From the first announcement of the lockdown, the ANC Caucus Leadership convened an urgent meeting and comprehended what was going to be socio-economic implications of the 21 days lockdown.
Part of our response was to drive the following three primary campaigns:
One Family, one Food pack to assist the most disadvantaged residents of Ekurhuleni.
Education on measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 ,particularly in informal settlements.
On the ground assistance with social distancing during the payment of Social Grants.
Furthermore, ANC Councillors have been and continue to assist in ensuring that regulations that are applicable to Local Government are adhered to and smoothly implemented, a case in point being that of Informal Trading.
In light of the recent pronouncements by the ANC led National Government to extend the lockdown, the ANC Caucus Leadership reflected further about its contribution. In this regard, we resolved to continue playing an active and enhanced role in supporting our government and local communities.
We are inspired by our late Leader, Cde Chris Hani when he said, “The perks of a new government are not really appealing to me. Everybody would like to have a good job, a good salary…..but for me that is not the all of struggle. What is important is the continuation of the struggle… the real problems of the country are not whether one is in Cabinet …but what we do for social upliftment of the working masses of our country”.
Therefore:
All Councillors of the African National Congress, including Officials in political offices will contribute an amount which has been reasonably determined by the Caucus Leadership, also taking into consideration the different levels of deployment responsibilities.
The contributions will be channelled towards a central ANC Caucus kitty and will be used STRICTLY to cover basic essentials like food, hygiene items and where possible winter needs.
The Caucus Executive, Chaired by ANC Chief Whip, Cllr Jongizizwe Dlabathi will be responsible for overseeing the proper use of these contributions.
Furthermore, we will engage Retailers or Supermarkets for Bulk purchases and Bulk Discounts, including procuring from township businesses with due consideration to reasonable cost.
Procured items will be allocated in a manner that we cover needy households across all Wards on a rotational basis.
In ensuring accountability, a Contributions Register will be signed and reconciled accordingly, including monthly accountability report.
We are also making a plea and still encourage businesses, private individuals and churches to enhance their respective contributions in helping our communities during this difficult, but necessary lockdown period.
We will continue with our political oversight and support work in ensuring that our Municipality is responsive and successful in implementing lockdown measures and regulations.
Issued by
ANC EKURHULENI CAUCUS
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