Khusta Jack responds to reader criticism

I refer to the letter “Political U-turn” (The Herald, July 27). The ill-founded remarks published therein necessitate that I assist the writer to better understand the political dynamic in the Nelson Mandela Bay council and the strategic outlook of the Abantu Integrity Movement (AIM), the organisation I represent. It is a matter of record that both the DA and ANC hold 48 seats on the council.

To reach the threshold of 60+1 seats in order to govern they have to form a coalition with the smaller parties. Our strategic approach as AIM is that we will work with any party that prioritises effective service delivery to the people of Nelson Mandela Bay. This unfortunately lands us in the age-old adage of “having to choose between two devils”.

If we choose to go with the DA we will cop flak for working with a “white, racist party”. If we go with the ANC we will be lambasted by the other half of the political alignment (where Gordon Upton appears to be located) for working with the party of “state corruption”. Our answer to that is AIM is not a party of national politics.

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In our view local government is not about political dogma. It is about the efficient delivery of municipal services to residents and the business community to create an environment that is conducive to catalysing entrepreneurial endeavours to achieve economic prosperity for the benefit of the greater community. In that regard AIM accepted the invitation to serve in the DA-led coalition when then incoming mayor Retief Odendaal promised us that the focus would be on improving service delivery.

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