DA VOWS TO KEEP ANC ON ITS TOES: DAILY DISPATCH

THE DA yesterday vowed to keep the ruling party on its toes in the municipalities in Transkei where it has representation.

“Things will never be the same. We will hold them accountable,” DA deputy provincial leader Bobby Stevenson said.

Stevenson made the statements when he and other DA provincial leaders, Veliswa Mvenya, John Cupido, Edmund van Vuuren and Dacre Haddon met the party’s councillors at a hotel in Mthatha.

He said yesterday’s meeting was aimed at ensuring communication between the party’s councillors and members of the provincial legislature in Bhisho.

“As the legislative caucus, we are busy with all different councillors throughout the province in order to build communication links and also see how we can assist in taking up issues to the legislature that are relevant to the municipalities where they are,” Stevenson added.

“It will really assist us in the legislature to be a lot more effective and being in touch with people on the ground,” he said.

At the meeting, the councillors also attended workshops on the party’s policies, discussed municipal-related issues and how the legislature functioned.

Yesterday’s meeting followed another with councillors in the new Buffalo City Metro in East London. At that meeting, DA councillors raised several issues, including housing.

“But in Transkei there are big issues such as health and education which are affecting communities.”

He said through its opposition, the DA would ensure the ruling party delivered services to the people.

“We want to see regular supply of electricity, water and also improvement in road infrastructure for economic development,” Stevenson said.

During the April 18 local government elections, the DA increased its seats in Transkei from two in Mnquma (Butterworth) to 16 in nine councils.

“That means the DA continues to get more support here. We have this dramatic growth not only in the Transkei, but throughout the province,” Stevenson said.