One on one with Tshwane leader
This week we interview ANC Tshwane Regional Secretary George Matjila.
1. Where were you born and which schools and tertiary institutions did you attend?
ANSWER: I was born in Hammanskraal, Stinkwater and attended Namo Primary School and Diopye Middle School before proceeding to Bokamoso High School where I matriculated with exemption in 1993.
In 2023 I obtained an LlB degree from Unisa and in 2024 I acquired Public Management Diploma.
2. What sparked your interest in politics?
ANSWER: The historical injustices and oppression of the African people.
3. When did you join the ANC and which position did you hold in the party before being elected as the party’s Regional Secretary in Tshwane?
ANSWER: I joined the ANC officially in 1992 and from 2011 to 2014 I served as Regional Treasurer. From 2014 to 2018 I served as Deputy Regional Secretary.
4. What is your view regarding coalition arrangements now in the municipalities and also in the future after the national and provincial elections?
ANSWER: Coalition governments are not progressive in terms of serving the people and providing services, but because of our electoral system, they will remain a permanent feature for many years to come.
5. In your opinion why did the ANC lose both the 2016 and 2021 municipal elections to the DA and its partners?
ANSWER: We lost the said elections because of a number of issues including a maturing democracy whereby many political parties were formed and as such the ANC lost dominance. Other factors which led to our loss in the elections were service delivery challenges, crime, high rate of unemployment, corruption and internal conflict within the party itself. But I must say the ANC is now very constructive in its approach and very aggressive in its tactics.
6. Don’t you think the tender system of procuring goods and services to the public must be scrapped at both national, provincial and municipal level as it evidently brings about corruption?
ANSWER: It will be very difficult for government to operate without the tender system. Government must just come up with stringent measures to curb corruption and ensure that those who are in charge of critical positions are held accountable.
7. What is your take regarding large numbers of illegal foreigners who come to this country?
ANSWER: The sovereignty of the country must be paramount. You can’t have a situation whereby people willy-nilly compromise immigration laws.
8. What is your opinion regarding allegations that foreign-owned spaza shops don’t pay taxes, don’t adhere to the by-laws of the City of Tshwane and that they have been doing all this even when the ANC was in power in the City of Tshwane?
ANSWER: The foreign illegal spaza shops must be closed down so that law-abiding foreigners and South African citizens would operate their businesses peacefully.
9. How can the water crisis in Tshwane areas be resolved? What is the problem here?
ANSWER: Water crisis can only be resolved when proper, qualified people and officials are employed, and citizens get trained in preserving and managing water resources.
10. If the ANC was in power in the City of Tshwane municipality, how would you deal with the scourge of nyaope?
ANSWER: The ANC has a clear policy on alcohol, drugs and substance abuse of which nyaope is part of. We just need to ensure that we close the easy supply of drugs.
11. How would the ANC in Tshwane deal with rampant crime if it was in power in the municipality? Any strategies?
ANSWER: Crime must be confronted head on, corrupt senior police officers must be rooted out and laws should be enforced and applied solidly.
12. Why should residents of Tshwane vote for the ANC in the upcoming general elections a in May? Please elaborate
ANSWER: Ever since the removal of the ANC from power in Tshwane the lives of the people in general have regressed particularly those of who find themselves in the townships and informal settlements.