AfriForum condemns misuse of Tshwane Metro’s resources for party political purposes, demands answers
AfriForum describes an official notice from the Tshwane Metro by EFF Councillor Obakeng Ramabodu for a “clean-up program [sic]” at the Union Buildings in Pretoria following yesterday’s “successful EEF [sic] public event” as a blatant misuse of the Metro’s resources for party political purposes. The organisation is now demanding urgent answers from the Metro in this regard.
Ramabodu is a Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Environment, Waste and Agriculture Management in the Tshwane Metro.
The notice is currently being distributed on social media in the colours of the EFF. According to AfriForum, the colour and wording of the notice indicate blatant affiliation with the EFF.
According to Llewellynn Hemmens, AfriForum’s Spokesperson for Pretoria, the use of the Metro’s official communication platforms and other resources for the promotion of political parties is not only unethical, but also illegal. Such conduct is clearly prohibited by the Code of Conduct for Councillors, the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act and the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act. Furthermore, Section 195 of the Constitution also stipulates that public administration must be efficient, economic, impartial and fair. The use of public resources for party political purposes is therefore a clear violation of these principles.
“The Metro’s resources belong to all its residents and may under no circumstances be used as a marketing vehicle or platform for political parties. A clear distinction between the Metro and political parties is essential for good governance and the promotion of public trust. However, the misuse of resources for the EFF’s gain violates the public’s trust and tramples on good governance practices,” explains Hemmens.
AfriForum also maintains that the so-called clean-up programme now allegedly being undertaken by the Metro follows a messy EFF event and should therefore be undertaken by the party itself.
“The Metro’s residents bear no responsibility for cleaning up the litter left behind by party members. Any organisation or party that leaves behind a littered site after an event must bear the responsibility and cost of cleaning it up. The Metro’s resources cannot be abused for their convenience,” warns Hemmens.
In light of Ramabodu’s official communication, AfriForum demands that the Metro urgently provide answers to the following questions:
- Why was party political content published on official communication platforms of the Metro?
- Has the use of the Metro’s logo and communication channels been approved for this purpose?
- What costs are associated with the clean-up programme?
- What steps will be taken to ensure that the Metro’s resources are not further exposed to abuse for party political purposes?
“Residents of the Tshwane Metro deserve a professional, unbiased and accountable administration that manages public resources in the interest of all its residents, regardless of political affiliation. Blatant abuse of the Metro’s resources – especially in the run-up to a municipal election – cannot be simply accepted,” concludes Hemmens.
