546 parties, 137,000 candidates and a troubled local government system: Ramaphosa warns of corruption
Ramaphosa warned that the elections must not be undermined by violence, intimidation or political interference, particularly amid a history of killings and violent disputes linked to competition for power and access to municipal resources.
Ahead of South Africa's upcoming local government elections, President Cyril Ramaphosa has admitted that corruption, patronage and inefficiency in municipal governance have eroded public trust in democratic institutions. In his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa urged citizens to cast their votes to help rebuild struggling local governments.
The president highlighted that municipal failures have significantly weakened public trust and confidence in democratic governance. He emphasized that the upcoming election presents an opportunity to change course and utilize local governments as a tool for development.
Municipalities, responsible for providing essential services like water, sanitation, and electricity, have failed to meet citizens' needs, according to Ramaphosa. Flaws in the local government system have allowed corruption and patronage to thrive, often to the detriment of communities dependent on basic services.
The president alleged that some officials have colluded with businesses to secure substandard or non-delivered contracts. He also warned that power struggles and competition for resources within municipalities have led to instability and violence, including disruptions of council meetings and the killing of ward candidates, councillors, and municipal officials.
Ramaphosa noted that municipalities' role in delivering basic services is crucial for both communities and the economy. Municipalities are expected to play a significant role as the South African government embarks on a "bold reset" of the local government system. The newly elected leaders of the eight metros, 44 district municipalities, and 205 local municipalities will assume office during this transformative period.
The president's recently launched White Paper on Local Government aims to strengthen accountability, improve financial management, and ensure better service delivery. Ramaphosa called on South Africans to ensure the elections are free from violence and intimidation, expressing confidence in the South African Police Service's readiness to maintain a peaceful and safe voting day.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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