Metrorail: We apologize for the inconvenience

“Trains in the Region are delayed in an excess of 240 minutes”, the sms that Saturday morning that made the warning signs go off.

Metrorail was given a heavy blow, just hours after #BlackFriday. Not even three consecutive arson incidents in April could stop the service. But cable theft, at a juncture where all signal cables converge, brought the train service to a standstill.

At our first meeting, the current Metrorail Western Cape regional manager, Richard Walker said he would try his best to never stop trains from moving – even if that means driving a train himself. And then came Metrorail’s darkest hour in more than five years.

Technicians tried their best to restore the service and by the Wednesday afternoon Richard (yes we on a first name basis) informed me all lines are now open, but things will still be hectic.

The next morning criminals again targeted Salt River and to complicate things even more four carriages were destroyed in an arson attack just outside Thornton station.

There are more than 120 train stations in the province, of who just under a 100 have ticket offices. Metrorail needs more than 90 train sets to have a normal service, for the four lines that stretch over 489km tracks. With all the arson incidents the past 15 months, there was a time the province had less than 70 train sets.

Apart from not having the security compliment to have a guard of honour next to the tracks, there is just not enough manpower for all the stations and points.

And then there is the issue of no funds, because Prasa – the motherbody of Metrorail – is in tatters from mismanagement and financial irregularities. Our hope and prayers are now on acting group chief, Collins Letsoalo, to get all sets on the tracks.

The arson and cable theft are forcing me to dare say there is a well-organised syndicate out to destroy Metrorail – especially in the Western Cape.

Securities are deployed to hot-spot areas, but families of the men and women are victimized and their lives threatened. Many of the unarmed guards step back when the thieves target the areas. Because is a life not more important than cables?

They don’t speak out, out of fear for the lives of their loved-ones. Many of the guards are also not trained to use a firearm. And if we go and give every Hendrik, Ivor and Thabo a gun, we might sit with the same problem as the Americans.

Then there is the sad fact that rail crime is not viewed as serious enough by our justice system. Because how many criminals caught, or against whom there are enough evidence are successfully prosecuted.

The past decades very little to no upgrading was done to our rail system – apart from fixing problems. For decades our rail infrastructure was neglected. In 2009 the need was identified and Prasa launched Project Modernisation. This 20 to 30 year project not only includes new trains but also upgrading of infrastructure. We have to wonder though what a setback every cable theft, arson and vandalism incident has.

Very notable with all the incidents, is the silence from the government benches. Both President Jacob Zuma and transport minister Dipuo Peters condemned the April arson incidents. Commuters however need more than a sentence from their leaders. Commuters, like trains and the infrastructure that are destroyed are government assets. Now why can our defence force – who protects rhinos – not be deployed to protect our trains and stations against the hooligans who are destroying the assets of our future?

Metrorail, or the railway service, is the backbone of the Western Cape economy and there is a light though for commuters.

The service in the province is much better than in other. The Western Cape might be the only not to make a profit, but in the province there are no rail derailments with casualties and train incidents are fewer, as well as crime activity. Delays and cancellations are also lower and we have the best and most proactive communication.

Our defence force might however be a temporary solution. If we want to address Metrorail’s problem, we will have to start addressing crime, social challenges and unemployment. If we don’t do this and continue to play the blame game, commuters and Metrorail will continue to be the biggest loser and hooligan criminals laughing all the way to the bank.

• This is the English version of a Post Scriptum that appeared in Paarl Post of Thursday 8 December 2016.

Metrorail's unsung heroes

There is a general perception that Metrorail staff is lazy and incompetent and yes some are but it is wrong to say all staff. In a previousblog I mentioned Metrorail requires all aboard and how I try to play that role by being an SQM [Service Quality Monitor].

Past three years I’ve had the privilege of meeting some really talented, hardworking, dedicated, committed, loyal individuals who all work for Metrorail.

Sadly the stories of these employees go unnoticed and they rarely get a thank you. I decided to write a short summary of five of them (to protect their identity, I’m not using real names).

Customer first:

Marlon worked at Cape Town station but was so efficient, he indirectly highlight the shortcomings of his colleagues. He would walk from platform to platform and any commuter who had a confuse expression he would approach and assist that commuter. I’ve witness how he especially helped the elderly and disabled, making sure they board the correct train. He’s now at a new station and even here he does the same thing.

