaring into something nobody wants. The government condemns the actions, and that is that. 

It does not matter that students keep protesting about historical statuettes, languages, and fees, after all, this small group are really a drop in the ocean and do not represent the majority of people who choose to live in peace. It does not matter that crime, corruption, poverty and hardship affect millions of people. It does not matter if the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party spin their stories of deceit, poor governance and fool the uneducated people into believing there is a good story to tell.

Does the murders of innocent farmers matter, the farmers who are of the minority group and work tirelessly to produce and protect the country’s food security. No, it's not important that these people are tortured in the most dangerous manner before being murdered.  The overall crime escalation that affects all ethnic groups does not matter, especially when the police force is too small to contain the spiraling violence in the country.  We won't even mention how severely the drug situation has become over the last 20 years, and perhaps it is the saddest story of all. The police force have done a magnificent job in combating crime around the country or have they? Statistics (if correct) show that the increase in crime has spiraled out of control, yet the ANC will give us the good story of how controlled crime in the country has come to be under their leadership.

The grand story of good governance, infrastructure,  and providing homes for the homeless and the benefits of advancing grants for the poor. The infrastructure is a total disaster, the good governance is smeared with corruption and grants are a form of ensuring these people keep the ANC in power. The affirmative action and black economic power,  are a way of providing opportunities for the disadvantaged. It would have been an incredible story if only the disadvantaged got the opportunity but alas, it is the friend of a friend or family member of a politically connected person who gets the real slice of the pie, all coupled with tender fraud.

The delightful story of rolling blackouts, no power and government rescue of the power giant Eskom is a story of failure. A story that does not portray doom and gloom?  The power story spiraled into a disaster because the lack of maintenance, greed, and corruption. The recent drought that has cost the economy billions is a seriously sad story. The drought is not the government’s fault yet, if the maintenance over the past twenty years had been attended to, people would have had access to water.

A great story is that South Africa have municipal elections coming up soon and the opposition parties will have a chance to take on the mighty ANC  and hopefully win a bigger slice of the pie. 

We all know that the good story of governance in the Western Cape under the leadership of the Democratic Alliance is a story worth telling. It is not only a story but factually one of the best provinces demonstrating strong leadership, honesty, and good governance. Well done to the DA for giving South Africa a good story to tell.  

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) although a relatively new party have grown their membership base and stand a chance of growing their support.  Although there is a note of concern within their mandate, I would love for the EFF to win a province in the municipal elections and prove to all the people of South Africa that they do have the ability to deliver on promises.

There are so many other political parties who are determined to give the people of South Africa a better future, and listening to some of their opinions, makes me wonder if these little parties will ever have that chance.  One particular person, I should mention is Terror Lekota, president of the Congress of the People (COPE) party who seems determined to fight the corruption within current government.  I like this man and believe with the support of the people can make a difference. 

There is the beautiful side of the story, there are millions of people who are kind, generous, hardworking and inspiring. The people who care by continuing to do some good work in their communities, schools, and the environment.  Groups of people who tirelessly continue to uplift the poor, the homeless, and desperate people, without government help. We salute these people, for the unwavering consideration, time, and effort they have assumed without recognition. These are the people who leave behind a ray of hope for South Africa.

 Links to interesting stories

http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/2016/02/26/Vandals-spray-Fk-all-whites-Fk-white-tears-on-UWC-campus

http://ewn.co.za/2016/02/26/OPINION-Stephen-Grootes-Evil-will-not-win-in-South-Africa

Zuma wants the crown jewel

The Congress of the People (COPE), a political party of South Africa, issued a statement condemning President Jacob Zuma's intentions to capture SARS and treasury. COPE calls Zuma a desperate individual who believes Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan is standing in his way.   

 Ahead of the municipal elections, the ANC will need lots of money to finance their campaign and probably will do fraudulent transactions like transferring money from government departments such as the Defense Force for this purpose. They will probably do some creative accounting to ensure nobody would be able to spot the transaction.  Perhaps Gordhan is the man that has the ability to detect the deceit and blow the whistle.

Zuma has strategically placed his people in all the relevant departments and the crown jewel would be capturing SARS and Treasury.  Well, I guess if he does get this right, we will certainly be in for a rough time. Let’s hope Gordhan uses all the resources he has to prevent the Zuma conquest becoming a reality. Let us hope that Gordhan remains honourable and does not bow down to corruption and bribery.

Here is the statement.
ZUMA DESPERATE TO CAPTURE SARS & NATIONAL TREASURY USING THE HAWKS
Cope is not shocked to learn in media reports that Minster Pravin Gordhan is under investigation by the Hawks. We accept that we are dealing with a desperate individual called Jacob Zuma. Gordhan is standing in his way.

The proxy war we are now witnessing is the next Nkandla episode. It is round two in the attempt to capture SARS and the National Treasury.
To meet the requirements of the “payback the money” clamour and to ensure an escape from tax liability after the Nkandla account, as determined by Thuli Madonsela is settled, it is necessary for the incumbent of the top post to have his former MK comrades fully in charge of SARS and of the National Treasury. He will now need protection on the money front.
We saw how Des van Rooyen wasted not a second in sending two representatives to Treasury with a mandate to start signing cheques there and then. This gambit instantly revealed the game plan of Mr Zuma having Des van Rooyen as Minister of Finance.
The first attempt of powerful actors in the ruling to seize the National Treasury was stopped just in time because of the billions that were instantly wiped off. The business community revolted. The upper echelons of the ruling party, however, didn't care. Those who had set their hearts and minds on grabbing all they could, as they have been doing since 2009, accepted the set back as being temporary. Now starts round two in the attempt to grab SARS and the National Treasury. The first failed action will now be followed by a second but more desperate attempt. No hostages will be taken. Pravin Gordhan stands surrounded by hostile foes.
The legal battle for the man at the top has been lost. The battle for the loot, however, continues.
Up to now the majority party in the legislature has dismally failed in its sacred duty to exercise scrutiny over the executive. ANC MPs have been excited watchers on the side line or active abettors of the schemes hatched by the powerful to rob and despoil at will. These MPs have shown no commitment whatsoever to voters. Neither have they shown any backbone. they allowed the alarming drift that Thabo Mbeki warned about to become a turbulent whirlpool. They sold out.
South Africa, therefore, has now entered its most dangerous period since 1994. Tensions are rife everywhere and these tensions are becoming red hot. The cost of living is rising faster than earnings and hunger is a reality for most people. The rand is becoming punier by the day. Things are getting tighter and worse by the day. The time has certainly come for parliament to put an end to government guarantees and bail outs for SOEs and state entities. The time has come for the legislature to stand united in defence of the Constitution, in defence of an autonomous SARS and in defence of a National Treasury free of political interference. Taxpayers need protection from predatory politicians. Party loyalties must give way to what is good in the common national interest. The capture of SARS and of the National Treasury must be stopped in its track through united action in the legislature.
Mr Zuma, clearly, is still hell bent on getting Des van Rooyen, in his estimation the most highly qualified man to be Minister of Finance, to head the Finance ministry. He needs him there to serve his own interest and that of his friends in SAA and elsewhere. The nation must never allow that. We are almost bankrupt. Des van Rooyen will take us over the edge.
The ball is now in the court of the ruling party MPs. Will they meekly allow the man at the top to capture SARS and the national treasury? Or, will they stand with the Minister of Finance as he attempts to save the country from fiscal disaster? That is the question.
Cope warns Mr Zuma that its members will not sit with arms folded and let him loot the treasury. COPE will put up a fight like its members had put up against PW Botha’s regime.
Dennis Bloem
Spokesperson