Tshwane Mayor reaches out | Rhewal

Cilliers Brink (Photo: Tshwane metro)

The new mayor of the Tshwane metro has extended his hand to individuals, communities and organizations that want to assist the metro to be able to do so without opposition.

Cilliers Brink says that it is only when working together as one that the collective goals of creating opportunities for all of Pretoria’s residents can be achieved.

According to Brink, over the past few years the metro has built up strong relationships with a variety of institutions and organizations that make a major contribution to the city.

“This is why it is important that we create an environment where individuals and organizations who want to build together can do so without unnecessary bureaucracy or barriers.”

Brink expressed his dismay at an incident last week where members of the civil rights organization AfriForum were fined because they helped to open a drainage system that was blocked in order to prevent flooding.

“It was a totally unnecessary action on the part of the metro and I will see to it that it is rectified. These types of community actions should be welcomed and not punished.”

The metro’s policies and municipal regulations will be reviewed to see how this type of support can be better channelled.

“Furthermore, I will also actively work to get memorandums of understanding in place with any organizations that want to support the metro.”

AfriForum welcomed Brink’s announcement.

“It is a positive announcement that AfriForum’s branches and other community role players can continue to improve communities without interference from a few arbitrary members of the metropolitan police,” said Kallie Kriel, head of AfriForum.