Information ready:

Pamela also at Cape Town station is occasionally on the platforms and when she’s there it’s with a train schedule, train cancellations, delays and commuters are informed of what is happening. She always have a smile and willing to help any commuter who needs assistance.

Proactive attitude:

One Sunday morning I arrived at Brackenfell, totally confuse from rushing to get there. Not sure whether train arrived or not, a very helpful Ethan came to me and ask if I needed assistance and about the delay on the line. He also told me what time the next train would be and he would advise me not to take MetroPlus as it is not safe on a Sunday. Ethan made such an impression on me he’s one of the very few Metrorail employees I will not forget. I’ve seen him a few times again since that day and he still greets with a friendly face asking if I need assistance.

Beyond the call of duty:

On afternoon a train failed, blocking trains at station I start my daily journey. Off-duty Jacky read the messages on the internal Metrorail Whatsapp group. Instead of enjoying her time at home with her loved-ones she started phoning around to ensure the necessary customer communication is done and those stranded at her station is informed.

Leadership not management:

A year ago Metrorail trains were experiencing such major delays the Worcester train was late by more than four hours. Commuters were left on their own, wondering when trains will move. It frustrated me that in their darkest hour Metrorail opted not to communicate. Shortly after sending an email to the senior management, two of them went out to where trains were standing and one of them started engaging with the commuters.

Yes the service is far from what we deserve. I’ve previously mentioned management never shifts the blame, but the Regional Manager takes the punches thrown at his staff. He also takes responsibility for every commuter, even if they don’t feel this is what happens.

Yes the service is far from what we deserve. I also don’t see the perfect service in the near future, but I do know that many employees at Metrorail go beyond the call of duty. Many within Metrorail give their best and more. Many will put in extra hours, own data, airtime and money to bring the human factor to the company.

Metrorail’s service is not perfect, but they do have some really good staff that we don’t always appreciate. Let’s take a moment and remind ourselves that person also have a family to go home to, is just trying the best under difficult circumstances, might want to do more than they doing.

To the Marlon’s, Pamela’s, Ethan’s & Jackie’s of Metrorail, thank you

Pres. Thabo Mbeki's letter to Pres. Jacob Zuma

Church has no testicular fortitude to lead

On Saturday October 8^th 2016 at 13:30 the 7^th General Synod of Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa responded to what I asked days prior to their decision: Are we all equal before the cross.

During this specific session URCSA opted to abandon its very founding principles and ironically the theme of its sitting: The Belhar Confession. URCSA voted in favour of a Process Position, based on a recommendation by its Homosexuality Task Team. Thus keeping the status quo but instead of doing research the church will continue dialogue with all stakeholders.

The decision was made shortly after the church decided to resume unity talks with the Dutch Reformed Church and accepted a request recommendation for the Church in Pakistan to be the Uniting Reformed Church in Pakistan [the first for Asia].

Despite the church reaching out to the world but not amongst its own ranks, I am however of the opinion URCSA made a procedural error in its decision. And here’s why:

Friday 7^th October 2016: URCSA’s Homosexuality Task Team tabled their report with the Process Position of dialogue as recommendation. Synod had various deliberations on it and after numerous motions the meeting decided to refer all motions regarding the topic to the task team – at this point it became an extended task team. They had to consolidate all motions and table a recommendation the following morning.

Saturday 8^th October 2016: URCSA’s Extended Homosexuality Task Team tabled a recommendation to vote for one of four options:

- Process Position (initial recommended),

- Recommendations of 2008 (keep the status quo),

- Keep the status quo but ministers and their congregations chose their own position,

- To accept and ordain within celibacy

After voting on option one – with majority in favour of it – outcome was declared as the resolution of synod. This is exactly the mistake the church made.

Some refer to the options as four motions, and if that was the case synod had to vote on each motion.

Irrespective of motion or option, my reasoning for a procedural error is that prior to voting delegates were not informed they are only allowed to vote either for or against only one of the four options.

I firmly believe delegates were under the impression they would vote for or against each one of the options.

