Their most urgent appeal is that the "total lack of communication" between municipal officials and themselves should be addressed.
During a previous meeting two weeks ago with George municipality, called by mayor Bazil Petrus, the delegates were promised answers to 30 odd questions posed to council. They are still awaiting feedback.
Zille expressed relief that "communication problems" are one of their main problems. She said that although it is not necessarily a walk in the park, it is definitely easier to fix than financial collapse. The ratepayers covered only half of their agenda during this meeting, which they consider as "highly successful".
One of their issues, George municipality’s budget, was addressed by Anton Bredell, minister of local government. He stated that there is no immediate crisis in the George budget. "George Municipality is solvent," he said.
He did not, however, escape the ratepayers’ criticism on his reluctance to answer their letters and respond to grievances.
The high water tariffs is anther concern of the ratepayers, who want to know why George pays so much more for their water in comparison to neighbouring towns. Zille reacted to their questions by explaining that George’s water situation is still considered a problem: "We are not out of the woods yet, because there is still a serious chance that George and Mossel Bay can run out of water."
Politics versus service delivery
In their feedback regarding the three-hour meeting with Zille, Natie de Swardt of Kraaibosch Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association recognised that Zille tried her best to answer their questions either directly or through an official. "She was a tour de force," said de Swardt, who believes that Zille is genuinely trying to make a change.
It was however alarming for the ratepayers to hear her say: "When you’re fighting for your political life, party politics will always take preference to service delivery."
Most of the ratepayers’ associations are very clear on the fact that they want to remain non-political and independent. De Swardt said: "We don’t want to be politicians, but we do want service delivery."
Graham Sell would like to see new candidates standing for the election and questions the quality of the current politicians in George. "Don’t bring us the same guys on a candidates’ list for the 2011 elections - that will bring the downfall of the DA’s credibility," he said.
"Only as a last resort will we consider running for an election or playing the political game. The future is to influence the politics from the outside," said Sell, speaking as chairman of five of the six associations.
He invited all political parties to contact them about the provision of service delivery in George and its surrounding areas. He would also like some input from the community.
Entering the game
In the meanwhile, the George Independent Ratepayers’ and Resident’s Forum (GIRF) is still planning to enter the political field during next year’s elections. Innes Benade of GIRF confirmed that the final decision will be taken at their general meeting next Thursday, 7 October, a day before the closing date for the nomination of candidates. GIRF needs the permission of its members to proceed with the process.
Article and photos: Michelle Pienaar
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Helen Zille and MP Marius Swart give Graham Sell (second from right) their full attention.
