Reminiscing on a 20-year political career, Democratic Alliance leader Tony Leon on Friday longed for the day when municipal councillors thrived on serving their constituencies.
When he was elected to his first office in February 1986, there were five words every councillor had to learn to keep voters happy: ”How can I help you?”, Leon said in his weekly letter.
”The fundamental principles of local government are still the same, even if many in the current government have forgotten them.”
He cited the deterioration of the city of Johannesburg as a testament to the ruling African National Congress’s wrong priorities and failed policy interventions.
Unlike the 1980s, by-laws are not enforced, illegal dumping is not prosecuted and drug dealers are allowed to operate with impunity, Leon claimed.
”The council fails to look after its roads, to replace streetlights and to fix blocked drains.”
Johannesburg is now a culturally vibrant place, a melting pot of people from across the country and the continent. But some areas are also ”deadly dangerous”, and avoided by investors.
The DA is the best party to carry out regeneration plans for the city and make sure Johannesburg is ready for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, Leon said.
While the council has the money required, the DA is not confident that the ruling ANC has the will or capacity.
Leon was elected to his first office as councillor for Bellevue/Judith’s Paarl/Bertrams.
”It was the beginning of what has been an extraordinarily varied and very exciting political life,” he said in his letter.
He feels obliged to ensure that the DA takes power and guides the regeneration of the area, Leon said.
”It’s time to restore hope to the inner city.” — Sapa