The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is strongly opposed to the decision by the Emfuleni Local Municipality (Evaton, Sebokeng, Vaal Oewer, Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging) to send five delegates to this year’s World Cities Summit, scheduled to take place in Singapore from 14 to 16 June.
The international trip was enabled by the ANC, which steamrolled it through despite clear and well-founded objections.
An initial cost estimate compiled in March indicates that the extended trip – planned for 12 to 21 June – will amount to approximately R970 000, however, this figure could creep even higher as airlines impose additional charges linked to rising fuel prices.
This decision underscores the fact that under ANC rule, the Municipality is prioritising international travel while ignoring residents’ pressing needs and Emfuleni’s severe financial strain.
The Freedom Front Plus regards this as an example of reckless spending stemming from weak leadership.
The argument that such trips yield long-term benefits does not hold, particularly in the absence of any clear, funded or credible plan to make improvements at local level.
The party will demand full disclosure of all relevant costs and will hold all delegates accountable.
Furthermore, the outcomes of the visit will be closely monitored to expose any failure in implementation.
The Freedom Front Plus will keep advocating for the prioritisation of service delivery and Emfuleni’s financial recovery.
Taxpayers deserve an administration that puts their needs first; not leadership who prioritise exorbitant international trips above local realities.
Freedom Front Plus International Relations: The FF Plus has expressed solidarity with other minority groups globally.
Dez Bonbon
Skebenga / Skelm – a crook / gangster [skuh-beng-guh] A Zulu word for gangster.
Badger the Burglar
Hoezit /Howzit – How is it going? How are you? A common greeting which is often used instead of “hello” and “how are you?” It combines the two phrases into a simple, “Howzit”, thereby saving time.Example: “Howzit my bru!”