Dear Mayor,
I hope this letter finds you in good health.
(And I really mean it when I say good health, as it was heard through the grapevine that some of your important appointments were cancelled on short notice due to health reasons.)
Time really flies. It is already more than four months since the inauguration of the new council after last year’s municipal elections. The other day I saw on social media that you were being congratulated on your first 100 days in office.
This 100-days business had me thinking, and after googling it I learnt from reliable sources that the first 100 days give a clear indication of the leader’s management style, priorities and speed in implementing promises.
The milestone is apparently an important symbolic marker on how the new council is doing.
I browsed through the South African document Understanding Local Government, and came across the list under the subtitle “Powers and Functions of Municipalities”.
According to this list, municipalities are responsible for the following functions: electricity delivery; water for household use; sewage and sanitation; stormwater systems; refuse removal; firefighting services; municipal health services; decisions around land use; municipal roads and municipal public transport; street trading; abattoirs and fresh food markets; parks and recreational areas; libraries and other facilities; and local tourism.
Another document states that a mayor’s role extends beyond officiating at council meetings or other municipal proceedings.
To provide leadership, promote positive relationships, and model good governance are also part of this role.
That is why I am writing to you, to wish you good luck, excellent health and the wisdom of Solomon, as where I live, nothing has changed for the better in the past 100 days.
Kind regards,
A Resident
