January 9, 2003
By Lucille Davie
THE Democratic Alliance (DA) issued a 2002 performance report card for Johannesburg's bosses this week, praising the City for its highly successful handling of the World Summit but criticising some councillors and departments. The report card was dismissed by City Manager Pascal Moloi as "inconsequential with neither insight nor substance".
According to the DA, the three-page report is based on outcomes and results of departments, exposure of DA councillors to ANC councillors and their performances, and finally, resident responses and complaints received by the party.
"Our intention of such a report card is to give the residents of Johannesburg insight into how their money is being spent and if they are getting any returns through service," said DA leader Mike Moriarty at a press conference on Tuesday.
Commenting on the methodology employed in the report card, Moloi said the "assessments" are "…always subjective, divisive, personality-driven and fail to recognise the collective nature of governance and leadership in the City of Johannesburg".
The report card acknowledges the tremendous success of the World Summit, giving special credit to Sibongile Mazibuko (newly-appointed city Chief Operating Officer), Mavela Dlamini (head of Johannesburg Roads Agency), Phindile Nzimande (executive director of contract management), and Pascal Moloi (City Manager).
Three councillors, Christine Walters (Community Development, Roads and Parks), Nandi Mayathula-Khoza (Speaker), and Brian Hlongwa (Municipal Services Entities), get particular praise for their performance and leadership skills.
Walters is described as "a genuine person, a hard worker with a wide portfolio" who "puts the Johannesburg ratepayers' concerns first".
Mayathula-Khoza is "highly regarded" by the DA for "the way in which she runs the rules committee meetings" although there is "still room for improvement in the way she handles the council meetings".
Hlongwa would be the DA's choice of mayor, with his "no nonsense approach" in which he "speaks excellently and thinks quickly". Moriarty adds: "His leadership qualities have improved the most."
But other councillors did not fare so well. Kenny Fihla (Finance, Strategy and Economic Development) is described as "a major disappointment". The DA feels that his handling of the billing crisis is "appalling".
Sol Cowan (Inner City) and Sizakele Nkosi (Housing) are accused of underperformance.
Mayor Amos Masondo is praised for the improvement in his "visibility" and his "public speaking ability". Moriarty said Masondo is "capable and honest" but "does not inspire as a leader of a world-class city".
Masondo must be particularly acknowledged for the success of the World Summit, says the DA, and for his recognition of the role of the opposition.
Of the city's utilities, agencies and corporatised units, the report card paid tribute to the management of the Civic Theatre, saying: "Johannesburg can be proud of having such a gem in the city."
Region 5 (Roodepoort) is described by the DA as the "best run" region in the City.
Moloi referred to the City's long-term 2030 development strategy in response, saying: "This vision, policy and strategy guides all council's strategic decisions, resource allocation and operational management activities."
