IMATU COMMENTS AHEAD OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

The Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (IMATU) wishes registered voters well as they actively participate in our country’s 2016 Local Government Elections.

“While special votes were cast on 1 and 2 August 2016, the majority of voters will take to the polls tomorrow to make their mark. Municipalities are the tier of Government closest to the people and responsible for development and service delivery. These ballots play a crucial role in the election of councillors who must be accountable and responsive to the communities they serve,” explained IMATU General Secretary, Johan Koen.

IMATU represents employees in the Local Government sector who will be working alongside the newly elected and returning councillors to deliver basic services to South Africans.

“Our members are frequently promised that supply chain management and financial controls will improve, corruption and nepotism will be tackled, vacancies will be filled and employees will be adequately trained. It is however, very difficult for workers to achieve effective and efficient service delivery while these issues remain a serious concern in some municipalities,” commented Koen.

Once communities have elected their councillors, these individuals will need to demonstrate that they are up for the challenge. IMATU believes that with effective leadership, correctly channelled resources, the up-skilling of workers and the rooting out of corruption, Local Government can offer a sustainable service delivery model that will assist in the efficient collaboration between Local, Provincial and National Government.

“IMATU is committed to working towards achieving an efficient and sustainable Local Government. The commitment of our members must however, be matched by decisive leadership, accountability and political will at the top,” concluded Koen.

All registered voters are reminded to bring a valid identity document to their voting stations, which will be open from 7am to 7pm on 3 August 2016. IMATU urges all voters to be patient when casting their vote, in order to ensure that a fair and peaceful process is experienced by all.