The ANC councillors' tendency to pooh-pooh all the motions raised by opposition parties, no matter how crucial they are, was this week criticised by National Minister of Public Works, Thoko Didiza.
Didiza, who attended the eThekwini Municipality full council meeting on Monday, said it was important for councillors to engage on issues of importance with unity as it was ultimately the public interest that had to be pursued.
She was commenting on the Democratic Alliance's motions about the spiralling crime at the beachfront and Spoornet's failure to look after its properties, which have now become havens for criminals. Both motions were ridiculed by the ANC councillors and not carried.
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"Perhaps there are issues where as parties we can agree as a way of taking forth the interest of the residents of Durban," she said.
'Criminal elements had taken occupation' Her comments received a huge round of applause from the opposition parties, especially the DA, while ANC councillors were stunned to receive such criticism from their comrade.
Trying to cajole the council to debate her motion, DA councillor Margaret Noyce said criminal elements had taken occupation of many Spoornet properties in the Durban area.
She said Spoornet owned large tracts of land and infrastructure within the municipality, which appeared to have a minimum maintenance plan.
"The result is that stations and railway lines within the municipality present an image of urban decay, and present adjoining communities with many challenges.
"The railway lines are noticeably littered and dirty and illegal dumping on these properties continues unchecked.
Turned down by the ANC-dominated council "We recommend that the executive committee be mandated to investigate how the problem can be tackled," she said.
The other motion requested council to look at ways of dealing with muggings and theft that continue to damage Durban's reputation as a safe and enjoyable holiday destination.
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