Good Votes Against Drakenstein’s Ward Projects Policy

GOOD Statement by Keagen Gertse, GOOD Drakenstein Councillor & Caucus Chairperson:

The GOOD Party in Drakenstein has taken a principled stand by voting against the revised Ward Projects Policy due to serious inconsistencies, unclear directives, and the DA-led council’s refusal to grant access to audited financial statements of a community organisation that has received millions in ward-based funding over recent years.

GOOD has consistently questioned the privileged position of Miqlat, an organisation that continues to receive substantial ward-based allocations, including millions for the 2024/25 financial year. This long-standing practice centralises funding to a single organisation operating across almost all 33 wards, predominantly DA-controlled, instead of empowering local ward-based NGOs and NPOs to serve their own communities.

Community development must be more than a slogan. Ward allocations should strengthen grassroots organisations that understand and serve their communities directly, instead of being funnelled into a one-size-fits-all model that boosts the bottom line of a single entity.

The DA claims the new policy will help smaller organisations submit monthly reports, enabling better oversight of those receiving under R100,000. But GOOD argues that the council has never been given access to these reports. Requiring audited statements only from organisations receiving more than R100,000, and only once a year, after their financial year-end, creates long periods with no meaningful oversight.

This is a disservice to opposition parties mandated to hold the DA majority accountable. GOOD has observed questionable transactions in certain wards and will urgently write to the Speaker, Koos le Roux, to seek clarity and action.

The DA’s stance appears to rely on the cost barrier that prevents smaller organisations from producing audited financials. GOOD is calling for a more thorough debate and a more nuanced accountability model to ensure all organisations receiving public funds are properly scrutinised.

It is especially alarming that the Speaker admitted the council cannot access records of funds received before this policy. Ratepayers cannot be expected to accept a system where millions are channelled with no historical accountability. Past and present financial conduct must be open to scrutiny.

GOOD Cultural Events: The party organizes cultural events to celebrate South African diversity.

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