The Democratic Alliance, Overstrand Constituency
notes with great concern the ongoing and deliberate threats to shut-down the
municipality. We reject the recent call for a shut-down of Hermanus and the
Overstrand as a whole. Instead, we call
on all peace loving and law abiding citizens of the area to take a stand and
reject any attempt aimed at destroying the economy of Hermanus, and what has also
become the apparent undermining of elected public representatives of our town.
We wish to categorically state that we have the
utmost belief in and the upholdment of the system of democracy and the
supremacy of the Constitution. It should, moreover, be noted that the Overstrand
has once again received a clean audit opinion from the Auditor General of South
Africa, which is further testimony to the phenomenal record of a sound fiscal
policy and ongoing fiscal discipline instilled within.
However, this does not in anyway suggest that we are
not aware of the many challenges that may exist, nor do we negate the impact of
the various issues that have arisen from time to time. Rather, a rampant
increase in societal ills, inadequate shelter, poverty and unemployment are the
ghosts that continue to haunt us to this day. The burden of Apartheid weighs
heavily still on the many communities and families of our country, and has
subsequently created a great deal of pain and sown an inordinate amount of distrust
and discord amongst its people.
Nevertheless, the Overstrand constantly strives to deliver
services of noteworthy quality to all its communities. It further prides itself on the ability to
govern and the unwavering commitment to good governance and excellence.
To that end then the only shut-down that should be
considered is:
·
a shut-down to unemployment
·
a shut-down to inequality
·
a shut-down to lack of skills and development
·
a shut-down to distrust and the destruction of unity
in our town
·
a shut-down to increasing levels of crime in our
communities
What is definitely not needed is the so called
shut-down being promoted by a destructive few, as that will ultimately result
in an infertile climate devoid of job creation and employment opportunities. Notwithstanding that it would chase away
much-needed investment, an inflow of revenue and kill the economy.
We urge the people of the Overstrand to go to work
and carry on with their lives; and not allow this once-thriving community to be
destroyed by any attempt of a shut-down.
We once again have to reiterate that we have every confidence
in the government and elected representatives of the Overstrand Municipality. Should
there however be any persons or groups that have a view contrary to this, then
we encourage them to exercise their vote at the next elections and in so doing
legally effect any desired change in government.
In closing, let us never lose faith in our ability
to rise and stand together as a collective.
Let us use this opportunity to advance the cause of freedom; and employ
the necessary effort to create a much fairer and diverse society.