Co-Operation In Local Government Between The ANC And The NFP

Today was a historic step for our province, which we have no doubt, provides a direct and an immediate response to the injunctions given by the people of KwaZulu-Natal in the recent Local Government elections that in KwaZulu-Natal we need to work together to accelerate development and move our country forward.

There was a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the African National Congress in KwaZulu-Natal as well as the National Freedom Party to work together in co-governing various municipalities in the province so that we can speedily transform our people’s lives.

Since the announcement of the 2011 Local Government Election results, both parties engaged in deliberations about the vision for our province and our country and we have come to the conclusion that our respective parties share the same values, desires and vision for the future of the people of this province, hence we need to work together to improve the lives of our communities.

We want to state upfront that this relationship is not based on political whims but it is a relationship that is founded on the understanding that the communities under the municipalities that will be co-governed by the ANC and the NFP have instructed us to work together to speed up service delivery.

A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the African National Congress and the National Freedom Party, as independent and autonomous political parties operating in various local municipalities in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

It was noted that there are several municipalities in which there is no political party, which has received an adequate number of seats to constitute a majority that can control the council as a ruling party on its own account.

Clearly such an impasse has the unfortunate and unintended consequence of paralyzing delivery of services to the people of this province and denies access of our people to development programmes to eradicate poverty and improve their lives

The ANC and NFP have agreed to enter into a cooperative relationship to constitute a Governing Partnership to administer over the identified municipal councils wherein the two parties have demonstrated voter support

GUIDING PRINCIPLES:

The cooperation will be guided by the several principles, including that:

Each political party retains its independent identity, ethos, uniqueness in policies, ideals, values and the right to publicly articulate its views provided that such is in line with principles of good governance.

Parties agree to regularly meet to ensure political management of the entire process from time to time, and also monitor and evaluate the performance of the working relationship. Appoint sub-committees that enhance the smooth working of the partnership and resolve all conflicts.

The two parties commit themselves to do their utmost best to ensure the smooth running of all municipalities, good governance, elimination of fraud and corruption and prevent any action that may compromise service delivery.

Committees comprising members of both parties have been constituted at regional/district and local level to oversee the relationship.

The leaders of the two parties will receive and discuss reports on the performance of the Governing Partnership, resolve conflicts and provide guidance to enhance the combined programme of service delivery.

The two parties commit themselves in this working relation for the entire term.
It is hoped that if this working relationship is well managed, it will last for the whole term and will help to enhance service delivery and development of our people in the province of KwaZulu-Natal and also help in the alleviation of poverty.

This memorandum between the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal and the National Freedom Party heralds a new beginning for cooperation, tolerance and peaceful future of our province and its people. Both the Leadership of our parties are committed to the values of good governance, passion for community development and leadership integrity. This is the bedrock upon which our relationship has been founded and we hope to uphold them.