By: Maxhoba Buwa, AIM Secretary General The Abantu Integrity Movement (AIM) calls on all parties in the metro to put the people first. Representatives should honour the promises made to voters. AIM condemns the ongoing “circle of chaos” in the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality. It is clear that the African National Congress (ANC) and Democratic Alliance (DA) do not have the welfare of the citizens of Nelson Mandela Bay at heart. They place the agendas of their national offices and their personal interests ahead of those of the people whom they profess to represent. As a result, the council continues to be dysfunctional despite the best efforts of the coalition of smaller parties which have formed a block in order to stand up for the citizens of the metro against the national parties which use Nelson Mandela Bay as a pawn in a bigger political game. The failure to appoint a permanent Municipal Manager and to pass the adjusted budget are two cases in point where the two main parties have similar agendas. AIM was party to a transparent and thorough selection process which identified the most suitable candidate – a young professional who would bring order to the chaos which is the state of city management at present. Regrettably, it seems the ANC and DA want to restart the process so that their preferred candidates – both of whom were excluded through the selection process – can apply again. Six meetings in a row were cancelled because the two main parties were grandstanding over the 2021/2022 adjustment budget. It is the poor who are suffering, not the councillors nor their bosses in Luthuli House and Cape Town. Municipal structure is falling apart or being stolen, and businesses are either closing down or leaving – resulting in more job losses, which in turn raises the level of crime. There is also evidence of a brain drain, which is making local companies less competitive. To quote our volunteer in chief Khusta Jack, “as residents we …
The People Have Spoken
As AIM (Abantu Integrity Movement) we are humbled that some of our fellow residents of Nelson Mandela Bay have chosen to place their trust in a new organisation that was launched only seven months ago. We've had to rush into a major election without even structures on the ground, buoyed by the commitment of our volunteers who used their own personal resources to take AIM where it is today. We do not have the final outcome yet, but we are heartened that our message of change has been well-received by those concerned residents we have managed to reach in the short time that our movement has been in existence. Clearly if more people had turned out to vote more of our fellow residents would have supported our stand against corruption and poor service delivery. In our view the low voter turnout is testimony to the fact that corruption is now collapsing not only municipalities but the entire system of local government. It is obvious that most people decided not to vote because they do not see the point in doing so if the crooks are going to remain in the system anyway. That is why we believe that more than ever the focus of the incoming administration should be on cleaning up our municipal government so that our people can regain their confidence in the system. As AIM we pass our best wishes to those who will emerge victorious once the final results are announced. The people have spoken either way - the minority who took the trouble to go out and vote in difficult conditions, and the majority who sent a strong message by staying away in large numbers. Khusta Jack AIM Mayoral Candidate. Video: The People Have Spoken More Info on The People Have Spoken here: https://aim4change.org.za Twitter: https://twitter.com/AimNmb Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/AIM4NMB CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …
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A Task Force Focused on Positive Change
Dear Fellow residents of Nelson Mandela Bay. This year’s election presents us with a unique opportunity. We can put an end to years of corruption and maladministration which have led our Metro to its current state – mired in decay. In a sense that state is our fault because election after election we have always voted on the basis of political sentiment – and politics is the biggest problem in the sphere of local government. You would be horrified for instance to learn how much our Council has spent on legal fees alone in the midst of political wrangling between the represented parties, and between the Council and the Bhisho provincial government since the last election. The fact speaks volumes that we have had five mayors in five years, and the current mayor had to be elected twice because of the internecine strife between the politicians. And these are public representatives who should have been more concerned about the core business of the municipality, which is to serve the interests of residents and the businesses which create jobs for our people. But then again that’s a situation of our own making. We keep voting the same parties back into power, in essence giving them a mandate to carry on with the tomfoolery. In this election the organisation I lead, Abantu Integrity Movement (AIM), brings a different paradigm to the table. First of all we are not a political party, we are a civic movement. That construct on its own says our focus is solely on the nuts-and-bolts of municipal business. We are the people of potholes, streetlights, garbage removal, safe drinking water and so forth. We do not have time for political demagoguery. Secondly, the people who serve in AIM have professional occupations, run their own small businesses and generally possess life skills to sustain themselves. They will not be going to Council simply to hold a job or for a lifetime career in politics. They are ordinary people like yourself who have decided that …
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Nelson Mandela Bay Residents Commended
The Abantu Integrity Movement (AIM) have praised the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay in a statement on the failed insurrection: AIM commends the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay for standing up against the forces behind the insurrection that has led to the loss of over 117 lives, billions in property, environmental and infrastructure damage, and sabotaged economic prospects and livelihoods in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. The fires, both literal and figurative, were put out through the combined efforts of the Mayor, taxi associations, residents formations, religious leaders and the Business Chamber working together to keep the peace. Nelson Mandela Bay has been the epicentre of protests in the past. We remember the 8 dead in New Brighton from the 1952 Defiance Campaign, the 35 persons killed by police in Langa on the 21 March 1985, the over 50 deaths arising from the Northern Areas Uprising that started on the 06 August 1990 and the 7 or more deaths countrywide from the millions that marched following Chris Hani’s assassination in April 1993. But those protests were different, their intent being to secure the freedom of all. And the resulting deaths in the main were as a result of apartheid security forces resorting to violence as means to enforce an evil system. By most accounts, the arrest of ex-President Jacob Zuma on last Wednesday and the subsequent #FreeJacobZuma protests, that now appear to have been deliberately orchestrated by elements sympathetic to the ex-President, lit the spark that has threatened to engulf the entire country and divide us further. We live in a fledgling democracy, have a democratically elected president and parliament, a constitution that upholds the right of all and a judiciary that on the whole has proved to be independent and fair. No one is above the law, as ex-President Zuma has stated on several occasions himself. And therefore, violent protest that seeks to “free” the ex-President from the consequence of own, …
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Why did the South African government sidestep a high court order to produce proof of the SARS-CoV-2 virus?