URCSA’s 7^th General Synod thus did not vote on the recommendation of Saturday, but voted on the recommendation tabled Friday 7^th October 2016 at 20:00. URCSA will possibly like its sister church, the DRC, have to refer the matter to its Commission for Judicial Matters with a similar outcomes than its sister church: a special synod only for this agenda item or to just ignore and continue as normal.

Whichever route it opts to take and what the final decision will be, URCSA’s real challenge remains the implementation of any decision it take. For 12 years the church has been struggling to do research and engage on the matter, with one delegate admitting at Synod the church failed to consult and engage the LGBTQ-community.

Maybe the church should use the next four years and first ask itself if it only preaches or does it still practice the Belhar Confession.

One of the members of the first URCSA Homosexuality Task Team, Prof. Rothney Tshaka, summarizes the topic best: “URCSA has no testicular fortitude in leading the church on the LGBTQ-matter and therefore finds all kind of excuses for not pronouncing on it”.

Putting everything in context, below are the resolutions from the 2005, 2008 and 2012 Synod Decisions/Resolutions:

GENERAL SYNOD 2005:
a) Synod confirms that the Bible is the living Word of God and the primary source and norm for the moral debate about homosexuality.
b) Synod acknowledges the diversity of positions regarding homosexuality and pleads that differences be dealt with in a spirit of love, patience, tolerance and respect.
c) Synod confirms that homosexual people are members of the church through faith in Jesus Christ.
d) Synod rejects homophobia and any form of discrimination against homosexual persons.
e) Synod appeals to URCSA members to reach out with love and empathy to our homosexual brothers and sisters and embrace them as members of the body of Christ in our midst.
f) Synod acknowledges the appropriate civil rights of homosexual persons.
g) Synod emphasizes the importance of getting clarity about the theological and moral status of homosexual marriages, or covenantal unions.
h) Synod emphasizes the importance of getting clarity about the ordination of practising homosexual persons in ministry.
i) Synod assigns the following tasks to the Moderamen:
Do an extensive study on Christian faith and homosexuality while taking into
consideration the above mentioned principles;
Table a report with recommendations to the General Synodical Commission during the coming recess;
And encourage and direct discussions on the theme of homosexuality in URCSA.

GENERAL SYNOD 2008:
1. GS takes note of the report on homosexuality as tabled before it;
2. GS appreciates the endeavours done by the task team.
3. GS further refers the report and its recommendations to the Regional Synods, Presbyteries and local congregations for discussion;
4. GS instructs the Executive to appoint another task team for another scientific study which will add other perspectives on homosexuality; and
5. GS re-affirms points a-f of decision 90 of Pietermaritzburg 2005 that reads
a) Synod confirms that the Bible is the living Word of God and the primary source and norm for the moral debate about homosexuality.
b) Synod acknowledges the diversity of positions regarding homosexuality and pleads that differences be dealt with in a spirit of love, patience; tolerance and respect.
c) Synod confirms that homosexual people are members of the church by nature of faith in Jesus Christ.
d) Synod rejects homophobia and any form of discrimination against homosexual persons.
e) Synod appeals to URCSA members to reach out with love and empathy to our homosexual brothers and sisters and embrace them as members of the body of Christ in our midst.
f) Synod acknowledges the appropriate civil rights of homosexual persons.
GENERAL SYNOD 2012:
1. The General Synod affirms the decision of the General Synod 2005 as the Interim Policy on homosexuality of URCSA.
2. The General Synod classifies the Report on Homosexuality which had been tabled at the General Synod 2008 as a "background resource" offering assistance to church councils, presbyteries and regional synods faced with the task of evaluating homosexuality in church and society.
3. The General Synod calls on all regional synods to actively attend to the Report on Homosexuality of 2008 and supply the General Synodical Commission during the recess with their responses.
4. The General Synod appoints and instructs the task team on homosexuality to move forward in the preparation of reader friendly study material on the biblical and theological appraisal of homosexuality and issue it to the regional synods during the recess after approval by the General Synodical Commission.
Minutes of the Sixth General Synod of URCSA 2012 Page 26
5. The General Synod affirms the URCSA's long tradition of social justice, founded on the fundamental human dignity of every individual, as well as its bearing on the controversial and emotional issues of gay rights. The General Synod URCSA, therefore, calls on all its members to exhibited concern over the protection of homosexuals from discriminatory practices.
6. The General Synod affirms that the denial of human and civil rights to homosexuals is inconsistent with the biblical witness and Reformed theology.
7. The General Synod denounces all forms of homophobic conduct.
8. The General Synod encourages church leaders to enter into constructive dialogue with LGBTI persons or groups representing them with the aim of better understanding them. General Synod requests the task team on homosexuality to organize opportunities for such dialogue.

