DA changing Jozi skyline

Charles Cadman’s letter (“Switch from DA to FF+ for Progress”, March 26) attacks the DA for a lack of liberal values and for not providing efficient and clean governance in Johannesburg and Tshwane.

Nothing could be further from the truth. The City of Johannesburg is rejuvenating 80-100 buildings which can truly change Johannesburg’s skyline. Innercity regeneration is well under way with a R2bn investment allocated to this process.

To address corruption, the mayor created an enhanced forensic internal investigation unit. During the 2017/2018 financial year, of the 3,415 cases reported, 2,455 were investigated, resulting in 92 criminal cases registered, 362 arrests, 15 suspensions and 27 dismissals.

To increase transparency, bid adjudication processes are now held in rooms open to the public and the media; and our government initiated a skills audit. In its first year in government in the DA-led City of Tshwane administration received an unqualified audit, and almost doubled the cash and cash equivalents held by the city.

On liberal values, the DA believes race is a proxy for disadvantage but not the only. A growing black middle class is well-evidenced and thus race cannot be the only determinant going forward. The DA unequivocally rejects the ANC’s version of redress, which operates to enrich the connected elite. Our offer seeks to break down the wall between the “haves” and the “have nots”.

Solly Malatsi

DA national spokesperson