Thank you, Deputy Speaker. I am actually deputising for my Chief Whip, who was to have debated on this matter and who is far more au fait with local government than I am.
Deputy Speaker, we believe that this Bill attempts to further regulate the system of local government, which is clearly in dire need of a complete overhaul in our country. As far as that is concerned, Cope believes that some of the measures that are introduced through this amending Bill are much needed measures.
In particular, the measures to combat corruption, tender fraud and so forth, should be welcomed by all South Africans who have become very despondent as a result of the level of corruption in our country.
Deputy Speaker, one of the amendments restricts the practice of allowing an official to serve in an acting capacity for too long, and it also makes provision for acting appointments of longer than three months to be endorsed by the MEC.
Although interference in the affairs of municipalities is a concern, Cope believes that the Constitution should always be adhered to. We accept that the role of MECs and the Minister for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, at this stage of our democracy, is one that needs to be strengthened. We believe a lot is wrong in the sphere of local government and therefore any measure to improve service delivery in that sphere of government will be welcomed.
As far as some of the specific measures are concerned, we welcome the measure to curtail the re-employment of people who have been found guilty of misconduct. We believe it is a good signal that is being sent out to South Africans that there will be no tolerance of corruption.
We, however, want to say that seeing is believing, and that will only be once steps are really implemented. We must bear in mind that we do have very good legislation in place, but we have not really seen it being used to curtail corruption, especially by some deployed cadres who seem to be above the law in this country.
I also want to refer to one additional matter. We really welcome the idea that councillors will have to mind their step and not vote in favour of, or agree to, a resolution that is before a council or a committee of council and which conflicts with any legislation applicable to local government. It will be a very important measure to introduce and to workshop new councillors on after the elections, in order to make sure that they understand all its implications.
We would also like to know what the consequences would be if they overstep the line. Madam Deputy Speaker, it is important that we move towards taking the necessary steps, including punitive steps, against officials and councillors who are not doing their work and who do not respect the laws of this country. Thank you. [Applause.]