LOUIS TRICHARDT – The Makhado Municipal Council this week issued a statement strongly condemning the facts portrayed in an article published in last week's edition of the Zoutpansberger regarding the secrecy surrounding a twinning agreement between the local municipality and the Peoples Republic of China.

The statement was issued by the municipality's Directorate Corporate Services and outlines the events leading up to the signing of the letter of intent between the two parties.

"The reporter spoke to the Acting Director for Strategic Development, Mr Vic Viljoen in order to get a copy of the draft Twinning Agreement. It was explained to him on several occasions that this agreement was submitted to various governmental institutions such as the MEC for Local Government, the Premier of the Province and the Department of Foreign Affairs for their scrutiny and amendments as this is the requirement of the law under the new democratic dispensation. It was thoroughly explained to him that the document was therefore not for public consumption up until it can be assessed and approved by those relevant authorities," the statement reads. It goes on the say that a copy of the letter of intent, which sets out broad guidelines which are contained in the Twinning Agreement, was also given to the reporter with all necessary explanations.

"It was therefore quite surprising to learn that the reporter is referring to the so-called Twinning Agreement whilst he was given the relevant information. The sentiment that the item was rushed through council is also devoid of any truth and without any foundation or ground at all. This item, like all other items, was considered by the relevant portfolio subcommittee whose recommendation was submitted to the Executive Committee for consideration. This item, together with other items, was considered at the council meeting and no exception or other circumstances were made or prevailed when this item was considered and approved."

With regard to the approval of the establishment of the business in the Industrial Park, the statement mentions that the same procedures as above were followed.

"It must be known that the current erven where the proposed Industrial Park will be developed have been vacant and undeveloped for more than twenty years. It is again important for the reporter to distinguish between the development of the Industrial Park and the concluding of the Twinning Agreement between the two Local Governments. In an attempt to confuse and mislead the readers, the reporter chose to mix them.

"Furthermore, this office wishes to indicate that the full report of the delegates who went to the Peoples Republic of China was e-mailed to the reporter. The said report is very comprehensive and contains relevant information which unfortunately the reporter chose to down play, mainly because of his own personal obsession with the draft Twinning Agreement," the statement goes on to say.

According to the statement, the question regarding the relationship between the Mayor and Tlakula, as raised by the reporter, also appears to be personal and irrelevant.

"It is clear that the reporter wanted to tarnish the integrity and personality of the Mayor. It must be known by the reporter that the constitution of the new South Africa gives everybody the right to form and belong to any business enterprise as long as the necessary procedures and legislation are adhered to. Nevertheless it is not our competency to say to the reporter who this Tlakula is. I am convinced that if the reporter is very serious in his endeavours to know who this Tlakula is, then he will have the courtesy of enquiring from the Tlakula family, which is always available to assist. In addition the learned and experienced reporter tried his best to give the wrong picture on the establishment of the Municipal News Bulletin by raising fears in relation to the expenditure to be incurred. Instead of using his experience to advice and comment on the bulletin, the reporter attacked us. The news bulletin is intended to inform our communities on the activities of the Municipality as required by law."

The statement also criticises the reporter for his remarks towards the Chinese people.

"It is greatly surprising that the reporter appears to be totally ignorant and out of touch with good international relations, which exists between this country and the Peoples Republic of China. The remark by the reporter to say that the Chinese people will flood our town is completely uncalled for and out of order. The remarks by the reporter created an impression that the Chinese people and their developmental projects are not welcome in this Municipality. The remarks also have the potential of discouraging other future potential investors who might be having an interest of coming here. Eventually this will impact negatively on the development of the Municipality thereby depriving our people job opportunities, which might be brought about by such investors. It is disturbing that these utterances are coming from the reporter after an international conference on racism and xenophobia was held on our soil last year. It is important for the reporter to know that unlike the old South Africa, the new South Africa is part of the international community and not an island anymore. A developmental Municipality like ours will therefore, without any doubt, need the cooperation and assistance of other Municipalities outside our borders in order to achieve its objects as embodied in the constitution."

The statement concludes by stating that although the municipality recognises the right and freedom of the media as guaranteed by the constitution, it nevertheless can't accept negative and subjective reporting. It also mentions that Council is happy to inform the public that Premier of the Northern Province has given his approval regarding the Twinning Agreement, on September 2.

(Due to lack of time, no reaction on the Council's allegations could be published this week. We, however, felt it necessary to publish the views of the Council. Comment will follow next week – Ed)