Local Activity

A public meeting was held in ward 91 in Alexandra recently to answer questions of residents and DA members in Alexandra. The DA continues to assist the victims of shack fires in Alexandra and to support local residents in getting service delivery from the city in one of our poorest communities. Julius Malema also visits the area every so often, but merely organizes rallies and makes demands and offers promises of housing. Residents will be disappointed yet again, as delivery seems elusive.

On Mandela Day, Local DA city councillors and MP were involved with various projects to help those in need. School fences were painted, Alexandra residents and an Orphanage were assisted and new books were donated to an underprivileged school (Sandton View School).

The Info Bill Update

The Protection of Information Bill (POIB) has now been approved by the joint committee in an improved form and passed to the National Council of the Provinces (NCOP) for assent. Unfortunately, while the text is much improved, it still has no public interest clause, making it illegal to leak protected documents even if it would expose corruption or cover up of government conspiracy. The DA is considering our legal options if it is rammed through and signed by the President.

Appointment of Chief Justice

The appointment of a Chief Justice is a serious matter. Mogoeng Mogoeng was a controversial appointment at the very least. Public mood did not seem to support his candidature, due to controversial statements he made regarding women, rape, gay people and the like. Premier Zille requested a meeting with President Zuma, to persuade the president to consider alternative names. The President cancelled the meeting the day before and then made the announcement of the new Chief Justice Mogoeng. What we have learned from this process as a country is that the President should never allow the name to be leaked until he has consulted with the role players required in the constitution, rather than the other way around, which leaves consultation as a sop or perfunctory waste of time.

DA 8% Policy Project

The DA has begun a comprehensive review of it’s economic, trade, finance and labour policy with the emphasis on providing a plan for Job creation ahead of the 2014 Election. We have set an aspirational goal of growing the economy by 8% per annum which will, over time, halve the number of people who live in poverty. By December of this year, a draft policy will be tabled for comment and improvement and workshopped through the Party’s internal structures. By August next year, the full policy will be announced and promoted publically. Economists, civil society and others have been invited to make submissions to be considered in the process of formulating the new policy.

Remember to report grass that needs cutting, water leaks and pavements that need re-instating to the city call centre (011) 375 5555 or the numbers given in the last edition of 5000 club.

I write Opinion pieces for the online magazine www.dailymaverick.co.za View the articles there.

You will also find extensive videos, mp3 sound clips of speeches and debates on www.ianollis.com

Until next month

Regards

Your MP

Ian M. Ollis