Councillor undeterred by criticism
ALEXANDRA - Councillor Chris Mabunda of ward 75 said criticisms of him will not distract him from executing his duties until the 2016 local government elections as his party was firmly behind him.
Councillor Chris Mabunda of ward 75 has scoffed recent criticisms as his party is firmly behind him.
The criticisms emanated from various quarters and featured in the Alex News and other local media. They include allegations of failure to perform his duty and failure to help local emerging businesses access contracts from the council and government. Mabunda said the allegations were unfounded and were from distracters who were unhappy with him because he didn’t dispense favours to them. “Doing so would be to contravene the code of conduct for councillors and ward committee members. Our job is prescribed and demands we represent everyone regardless of political or social affiliation,” he said.
The work, he said, involved motivating for development projects with local economic benefits, ensuring pauper’s burials are conducted in a dignified manner, facilitating awareness campaigns and advising local businesses experiencing operational challenges.
“My leadership role will not guarantee that I will please everyone. I expect criticism especially from those I can’t dispense favours to on things like tenders as I do not have control over them.” He said this in response to criticism of him by the Alex Business Forum. The forum alleges he has failed to support them in accessing work and business opportunities from development initiatives in the area. These include the electrification and maintenance of hostels and the Rea Vaya Bus Transit System currently upgrading roads in Alexandra. He said his role was to ensure new programmes and projects adhere to locals’ expectations on economic benefits to them which is happening, but not to everyone’s satisfaction. He urged those wanting to access these opportunities to follow normal tender submission procedures and to register their businesses as cooperatives which is the preferred route for the city and government when seeking partnerships for local contracts.
Mabunda concluded that despite his challenges, his work was a continuation from 2013 when he was awarded second position in the SA Volunteers Awards for the best community volunteer and councillor.
Details: Councillor Chris Mabunda 072 316 5415.