Why did the South African government sidestep a high court order to produce proof of the SARS-CoV-2 virus? What comes next? On 27th May 2021, Ricardo Maarman approached the high court of South Africa in a landmark case requesting the government to produce proof of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in its isolated and purified form. Maarman holds a master's degree in international politics and refers to himself as an ordinary and concerned South African citizen. Motivated by the devastating effects of the lockdowns on the population, Maarman states, "the cost to our fragile economy is racking up: the removal of civil liberties, business closure, loss of lives, job losses and widespread unemployment..." as some of the reasons he decided to take action against Cyril Ramaphosa, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Mr Zweli Mkhize and Professor Salim Abdool Karim. The high court ruling by Judge AJ Nziweni reads as follows, "The applicant has not made a case for urgency. Consequently the matter is struck off the roll." The Cambridge Dictionary defines urgency as "the quality of being very important and needing attention immediately". What could be more important or need immediate attention than verifying the existence of a virus that has profoundly impacted the South African economy and caused personal harm to the population? On the transcript of the court hearing, Judge Nziweni states, "I'm only going to give ruling pertaining to the aspect of urgency" citing "urgent duties" as reason for her decision to the Western Cape court room while supporters and peaceful protestors waited outside. What comes next? Maarman and his counsel are currently preparing an application to constitutional court regarding a case of State Capture given that the government has failed to provide evidence for the existence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In a recent video directly addressing the South African people, Maarman stated, "they are capturing the country... it is a capture that is done through infiltration, …
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The Circle Of Global Business Women Announces Partnership With Business France And Anima Investment Network
Johannesburg, 07 July 2021 - Africa is reported to have the highest number of women entrepreneurs in the world with roughly half of Africa’s population being women. Reportedly, small to medium enterprises make up 90% of Africa’s businesses, and women own about one-third of all registered SMEs in Africa. One in four African adult females initiates or manages a business. The Circle of Global Business Women (CGBW) a global network for innovative business Women, established by African Women and Women dedicated to Africa to elevate African women to global forums and markets. The CGBW’s aim is to create a leadership shift globally by supporting the rise of Women leaders globally embodying a female wave of change and a power circle of Women leading that change. The French embassy and CGBW in partnership are determined to contribute to the development and strengthening of women as equal players in the African entrepreneurial ecosystem. The CGBW is honoured to announce that the Circle of Global Business will be funded by Business France in partnership with ANIMA Investment Network for the next two (2) years. The funding provided will enable the CGBW to boost linkages between 15 African Entrepreneur Networks and will offer a number of development programmes such as mentorship, coaching and exchange programs between South Africa and France for members of the CGBW. The strong relationship between the CGBW and the French Embassy will facilitate the opening up of markets in the European Markets for members of the CGBW led by Business France, the French Embassy, the French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry and AMINA Investment Networks thus enabling access to markets in Africa and France. Our sincere gratitude goes to President Macron, His Excellency Ambassador Aurélien Lechevallier, Mr Becue - Innovation Attache , French Embassy, Dr Yves Gueon (President of the French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and Amy Ashworth (GM, French South …
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AIM Welcomes Registration Weekend ahead of LGE
The Abantu Integrity Movement (AIM) welcomes the announcement by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) that the voter registration weekend will take place on 17 and 18 July 2021 ahead of the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) on 27 October 2021. We urge residents of Nelson Mandela Bay to make use of this voter registration weekend to check their registration details and we encourage eligible voters to register in order to vote for much needed change in our Metro. While other parties are still dithering, AIM is ready to contest the election. We are ready to bring the AIM difference to Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality as we are 100% Focused on Nelson Mandela Bay ONLY. Our view is that Nelson Mandela Bay deserves change that has not been offered by the present Political Parties engaging in a continuous Circle of Chaos with five mayors in four years. People need a corruption free government that prioritises service delivery and keeps them safe. AIM is ready to take its offer to all the Wards in the Metro in a way that is safe and Covid-19 compliant. What we cannot do is go against the Constitution and the right to hold and participate in frequent; free and fair elections for South Africa. We encourage the public to join hands with AIM and affirm their commitment to Nelson Mandela Bay by visiting aim4change.org.za and sign up as members. The time has come for us to work together to get Nelson Mandela Bay back on track and the Abantu Integrity Movement is ready to bring that change. Video: AIM Welcomes Registration Weekend ahead of LGE https://youtu.be/12z7rrwwiGg More Info on AIM Welcomes Registration Weekend ahead of LGE here: Twitter: https://twitter.com/AimNmb Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/AIM4NMB CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …
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AIMing for 27 October 2021