“Ons voel soos Daniël in die leeukuil”

Die Verenigende Gereformeerde Kerk in Suider-Afrika (VGKSA) ontmoet hierdie week in Benoni, vir haar Sinodesitting. Op die tafel is die verslag oor homoseksualiteit.

As lidmate van die VGKSA, is ons bekommerd oor die kerk se profetiese stem aan Lesbiese, Gay, Biseksuele en Trans-gender (LGBT)  gemeentelede en gemeenskap. Die afgelope elf-jaar het die kerk drie Algemene Sinodesittings gehad waartydens dié kwessie bespreek was. Die besluit van 2005 oor homoseksualiteit, was hoofsaaklik aangebring deur Abe Pieterse wie deur die kerk legitimasie geweier is, omdat hy eerlik was oor sy seksuele oriëntasie. 

Die besluite van 2005 het gevra na ‘n teologiese studie oor homoseksualiteit. By die Sinode van 2008 was die verslag terug verwys na gemeentes. Vier jaar later, was daar geen  vordering nie, maar was op ‘n tweede studie besluit. Dit wys daarop, dat daar groot ongelukkigheid is oor die teologiese studie van 2008, wat deur prominente VGKSA teoloë saamgestel was.  Die uitgangspunt van hierdie verslag is dat die seksualiteit van gay persone aanvaar moet word. 

As lidmate van die VGKSA vra ons die kerk in liefde om in die gees van die Belydenis van Belhar LGBT lidmate nie verder te laat ly nie. Ons pleit vir eenheid! Herhaaldelik in debatte van homoseksualiteit word Bybelverse voorgehou om te diskrimineer. Die 2005 besluit, dat gelowiges hieroor in liefde moet praat en verdraagsaamheid aan LGBT moet bewys, is ‘n verfynde  institusionele vorm van diskriminasie. Die kerk se onwilligheid om die saak te bespreek op alle vlakke is gedompel in heteroseksisme gevoed deur homofobie, kultuur en die mite dat homoseksualiteit ‘n Westerse probleem is wat in Afrika posgevat het. 

Die Bybel is teen promiskuïteit en nie teen selfdegeslag-verhoudings nie. Sodom was verwoes, deur seksuele die stadsmanne se misdryf. Gasvryheid as goddelike en antieke deug was nie aan die gaste bewys nie.  Die Israeliete van ouds het hulself nie as heteroseksueel beskou nie.  Die Levitiese wette was ingestel om kultiese reinheid te handhaaf. Penetrasie deur ‘n man in ‘n ander man was gesien as vermenging van geslagsrolle, omdat binne die raamwerk van voortplanting en Adam as hoof van Eva, die mag van die man tot verval sal kom. In die Nuwe Testament is prostitusie en pedofilie onaanvaarbaar netsoos vandag. Ons lidmate van die VGKSA is daarvan oortuig dat die verstaan van die Drie-eenheid die voorbeeld is vir menslike verhoudinge en nie noodwendig die verhoudings van mag en manlikheid soos deur die antieke kulturele waardes vasgevang is in die Bybel nie. Seksualiteit vir ons ‘n gawe van God vir elke mens wie Hy kunstig geskep het.  

