LOUIS TRICHARDT – The newly formed Chairpersons Association already representing 9 300 members intend to show its muscle against corruption.

The Chairpersons Association attracted 60 chairpersons to its first formal meeting on May 20 at the Bergwater Hotel. It was clear that zero tolerance against corruption would be maintained. The Chairpersons Association had already confirmed with the Public Protector that investigations would be conducted if needed. The main thrust of the association, however, is not to be confrontational, but to proactively bring solutions to problematic issues.

"We want to combine all the strengths of all cultural groups in order to create opportunities and wealth for all residents in this region," said the newly elected Chairperson, Mr André Naudé.

The aim is to promote reliable, transparent corporate governance on all levels in line with the principles of the second Kings Report. In this regard a skills and productivity audit will be conducted to ensure a high standard of management and governance. The meeting agreed, "They want to know whether a person is skilled and trained and if they do their job."

The monitoring of the income and expenses of the municipality and the budget would be included. The meeting expressed itself against the levy of land taxes. The Chairpersons Association is an a-political organisation, promoting good relationships amongst all cultural, religious and language groups, as well as all interested groups in this region. It will function on the basis of common ground in respect of religious principles.

Anti-corruption measures were prioritised by the meeting to receive attention on the short, medium and long term. Short term was designated as one to four months, medium term as four to twelve months and long term as one to two years.

The meeting decided to address the important short and medium term issues of the name change of the town, the tree park conservancy as part of the green belt, and the N1 route, including both the problem with heavy vehicles as well as the unwelcome tollgate. The region is being marginalized and made unattractive for tourists by extreme toll tariffs. Another issue that will be investigated is the Makhado Municipal Council's custom of using expertise from outside the area instead of using the expertise of the local professionals who are taxpayers. Chairpersons of any organisation within the Makhado Municipality area are still welcome to join the Chairpersons Association. The secretary may be contacted at Tel (015) 516 3440.