Dear Editor
The decision by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) to allow Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) to dictate the postponement of an oversight visit by the Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee is deeply troubling. Oversight is a constitutional mandate, not a courtesy extended at the discretion of municipalities.
This abdication undermines accountability and leaves the people of Buffalo City without the assurance that their concerns about governance, service delivery, and financial mismanagement are being independently scrutinised.
Communities are already struggling with failing infrastructure and poor service delivery. They cannot afford further delays in holding the municipality to account.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is deeply alarmed that the Legislature has allowed itself to be directed by the very authority it is mandated to oversee. By doing so, COGTA not only weakens its own credibility but also signals to struggling municipalities that accountability can be postponed or avoided. This sets a dangerous precedent for governance across the Eastern Cape.
Correspondence shows that BCMM requested the postponement of the oversight visit, citing a possible SAMWU strike and “other political commitments”, claiming scheduled meetings with the Section 54 Result Management Office.
Download letters here and here.
It is more likely, however, that the “political commitments” refer to the ANC’s Dr WB Rubusana regional conference taking place this week, the preparations for which have already been marred by disputes and disruptions.
Prioritising a partisan gathering over independent legislative oversight is indefensible and highlights the extent to which political priorities are being placed above accountability to the public.
Oversight exists precisely to test how municipalities cope under pressure and to ensure that political commitments do not come at the expense of service delivery.
The DA will write to the Speaker to demand an explanation of why the Legislature has allowed the municipality to determine its schedule. We will also raise this matter in the House to ensure that the Portfolio Committee’s independence is restored and that oversight visits are conducted without fear, favour, or interference.
The people of Buffalo City deserve accountability, transparency, and leadership that prioritises their interests. They cannot be left to suffer while political manoeuvring shields the Metro from scrutiny. The DA remains committed to ensuring that oversight in the Eastern Cape is meaningful, timely, and centred on the needs of the people.
Regards
Dr Vicky Knoetze MPL
DA Leader of the Official Opposition in the Eastern Cape Legislature