Ekurhuleni’s R16 million performance bonuses a farce, says AfriForum

The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality’s decision to pay out approximately R16 million in performance bonuses to staff is a slap in the face to residents of this municipal area, says AfriForum. While the Metro is handing out performance bonuses, service delivery is being neglected.

“We are dealing here with a municipality that has failed in the eyes of the community to deliver the most basic services, yet they believe that performance bonuses are justified. This is nothing less than a slap in the face to the people of Ekurhuleni who must survive daily without reliable water and electricity,” says Jurie Ferreira, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for the East Rand.

As the festive season approaches, many residents of Germiston and surrounding areas are without running water. In some cases, water is only available during midnight hours – if at all. This unacceptable situation is causing families and businesses to struggle to survive, while metro officials pocket large bonuses.

“The poor service delivery has a negative impact on the economy and business sector. Many businesses are suffering because they must cope regularly without electricity and water and are therefore unable to pay bonuses to their own employees, while the incompetent Ekurhuleni Metro is handing out performance bonuses,” adds Ferreira.

AfriForum’s Germiston Branch emphasises that this crisis is a further reflection of a deep-rooted lack of accountability within the Ekurhuleni Metro. Communities have a right to expect services such as reliable water and electricity supply, but these priorities are clearly being neglected.

“It is time for us as communities to stand together and hold those who have violated our trust accountable. We will not keep quiet while the people who draw their salaries from our pockets abandon us as residents. Service delivery is not a luxury – it is a right,” concludes Ferreira.

AfriForum will not allow this issue to be swept under the rug and remains committed to the interests of its communities by exposing poor governance and malpractice and coming up with alternative solutions to put service delivery in the hands of the community.

Get involved with AfriForum’s Germiston Branch and help make a difference. Send an email to germiston@afriforumtak.co.za.