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CA accuses Council of not taking note of objections
News Date: 02 November 2007
The CA insists that the whole name change process be started afresh or be totally abandoned and that the name should stay Louis Trichardt until proper consultation has taken place.
The Chairpersons Association wrote a letter on October 26 to the Makhado municipal manager, containing observations on the process as well as a warning to the municipal manager, Ms Faith Muthambi.
"It is hereby confirmed that we are astonished and amazed by the fact that, notwithstanding our previous letters of objection and notwithstanding the fact that these letters have remained unanswered, you still proceeded with the process in order to consolidate the name change of Louis Trichardt." The letter goes on to state that it is clear that the municipality is not taking note of the CA’s objections and concerns raised on behalf of their members, consisting currently of 46 Chairpersons and almost 90 000 people.
"Some of our members are the Chamber of Commerce, the Transvaal Agricultural Union, the Rotary, the Hlanganane Concerned Group, the Indian Community, the Buysdorp Community and Afrikaans- and English-speaking people of this area. It seems as if you do not wish to take note of the concerns of these important stakeholders in this area."
In the letter, the CA also says it is clear that the process being followed is nothing more than lip service being paid to the consultation process and that this process has no integrity.
"There is also no real intention to consult the people truly in order to obtain their views. It is also clear that this process is nothing but a manipulative process." The process is referred to as irregular, especially with the irregular short notice of a consolidation meeting.
As for the warning to Ms Muthambi, the CA said that she should not plead in court that she did not receive notice of their objections.
"Your ignorance will not be acceptable anymore and it is not obtaining the sympathy of the people of this region but only their contempt … You are raising the anger of the people of this region," the CA said.
Written by
Linda van der Westhuizen
Linda van der Westhuizen has been with Zoutnet since 2001. She has a heart for God, people and their stories. Linda believes that every person is unique and has a special story to tell. It follows logically that human interest stories is her speciality. Linda finds working with people and their leaders in the economic, educational, spiritual and political arena very rewarding. “I have a special interest in what God is doing in our town, province and nation and what He wants us to become,” says Linda.
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