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Gayton McKenzie, executive mayor of the Central Karoo District Municipality, boasted on social media that he is cutting the electricity of businesses in Beaufort West. In a time when loadshedding and unaffordable fuel prices are hurting business owners everywhere, McKenzie’s arbitrary conduct causes more economic harm and will cost the people of Beaufort West their jobs.
McKenzie alleges that the businesses he is targeting are ones with electricity accounts that are in arrears. However, many of these accounts are in fact up to date – it is the municipality’s billing system that is not maintained and therefore reflects these accounts incorrectly.
His conduct is also highly irregular, since political leaders are not allowed to do the work of government officials.
The Beaufort West Municipality is currently under a financial recovery plan which McKenzie and his partners are not adhering to. They should be focussing on this and safeguard against overspending, rather than chasing business owners away, which will very likely lead to job losses in Beaufort West.
As a result of loadshedding and fuel price hikes, job opportunities in South Africa are under threat. It is therefore critical that our political leaders focus on creating economic environments that are conducive to job creation. Gayton McKenzie’s conduct will cost people their jobs.
As a caring party, the DA is engaging with the affected business owners and we commit to support them and help safeguard the livelihoods of the people of Beaufort West.