Johannesburg Mayor Mashaba

The new mayor of Johannesburg has released a statement where he has given local government 30 days to pay back the R259 million in outstanding rates.

 

Herman Mashaba has today revealed that Gauteng government departments owe the City of Joburg R259 million in outstanding rates.

“It is disgraceful that the previous ANC-led administration allowed the ANC-run provincial government to get away with this for so long.”

“The politically connected were protected while the ordinary person on the street was neglected and harassed.”

“The provincial government has effectively been robbing from the poor.”

“Herman will write to the Premier of Gauteng, David Makhura, giving his government 30 days to either pay the R259 million or enter an acceptable repayment agreement with the City, as any other defaulting resident is expected to do.”

Johannesburg Mayor

The Mayor recently also diverted R70 million that was due to build more bicycle lanes in Sandton to upgrade the basic infrastructure of the community in Alexandra.

“I live in Sandton and at the same time I have neighbours of mine that I need to take care of as a matter of urgency. People in Alexandra are living across the highway… people with no toilets… no water and dignity and I have to make a decision,” Mashaba.

“I see R70 million is budgeted to build bicycle lanes for people in Sandton and now, I look at people of Alexandra”

“Some of them have taken their cases to the Human Rights Commission. I cannot live in a city that deprives people of such basic services‚” Mashaba added.

“Now I have to get the budget … I am taking that R70m to give my neighbours‚ my people‚ the opportunity to have dignity.”

Mashaba said that while bicycle lanes are needed, he can’t allow the city to spend money on the infrastructure in a place which is already well-equipped with basic services while the poor continue to live in undesirable conditions.

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Brent Lindeque is the founder and editor in charge at Good Things Guy.

Recognised as one of the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South African’s as well as a Primedia LeadSA Hero, Brent is a change maker, thought leader, radio host, foodie, vlogger, writer and all round good guy.

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