Pravin Gordhan rubbishes opposition claims on demarcation

Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Pravin Gordhan lambasted opposition parties for suggesting that the ANC is calling for demarcation of some municipalities for political reasons, adding that "anyone who thinks so is talking absolute nonsense."

Speaking at a press briefing Thursday following the Presidential Coordination Committee (PCC) meeting at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Gordhan said the meeting had discussed the progress of the Back to Basics campaign, legal preparation for the 2016 municipal elections, a report back on the progress of the NDP, in line with the plans of municipalities and of provinces, and a report on the calls that the presidential hotline receives.

A presentation by the chair of the demarcation board, Jane Thupana, was also part of the meeting.

The minister said he wanted to "clear up the reports circulating in the media" with regard to demarcation.

"No single political individual can change the demarcation of municipal boundaries" said Gordhan - pointing out that the board would not be influenced by politically motivated individuals. He said demarcation was intended to liquidate "unviable" municipalities.

With regards to the report back on the progress of the NDP in line with the plans of municipalities and the plans of provinces the minister said that in most cases provinces and municipalities are “moving in the right direction,” especially with regards to the NDP.

Since the last PCC meeting, there were currently between 160 and 170 municipalities that send monthly reports to the presidency. Soon, the remaining municipalities will have to follow suit.

With regard to the presidential hotline  Gordhan said people were using it lodge complaints about the misconduct of government officials as well as fraud, corruption and maladministration.