As lidmate van die VGKSA vra ons die kerk in liefde om in die gees van die Belydenis van Belhar LGBT lidmate nie verder te laat ly nie. Ons pleit vir versoening! Talle lidmate (en selfs predikante) lewe in vrees omdat die kerk geen duidelikheid het rondom menslike seksualiteit nie. Diegene wie hulself onderdruk, lewe nie net in vrees nie, maar het ‘n verwronge selfbeeld, menswaardigheid van broosheid en ‘n verwarde spiritualiteit wat nie binne die gemeente kan uitgeleef word nie. Die opgestane Here het versoening vir alle mense gebring, insluitend LGBT persone met hul seksualiteit.  Om versoen te wees met jou seksualiteit maak ook versoening met alle ander persone moontlik. Die Franse Filosoof Paul Ricouer in sy boek The Course of Recognition (2005), praat van wedersydse erkenning as geskenk en dankbaarheid. LGBT persone se seksualiteit wat as studie stuk en sonde beskou word kan alleenlik verstaan word as dit erken word en beskou word as gawe. 

Die doop en Nagmaal praktyke is volle bewys van inklusiewe mag van God. Die VGKSA handhaaf ‘n proses van onderskeiding om by studie wat vir teologiese studies aanmeld te hoor of hulle geroep is. Studente word gelegitimeer en ordineer omdat hulle die Kuratorium (kommissie van teologiese opvoeding) oortuig van hul geroepenheid. Dit druis teen die wil van God om nie LGBT persone toegang tot die bediening te gee. Ons glo, dat VGKSA die LGBT persone se verbintenisse as huwelik moet in seën.  Die Belydenis van Belhar leer ons “dat enige leer wat sodanige gedwonge skeiding vanuit die evangelie wil legitimeer en dit nie wil waag op die pad van gehoorsaamheid en versoening nie, maar uit vooroordeel,  vrees, selfsug en ongeloof die versoenende krag van die evangelie byvoorbaat verloën, ideologie en dwaalleer is.”   

As lidmate van die VGKSA vra ons die kerk in liefde om in die gees van die Belydenis van Belhar LGBT lidmate nie verder te laat ly nie. Ons pleit vir geregtigheid! Die wêreld, kontinent en ons land dink telkens na oor menslike seksualiteit. Ons is die Here dankbaar, vir ons konstitusionele demokrasie en grondwet wat LGBT regte beskerm. Die kontinent van Afrika waar so baie LGBT persone vermoor, verkrag en vermink word daagliks het weereens die profetiese stem van die Kerk van die Here Jesus Christus nodig. Presies dertig jaar gelede, was die Belydenis van Belhar aanvaar op die Sinode van destydse Sendingkerk. Gelowiges het opgestaan teen alle vorme van onreg, omdat hulle die mooiheid van geregtigheid in hulle  oë van geloof gesien het naamlik “dat die kerk daarom mense in enige vorm van lyding en nood moet bystaan, wat onder andere ook inhou dat die kerk sal getuig en stry teen enige vorm van ongeregtigheid sodat die reg aanrol soos watergolwe, en geregtigheid soos ’n standhoudende stroom;”

Ons bid saam die gebed van dominee Jan Metler, wat hy voor die aanvaarding van Belydenis van Belhar in 1986 gebid het: 

“Ons voel soos Daniël in die leeukuil, want eensklaps het die uur vir ons aangebreek. Vir hierdie geloofsdaad van die sendingkerk sal ons volle verantwoordelikheid moet aanvaar. Ons staan hier weerloos  en breekbaar  omdat ons besef dat ons so maklik in die navolging van die man van Nasaret kan seerkry. Ons wil met ons klein geloof op U wag om ons die pad te wys, wat ons moet gaan.” (Uit die Burger: 27 September 1986). 
  
Onderteken deur: 
Abe Pieterse
Hanzline R. Davids 
Earl September
Veonna Goliath

Are we all equal before the cross

Thou shall not judge. Not only a verse but also a saying, you have either heard or said. How ironic though that it is the church and religious leaders who preach God alone can judge, then do exactly what you and I are warned about.

Last week the Anglican Church rejected a proposal to bless couples in same-sex relationships.

The DRC/NGK last month decided to recall a synod decision that was put on hold after appeals were received. This comes after members of the church threatened with a court case, as the church acted outside of their own rules regarding the appeal. It has almost been a month now and still no implementation took place.

This week all eyes will be on the Uniting Reformed Church, who will again consider a report from a task team. The church had three task teams and been doing studies for 12 years. The church composed a comprehensive report, under the leadership of prof. Allan Boesak and this was accepted in 2005 as guideline. The very same Boesak in 2008 resigned from all positions in the church because of the discriminating attitude towards gays and lesbians, from the church that is meant to be a safe haven.

