By Doreen Mokgolo
MMC for Finance in Tshwane, Jacqui Uys, said that local government does not plan to train local businesses, as it is not their job.
Last week, the Metro stopped over 60% of waste truck contracts that did not meet new rules. The new rules require trucks to be less than nine years old, roadworthy, compliant and have a tracking device.
Many of those affected are subcontractors who started their waste collection businesses in 2012 with training and financial support from the Metro’s Tshepo 10,000 programme.
This programme was started by the ANC-led municipality to create jobs and support small businesses.
On Thursday, there were attempts to close down landfills, and truck drivers who reported for work were allegedly threatened by upset truck owners.
The Metro has now asked the police to escort the trucks during waste collection in townships and at the landfills.
Uys said the local government’s job is to deliver services, while the province and national government are responsible for helping businesses.
“Maybe the ANC should look at what it is doing to help local businesses. When I hear about local business owners in Mamelodi, it seems to be about ANC business owners with their own interests,” she said.
Some of the trucks dated back to 1978 and often broke down, failing to provide services.
Uys accused ANC secretary in Tshwane, George Matjila, of being behind the disruption.
“The concerns of the subcontractors and the concerns expressed by Matjila seem to be the same. This prompted me to report Matjila to the police. There may be more evidence of attempts to interfere and manipulate tender processes, which the police can investigate,” she said.
Matjila denied having any contracts or doing business with the city. “Whether I have businesses or trucks has nothing to do with Jacqui or anyone, but I don’t have any contract with the City,” he said.
Pictured above: Jacqui Uys.
Source: Doreen Mokgolo
