His message is a timely reminder that, beyond the coalition negotiations, political differences and contest for positions, the responsibility of every elected representative remains the same: to serve the people who put them there.
SPARC (Swellendam People’s Association of Ratepayers Collective) remains apolitical. They are sharing this message because they believe it offers a rational and balanced perspective, and they support the sentiments expressed. Once the political dust has settled, this is precisely the approach and leadership our communities need.
AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL ELECTED OFFICIALS
Now that the Local Government Elections are behind us and our elected representatives have been confirmed, I feel compelled to make a heartfelt, but equally firm, appeal to every one of you.
It is deeply disappointing, although perhaps not entirely surprising, to see the political bickering, mudslinging and apparent hostility already taking centre stage.
Social media and news publications are awash with reports of coalition negotiations, political manoeuvring and public declarations by some politicians that they simply refuse to work with certain individuals or political parties.
But let me ask you a very simple question: Where, in all of this political posturing, do the ordinary citizens fit in?
Have you forgotten who put you where you are today? We, the people, entrusted you with our votes and, in doing so, placed our confidence in your ability to govern, lead and deliver.
We did not elect you to engage in political power games, settle personal scores or protect individual egos. We elected you to serve our communities and to make our cities and neighbourhoods better places to live.
I appeal to every one of you, irrespective of your political affiliation, to put your personal pride, political differences and party interests aside. For once, put the needs of the people ahead of your own ambitions.
Let me remind you of something that seems to have been forgotten in the corridors of political power: You are not rock stars, celebrities or royalty. You are public servants. And the emphasis is firmly on the word SERVANTS.
You hold positions of responsibility because the public has entrusted you with that responsibility. Those positions are not personal entitlements, platforms for self-importance or opportunities to further your political careers. They are positions of service, accountability and public duty.
We, the ordinary citizens, have endured enough. We have watched, often with disbelief and frustration, as our cities, towns and neighbourhoods have deteriorated.
Basic service delivery has suffered, infrastructure has crumbled, communities have been neglected and the quality of life for ordinary people has steadily declined. Many of us have become disillusioned, frustrated and, quite frankly, tired of empty promises.
During the election campaign, you made commitments. You stood before communities, knocked on doors, addressed public meetings and promised change, improvement and better governance.
You asked for our votes and gave us assurances that things would be different.
Well, the campaigning is over. The promises have been made. Now it is time to deliver.
We do not want another round of political theatrics. We do not want endless coalition disputes, personality clashes or politicians pointing fingers at one another while the communities they are supposed to serve continue to suffer.
We do not want excuses. We want leadership. We want accountability. Most importantly, we want results.
If coalition arrangements are necessary to ensure stable government, then find a way to make them work. Sit around the table, have the difficult conversations, compromise where necessary and put the interests of the communities you represent first.
You do not have to like one another, agree on everything or become the best of friends. But you do have a responsibility to work together for the greater good.
Your political differences are your business. The consequences of your inability to work together are ours.
Please understand that ordinary citizens are not asking for miracles. We are asking for functioning municipalities, clean and safe neighbourhoods, reliable service delivery, maintained infrastructure, responsible financial management and leaders who actually listen to the people they represent.
We are tired. We are frustrated. Many have lost faith in local government, and that trust will not be restored through political speeches or carefully crafted social media statements. It will be restored through action, commitment and visible results.
So, I make this appeal to every elected official: Put your pride aside. Put your political ambitions aside. Put your differences aside.
Remember why you sought public office in the first place, and remember who ultimately holds you accountable.
You were elected to serve us, not yourselves. You were elected to govern, not to squabble. And you were elected to make a difference, not to perpetuate the very problems you promised to fix.
The people have done their part by exercising their democratic right and placing their trust in you.
Now it is your turn to do yours.
Enough of the political games. Enough of the egos. Enough of the excuses.
Get around the table, find common ground and get on with the job. Our communities cannot afford another five years of political self-interest at the expense of the people.
We have waited long enough. It is time to put the people first.
Respectfully,
An Ordinary Citizen Who Still Believes Our Communities Deserve Better.
