The Grahamstown Business Forum has called on its members to volunteer their services to help fix Makana Municipality.
The Grahamstown Business Forum has called on its members to volunteer their services to help fix Makana Municipality.
GBF chairperson Eugene Repinz asked the local business community to attend the municipal service delivery summit on Friday 5 December at the Indoor Sports Centre in Joza.
Administrator Pam Yako is scheduled to present her turnaround strategy for Makana to the public at the start of a packed programme that includes a commemoration of Nelson Mandela on the first anniversary of his death Friday.
"The GBF is part of the Makana Coalition which has been actively involved in assisting the Administrator in drafting this document," Repinz wrote in an email to GBF members.
"The plan calls for public participation in the various work streams. This communication is a request for any interested members, who are able to give valuable input, to volunteer your services on a work stream of your interest or professional ability. This is your chance to help make a difference in the Makana community," he wrote.
Makana spokesperson Yoliswa Ramokolo said a high-powered delegation is expected to attend the one-day event. They include National Minister of Water and Sanitation Nomvula Makonyane and Local Government MEC Fikile Xasa. Along with Yako's plan, the main discussion will revolve around service delivery in Makana municipality.
A special commemoration ceremony for Mandela's passing would also take place, Ramokolo said. Also on the guest list are councillors, civil society organisations, ward committee members, Makana managers and community development workers.
A delegation from Sarah Baartman District municipality is also expected to come. Various national and provincial government departments and Rhodes University will also be represented, Ramokolo said.
The event is from 9am to 3.30pm at the Indoor Sports Centre. Business people wanting to volunteer for work streams in the turnaround plan should email Daphne Timm at daphne.timm@pamgolding.co.za
For more information about the summit email: nmandla@makana.gov.za
Read the agenda for Friday's meeting here and Pam Yako's draft turnaround strategy here.
