I READ the front page of the Paarl Post (25/6/09) with interest, and didn’t notice the “boer met ’n roer” photo, which was an unnecessary distraction.
The issue is whether the municipal budgetary process in Drakenstein has been conducted in accordance with relevant laws, policies and guidelines and whether community views and interests have been given due consideration.
In Stellenbosch, the Ratepayers’ Association, not the DA, has taken legal action against a municipal leadership that has ignored the inputs of taxpayers that contribute the lion’s share of tax and rates revenue.
There are clear and comprehensive principles and procedures on which annual budgets must be based, with a government guideline indicating that rates should not increase by more than 6% (Drakenstein’s property rates were increased by 7,5%).
The actions of Deetlefs du Toit and the DA are to be welcomed.
It also boggles the mind that a controversial Cape Town politician can register in Drakenstein a short while ago and be appointed Mayor of the Winelands District Council without any public participation or say! Is this democracy?
Wake up citizens, demand debate and public participation, it is the best way to maintain democracy!
Interested parties can log onto www.stellenboschratepayers.org to gain insight into relevant legislation, policies, guidelines for planning, development and budgets and current legal processes and participate in the discussion forum.