The Abantu Integrity Movement (AIM) welcomes the President's announcement confirming the date of the Local Elections for 27 October 2021. As a "100% Nelson Mandela Bay" focused local movement committed to putting "Residents Before Politics" AIM wishes all participants the best in their endeavours towards this historic date in our local calendar. As a local only group focused solely on residents, AIM is confident of gaining wide acceptance from residents who are sick and tired of the "Circle of Chaos" that our beautiful City currently finds itself in. "The current disarray in the Municipality is a shameful betrayal of everything that President Mandela fought for before he was imprisoned by the apartheid government, and everything he sought to achieve when he was leading the first administration of the democratic Republic," says AIM Volunteer in Chief Mkhuseli Khusta Jack. Our city has been plagued by a culture of political self-preservation at the expense and ahead of the interests of our people. In just one unfinished term since they were elected to office in 2016, our dysfunctional Council has had five Mayors. "Just left that sink in for a moment – Five Mayors in just over Four Years. That has been the sad story of political instability in Nelson Mandela Bay," said Jack. The first Mayor, Atholl Trollip, had barely found his feet when he was ejected from office. Mongameli Bobani, representing a party with only two seats on the Council, also did not last long. Then Tsonono Buyeye, whose party only managed the grand total of one seat in the elections, also made an unremarkable cameo appearance as our Mayor. And now Nqaba Bhanga is practically doing a second stint in the same term of this Administration. We AIM to change the course of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. Video: AIMing for 27 October 2021 https://youtu.be/12z7rrwwiGg More Info on AIMing for 27 October 2021 here: Twitter: https://twitter.com/AimNmb Facebook: …
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Media Invite: Hear why Khusta Jack says we need to keep politicians away from the till
Accredited Journalists are invited to a media briefing by AIM Volunteer-in-Chief, Khusta Jack: Date: Tuesday 30 March 2021 Time: 11:00 Venue: Rooftop Garden, 33 Winston Ntshona Street (previously Chapel Street), Central, Gqeberha Alternative Venue: Facebook Live on AIM Page RSVP: media@aim4change.org.za (Under COVID restrictions the venue can only accommodate a limited number) AIM is 100% Nelson Mandela Bay. The Abantu Integrated Movement (AIM) is an independent initiative by residents of Nelson Mandela Bay to put an end to maladministration and corruption, and improve service delivery to all the people residing within the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. AIM seeks to implement a new vision to develop our Metro into a business and lifestyle city-region of choice. This vision will be implemented by a new and credible Council of competent public representatives who will focus on working for the residents’ best interests. AIM is not affiliated to any political party. It is an independent Movement driven by residents and is answerable directly to all the people of Nelson Mandela Bay. AIM's Leader and Volunteer-in-Chief is well known Community Builder Mkhuseli "Khusta" Jack. Khusta Jack started his political activism career in high school and has made impactful change ever since. He went on to study for a BA Honours in Economics and Development Studies from Sussex University, United Kingdom before beginning his business career. He has enjoyed great success and has been invited to serve on the board of many companies and NGOs. He remains an activist and stalwart for change that will bring about equality and dignity for all South Africans. Jack says that AIM is the next logical step in solving the problems that Nelson Mandela Bay faces through strategic and integrity driven governance. Jack says; "I want to get the Metro working. By working I mean, a municipality that works for its residents in areas like service delivery, environmental …
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Pretoria High Court finds registered digital communication basis for default judgement
Pretoria, 2 March 2021 - A ground breaking judgement in the Pretoria High Court has accepted the digitally registered delivery of a Section 129 final letter of demand for payment as the basis for granting a default judgement. This follows similar default judgements handed down in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court in 2018, which were the first in South Africa to afford registered digital channels, such as Registered SMS and Registered Email, the same status as conventional registered letters. This judgement entrenches the principle of stare decisis that ensures that cases with similar scenarios and facts are approached in the same way and binds other High Courts or Magistrate’s Courts to accept registered digital communication in such applications, unless it is overturned by a higher court. This follows a recent North Gauteng High Court instruction to an applicant’s attorney to serve legal notices via electronic registered mail, adding additional impetus to the judiciary’s acceptance of the digital alternative to conventional paper-based communication. The registered digital communication that made the Pretoria High Court judgement possible was facilitated by Registered Communication, South Africa’s leading registered communications provider, and one of its software partners, Swordfish Software, a debt collection software provider. Using a track and trace concept that’s reminiscent of traditional registered mail, Registered Communication can deliver an instant electronic certificate and detailed audit report to clients as evidence that communication has been sent and delivered by SMS or emailed to recipients. “Our solution makes it possible for legal notices that are carefully guarded by specific legislation protecting consumers’ rights to be distributed electronically with the same legal status as traditional registered post,” says Bradley Gilmour, director at Registered Communication. “The successful delivery of digital registered communications …