‘…The Democratic Alliance’s trifecta of mismanagement
THE Democratic Alliance, being the main opposition party in South Africa, is preparing for the upcoming elections. They are campaigning to take power over the ANC, the party that’s been in power since 1994 in South Africa.
For the last couple of years, due to an increase in crime, a lack of growth in South Africa’s economy, and alleged corruption, there’s been a general discontent with the ANC’s governance.
With elections approaching, the Democratic Alliance is the main candidate to take power over the ANC; in case the latter does not win the elections yet again. South Africa finds itself in a position to wonder whether the Democratic Alliance is fit enough to lead the country into a brighter future. A just way to measure the capabilities of the Democratic Alliance, is to look at the way they have governed over the areas they have been elected to in recent years, such as Tshwane.
FRUSTRATION IN TSHWANE
Tshwane has been led by the Democratic Alliance ever since 2016. Tshwane residents are expressing dissatisfaction with the governance of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and its handling of the city’s priorities. A specific concern is the neglect of townships, such as Hammanskraal, where residents struggle with inadequate water supply and poor service delivery. The municipality’s intermittent water supply via trucks raises further worries about the adequacy of water treatment, potentially exacerbating the spread of various diseases. Meanwhile, local businesses have witnessed an increase in demand for bottled water, prompting them to increase their stock to meet the community’s urgent needs.
Residents of Tshwane feel that the DA prioritizes suburban communities over townships, and their governing style does not align with the needs and desires of the majority of residents. The lack of service delivery is not a new issue but has worsened since the DA took office. Residents criticize the party’s services as unacceptable. The cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal last year worsened due to the negligence of the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Plant. Despite residents’ efforts to communicate their concerns to the municipality, they feel that they have not been adequately supported. Similar service delivery protests have occurred in Ekurhuleni and Nelson Mandela Bay, where mayors were removed due to their failure to address community needs.
CRIME ON THE LOOSE
Apart from residents of Tshwane having to fear for their well-being due to a lack of accessible, clean water, they also worry about their safety. The Democratic Alliance’s administration in Tshwane faces intensified scrutiny over its management of law enforcement and crime prevention efforts as several police stations within the city, including Temba, Akasia, Pretoria Central, Brooklyn, Mabopane, and Soshanguve, emerge among the top 30 stations grappling with crime, according to Police Minister Bheki Cele’s latest crime statistics. The data reveals a troubling increase in violent crimes such as armed robberies and hijackings across various precincts.
Despite the government’s assertion of effective crime-fighting measures, concerns persist regarding the escalating trend of kidnappings, which have become increasingly lucrative for organized crime syndicates in the region. Additionally, while certain precincts report decreases in specific crime categories, overall challenges persist, underscoring the need for comprehensive approaches to address crime and enhance community safety. The mounting crime rates underscore broader concerns about the efficacy of governance and law enforcement strategies under the Democratic Alliance’s leadership in Tshwane, prompting calls for intensified efforts to curb criminal activities and improve public safety initiatives.
ABUSE OF POWER FROM POLICE FORCE
The entity that’s supposed to control armed robberies and kidnaps seems to also be lacking adequate management. Incidents of police misconduct further erode public trust in law enforcement. Recent events have highlighted systemic issues within the city, with a 38-year-old police constable, Checha Doctor Makau, arrested for the deaths of two individuals and the attempted murder of three others on September 30, 2023.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) confirmed Makau’s arrest, shedding light on allegations that he fatally shot individuals sitting in a car near his residence, resulting in the tragic loss of Dineo Kekane and Ricardo Phenganane, both 24, while leaving Mbali Magakwe, Ivans Lekala, and Goodwill Mdluli seriously injured. Makau’s subsequent appearance in court, facing charges of murder and attempted murder, further amplifies concerns over police accountability and the administration’s ability to uphold public safety.
Additionally, another distressing incident involving a 44-year-old police sergeant from the Akasia suburb emerged, with the officer arrested in connection with the murder of her 40-year-old husband following a domestic dispute. These troubling occurrences underscore broader challenges within law enforcement and governance in Tshwane, prompting calls for urgent reforms to address systemic issues and ensure accountability within the city’s administration.
URGENT REFORMS NEEDED FOR PUBLIC TRUST AND SAFETY IN TSHWANE
The concerns of maladministration within the Democratic Alliance’s governance in Tshwane underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms. These multifaceted challenges not only erode public trust but also jeopardize the safety and well-being of residents. The tragic deaths and injuries resulting from police actions, a rise in crime, and a lack of access to drinkable water highlight systemic issues that demand immediate attention and accountability. It is imperative for the authorities to prioritize transparency, fairness, and effective oversight mechanisms to address these pressing concerns and uphold the rights and safety of all residents in Tshwane.