Speaker, the Ekurhuleni Metro resembles a war zone. In the past few days I have seen for myself how striking municipal workers have systematically trashed the central business district, CBD. Our refuse remains uncollected, accumulating on pavements throughout the metro. This gives a whole new meaning to the ANC's inability to deliver a clean government.
The DA has called on the executive mayor to dismiss all municipal workers who have embarked on the illegal sympathy strike. The Ekurhuleni Metro obtained a court order to prevent the strike, which makes it illegal. The strikers are acting in defiance of the court.
The DA has suggested a number of further actions: workers involved in vandalism, intimidation and violence - and, in fact, now even in deaths - must be arrested and charged. The SA Police Service must ensure that no further vandalism, intimidation or violence takes place. The Ekurhuleni Metro police department must protect the contractors and temporary workers who have been brought in and appointed to deal with the refuse crisis. Ratepayers should be credited for services they have not received as a result of the strike and, in the long term, the municipality should consider contracting out refuse removal services in order to do away with ongoing problems.
The ANC-controlled metro is struggling to provide an effective and reliable refuse collection service. Residents of Ekurhuleni are justifiably angry about the situation. Fortunately, on 18 May the residents of Ekurhuleni will have the opportunity to reject incompetence and vote for the DA, which has proven in the City of Cape Town and across South Africa that we can and do deliver services to all the people. I thank you. [Applause.]