How ironic is it not that the decision by the church comes days after the controversial American pastor Steven Anderson was banned from entering our country and promote his hate speech. Anderson amongst other things said after the Orlando nightclub shooting “it is good, there are 49 lesser gays” and that “gays should all be killed”.

In the week of the Steven Anderson events the church and the voice of the men and women who are meant to spread the love of God, was silent.

Apart from the conservative view the church will always hold, you cannot help to ask yourself why it takes the church – who preach love – to show love. The answer is that the church must act church orderly, within ecumenical rules.

When it comes to the gay topic though, the church contradicts herself on many points.

That is the first mistake the church does, to discriminate by excluding lesbians, bisexuals and transgender-persons.

The church might have legitimate reasons why they dragging the issue. But in the church that preach everyone is equal in the eyes of God, terms like “they” and “us” are used.

How are we then all equal before the cross?

Long gone are the days that Bible verses were used when referring to “them” and those. Those who still make use of Bible verse have probably not recently read the bible.

It is this year [2016] a decade that South Africa became the fifth country in the world and first in the Southern hemisphere to recognise same-sex relationships. This in itself is a huge achievement for the LGBT-community when acting president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka signed the Civil Union bill into law on 29 November 2006.

While we have the law, there is not a lot of support from the one safe haven in our country – the church.

Many will say sexual orientation is a choice. Unless I bumped my head as a baby I cannot imagine how any person would decide to be exposed to criticism, humiliation, ridicule and discrimination.

A few months ago a reverends was extremely critical towards gays on Facebook. I asked him if he ever made time to talk to a gay person and ask how that person feels and if he would decide to be humiliated every day. I then asked that he first look at home before he criticises others.
What I did not do is out his son.

Before more studies are done, like LGBT-members are some kind of experiment, our religious leaders should learn from this: time has come to drop your title and have a conversation with their brothers and sisters.

• Afrikaans version appeared in Paarl Post of Thursday 6 October 2016

Metrorail requires all aboard

For more than three years now I’ve built a [at times rocky] relationship with Metrorail and the past nearly two years I’ve been privileged to be a pilot project of the current Regional Manager by being a SQM: giving me not only direct access to all HODs and the WC Regional Manager [with a regular f2f meeting] but also direct contact with Prasa GCEO and the Minister.

I’m privy to information that don’t reach staff on platforms and get to share complaints from the vandalized carriages with the big bosses. I’m privy to see the hardwork – that goes unrecognized – by numerous Prasa employees. How those with families work throughout the night in the severe weather conditions to fix the rails and others offer up family time to ensure no commuter is left behind with major delays.

Yes Prasa has been on a roller-coaster thanks to mismanagement and they remain in the ICU. While Security seems to be on a delayed train, Communication is Metrorail’s biggest challenge and unity their biggest problem.

Daily I attempt to address issues, knowing not all can be resolved at the speed or way I want it to.

I’ve got the pleasure to get to learn hardworking, dedicated, committed, loyal individuals. I’ve engaged with managers who will admit not all staff deserve a star on the forehead and those who don’t should be reported. But while addressing the one crisis after the other the past two years, Metrorail had to keep trains moving. This despite so many arson and daily vandalism incidents, that led to cancellations.

No matter how critical the service, not once did Metrorail’s management even consider suspending the service. I recall one chat with the RM where he said even if he must drive the train himself, trains will operate – because that is Metrorail’s core function, to operate trains.

Sadly – and mainly because they lack the information I am privy to – commuters show little respect, empathy, understanding towards Metrorail.

Blaming the current management for (1) rail not receiving attention and (2) delivering a first class service with limited resources, is wrong of us.

Yes the service is far from what we deserve but I cannot recall one occasion where the Regional Manager shifted the blame. He takes the punches thrown at his staff and responsibility for every single commuter, even if they don’t feel this is what happens.

One person cannot be everywhere and do everything, but I’ve gotten to know the Regional Manager as someone who want to know what is happening on the platforms and trains. He is one of the very few senior managers who take train to work and regularly take a train undercover on other lines. This he does to assess the service for himself and compare reports to his own experience.

