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Fullname = Graeme Alexander
Email = graemealex@telkomsa.net
Contact = 0833013291
Description = RAM : is the acronym for Ratepayers Association Mthatha.This was formed as a result of the meeting at the Country Club . Those who were present , thank you and to those that were'nt a brief apology for the short notification . Under the circumstances and urgency , not all could be contacted .
As to the meeting , it was generally felt that whilst we did'nt get the answers required ( Ambush concerns by a certain councillor!!!:o( the Mayor ,Mr Mlamli , did hold a fair account of himself under the circumstances and was honest . He has only been in office for 6 months and does have an enormous task ahead .
The initial proposal for the ratepayers association name was RAGE , However , it was felt that this was a little strong and with the continued efforts of RAM (which can still butt heads !!) the rage would dissipate .
The current committee is Graeme Alexander , Graham Lessing , Brian Adkins , Sharon Oosthuizen , Phumelele Mokoena , Donald Kemp , Donald Bradbury , Michelle Stafford , Marie Brownlow ,Hennie Coetzee and Willem Schoeman .
Our thanks go to Donald Bradbury for allowing us the medium of communication via this website .This is to serve as a vital communication portal for all .
We were invited to a meeting , on Thursday , with the Municipal Manager , Mr . M.Tom . This meeting was cordial and we were briefed on the "masterplan " for Mthatha .
We did comment that whilst this was laudable , there are immediate concerns and huge problems that need to be faced and fixed now .We also stated that we have a horror of constant meetings and that we are used to and need to be able to take and make decisions on the spot or within a very short time .
Amongst the subjects mentioned by us : were the repeal and promulgation of the relevant laws , electricity , roads , signs , illegal connections , steet hawkers , corruption , inefficiency of the municipal staff, lack of commmunication between the Municipality and ourselves as ratepayers , removal of control of the water etc from OR Tambo back to KSD , capital cost of and ongoing cost of back up i.e. generators and water tanks . The financial effect on businesses and households . We have stated that we want accountability and consequences .
As a result of this meeting a " Think Tank " team has been set up by KSD with an invitation for one of us to take part . The invitation has been accepted . Personally , I would prefer the title to be something like "Action Agents "!!!
We did offer our services and that of the ratepeyers where the relevant expertise can be used . On this , if there is anyone amongst that can offer assistance in any form that they think might be relevant ,please contact us via this website . There is no doubt that they need help and a lot of it . We have received a couple of offers of help and many thanks to those who have done so .Please continue this .
As to the immediate and long term plan , we are on the radar of both provincial and national government and where necessary we shall keep up the pressure and any relevant information .
More particularly , Trevor Manuel , has gone on record that Municipalites will now have to conform and be held accountable . Shiceka has also , in the Farmer's Weekly , lamented the state of Mthatha . Let's see what action is to be taken .
We also have to thank Simpiwe Piliso of the Sunday Times for his efforts and the exposure in the Sunday Times .He remains in contact with us .
We also have been invited to a meeting , by KSD , to OR Tambo on Monday the 20th at 3.00 p.m. We shall report back to you .
You will see that a costs line has been placed here .This is for costs incurred in buying water tanks , generators , fuel etc Please complete this as we also want to give these figures to the Municipalities , Provincial and National Government .
In ending ,please continue to submit reports of failures and problems no matte what the experience might be . Having said this , please also remember that where praise is due , let us know so that this can be published as well .
Let us continue to maintain the momentum and let's take the City back to what it should be and consequentially be proud . We believe that we can make a difference !
Yours Sincerely
Graeme Alexander