PARLIAMENT: Ramaphosa talks reform as GNU partners, opposition parties press on ANC municipal failures
With the 4 November local government elections some 70 days away, President Cyril Ramaphosa defended both his administration’s measures to improve municipal governance and the national water action plan to deal with water shortages and sewage spills.
President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined his plans for reforming local government during Tuesday's virtual presidential question time, as South Africans prepare for the upcoming 4 November local government elections. The ANC leader defended his administration's efforts to improve municipal governance and the national water action plan, which aims to address water shortages and sewage spills.
Speaking on local government, Ramaphosa hinted at "far-reaching reforms" that would rebuild trust and promote inclusive economic growth within municipalities as the review of the local government white paper nears completion.
DA parliamentary leader George Michalakis criticized Ramaphosa for allowing the ANC to govern municipalities poorly, citing examples of water delivery failures and sewage spills. Ramaphosa argued that the DA's criticism ignored the measures and interventions the government was implementing, emphasizing the need for collaboration among all parties.
In response to Michalakis' question, Ramaphosa encouraged political leaders to support the government's efforts to address the issue, rather than simply pointing fingers at the ANC's failures.
During his appearance at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa (SIDDSA) in Cape Town, Ramaphosa stressed the importance of infrastructure development in economic growth, job creation, and attracting private sector investment. He highlighted the progress made in infrastructure projects, such as housing and road construction, and reiterated that infrastructure is crucial for unlocking unprecedented growth in South Africa.
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