Yes the service is far from what we deserve and I cannot see the end of the tunnel. What I do know is that Metrorail – despite what many might think – cannot turn-around, but won’t derail either. They still on the track, going forward however will require all hands on deck. With commuters becoming stakeholders by playing an active role and to report suspicious incidents.

DA Drakenstein's challenge

Now that the #2016MunicipalElection is all done, the hard work starts.

One of the first tasks of newly constituted councils is electing the top officials – Executive Mayor, Deputy Executive Mayor, Speaker and who will act if the number one and two is unable to.

While we knew before we made our X who the Mayoral Candidates were, we could only speculate on the other positions. Many looked at the PR [Proportional Representation] list and viewed that as an indication. It is however not a prescribed guideline of how the executive should be chosen and that duty rest upon the majority caucus, guided by the local and provincial party political leadership.

This is widely a follow-up to Drakenstein’s surprises and disappointments. This piece is zooming in on the governing party in Drakenstein.

Despite the DA having a male Mayor-elect, majority of their caucus will be females. What makes it more interesting is that that more than half of the 26 wards the party won, was won by females: an indication that even the voter think the party has competent female leaders. The party also increased its support in the predominantly coloured areas. The above are all things the party cannot ignore.

Our eyes should be on how the new caucus approach gender equality. Only five of the former Executive Mayoral Committee members are returning to council. And only one of them is female. Thus safe to assume Wendy Philander will again be part of Mayco. Comparing to her colleagues she did exceptionally well in her first term in council and not only topped the DA Drakenstein PR list [considering the DA said they reserve the number one position for their Mayoral Candidates], but she also twice appeared on the DA’s Provincial List for the Western Cape Legislature, currently on number two.

One can thus assume she is DA’s most senior female leader in Drakenstein. It would thus be interesting to see if the party reckons she performed well and should she not be in the top 3 to explain why she was not considered. Having said this we can also safely assume the party would re-elect DA-stalwart Koos le Roux as Speaker. In his first term he oversee a council without any incidents and council meetings were calm and peaceful, with respect.

That is not the party’s only challenge, composition of the new Executive Mayoral Committee might also be a headache for Mayor-elect, Conrad Poole. 

Of the 26 councillors 19 are returning with 6 having experience of Mayco – one of them in a District council. As mentioned in Drakenstein Surprises it is a given that Linda Landu who defected from the ANC to the DA would be rewarded with a Mayco seat. 

Would be interesting to see what portfolio she is given. Before I get to my Mayco speculations – or ideal Mayco – I would first restructure the portfolio’s and align it to the needs of the community but also based on services the municipality should be providing.

I would structure the ten portfolios as:

Community Services	Housing & Rural Development
Utility Services	Social Development
Safety and Security	Economic Opportunities
Planning & Environmental Affairs	Corporate Services
Inter-Governmental Relations & Communications	Finances

Furthermore I would propose that committees be structured as:

+ Finance

+ Planning & Economic Development [Planning & Environmental Affairs, Economic Opportunities, Housing & Rural Development]

+ Corporate Affairs [Corporate Services, IGR & ICT]

+ Infrastructure Development [Utility Services]

+ Community Development [Community Services, Safety & Security, Social Development]

Because I don’t view Housing, Economic Opportunities and tourism as a service that is just delivered but one that needs constant planning and development I structure it under the Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Committee.

My Executive speculation:

Portfolio	Speculation	Alternative
Community Service	Aidan Stowman	Eva Gouws
Utility Services	Reinhardt van Nieuwenhuyzen	N/a
Safety & Security	Rean Smuts	N/a
Planning & Environmental Affairs	Jako Matthee	Wilhelmina Smit
Housing & Rural Development	Wendy Philander	Rita Andreas
Social Development	Eva Gouws	Aidan Stowman
Economic Opportunities	Wilhelmina Smit	Jako Matthee
Corporate Services	Jo-Ann De Wet	N/a
Finance	Gert Combrink	N/a
IGR & Communication	Linda Landu	Wendy Philander

Speaker	Koos le Roux	Wendy Philander
Deputy Mayor	Wendy Philander	Koos le Roux
Chief Whip	Ben de Goede	Renier Koegelenberg