The launch of the Pothole Repair Project by AfriForum Newcastle, in collaboration with the Newcastle Municipality, initially stirred excitement among Newcastle residents.
Yet, as the project gained momentum, a disconcerting racial undertone emerged, revealing underlying tensions within the Newcastle Municipality.
During a heated Newcastle Municipality Council Meeting on Wednesday, 30 August 2023, a councillor representing the African National Congress (ANC) said they were disappointed how the project would basically only impact the White community. This statement triggered a chaotic exchange within the Council Chambers at the Newcastle Showgrounds.
The Pothole Repair Project, launched on 7 August 2023, was rooted within the Newcastle Ward 2 committee, where a significant role was played in raising funds through a charity golf day. These funds were used to secure 60 bags of tar, which were then donated to AfriForum Newcastle for the project’s execution.
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In a collaborative effort, ArcelorMittal South Africa’s Newcastle Works also lent support to the initiative with the steel giant donating 200 bags of tar to this initiative, this week.
Peet Liebenberg of AfriForum Newcastle highlighted that while the initial focus was on the town’s main roads, plans were in motion to extend the project’s coverage to Newcastle East to ensure the entire Newcastle community benefitted.
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Amid the Council’s contentious debate, the Mayor of Newcastle Municipality, Councillor Xolani Dube, intervened to address the escalating tensions, highlighting that AfriForum’s involvement was entirely unrelated to racial considerations.
“We are grateful for AfriForum’s involvement when taking into account the monies that are being spent to address the problem. I also find it disturbing that it was said that only whites will benefit from this, as approximately 50% of the Newcastle (West) community is African so they are also benefiting from this. Many Africans can also afford to live in Newcastle West,” the Mayor emphasised.
Mayor Dube praised AfriForum’s collaborative approach, citing the organisation’s alignment with the Newcastle Municipality’s efforts, in contrast to certain other organisations in town pursuing their own independent agendas.
He also credited the inception of the pothole repair project to Ward 2 councillor, Councillor Bebsie Cronje, and her Ward committee, who initially took an active role in the area in which they lived. He further highlighted that the Newcastle Municipality’s Deputy Mayor, Cllr Musa Thwala, also lived in Ward 2
“All councillors can start their initiatives and focus on their wards,” Cllr Dube pointed out, stating that all Ward Councillors should take an active approach to bring about positive change instead of making outlandish racial comments.
Cllr Musa Thwala echoed Mayor Dube’s sentiments, urging councillors to prioritise solutions and the community’s welfare at heart instead of creating unnecessary tensions.
In response to the ANC’s stance on the project, Cllr Bebsie Cronje commented, “It is very sad that after so many years of democracy, they are still resorting to playing the race card.”
She reiterated that fundraising initiatives were open to all Ward Councillors, and Ward 2’s success in generating funds for the project and other issues was a result of active participation and engagement.
“Every Ward Councillor has the opportunity to hold fundraising initiatives, which was approved by the Newcastle Mayor and Speaker, so why are other Ward Councillors not doing it?” emphasised Cllr Cronje.
She noted that her ward was just fortunate that it had an AfriForum member within its ranks, which saw the project develop further. Moreover, Cllr Cronje pointed out that Newcastle West was being addressed first as it drew more economic investment.
As tensions over the Pothole Repair Project now stir, the Newcastle Municipality is actively addressing concerns and promoting unity.
In light of these developments, we invite readers to share their viewpoints in the comments section below.
Comments 1
Come on everyone loose the race card and work together to build a better south africa please