OWN CORRESPONDENT
“I am enraged that one-by-one our state institutions are being hijacked and spectacularly ransacked, but I am not content to be an armchair critic, and that is why I joined the DA and made myself available to lead the City of Johannesburg,” Mashaba told the 200 young participants at the dinner.
“Out of all the jobs I’ve ever had, I have to say, that this is the most difficult one.”
The Young Adult division is celebrating its 10th anniversary since its inception in July 2007 upon the arrival of Rabbi Yehuda and Estee Stern.
Catering for students and young professionals between the ages of 19 and 39, its trademark events are delicious catered Shabbat dinners, called “Dinner on Main”, where they have hosted top South African celebrities as their guest speakers.
Over the last 10 years they have hosted the likes of Gareth Cliff, Johnny Clegg, Helen Zille, Jeremy Mansfield, Irvin Khoza, Redi Thlabi, Thuli Madonsela, Derek Watts, Ali Bacher, Rabbi Akiva Tatz, DA leader Mmusi Maimane and former Springbok captain Jean de Villers.
Rabbi Stern and Sydenham Shul Chairman Stanley Seeff, presented Mashaba with a silver menorah. “May you continue to shine positive light in our city, ensuring that it becomes the pride and prestige of South Africa,” Rabbi Stern blessed the mayor.
Mashaba spoke about the new internal investigation unit he established immediately upon taking office, to help expose corruption and to ensure that those found guilty face the full might of the law.
So far, the City has been able to effect 43 arrests and 109 suspensions of officials suspected of fraud and corruption.
“This is only the tip of the iceberg. There are many suspensions and arrests yet to follow.”
During question time, he was asked: “All this is great for the City of Johannesburg, but what about the greater South Africa?”
Mashaba replied: “I strongly believe that our job is to get the economic heartbeat of Johannesburg working. If we get Johannesburg working, we can make South Africa work.”
