President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) after the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Against the backdrop of persistent service delivery challenges that have gripped South Africa and particular areas of Soweto, the president outlined an ambitious medium-term strategy aimed at revitalising the nation’s fragmented service systems.
During his Address, Ramaphosa highlighted three key areas of focus that the government intends to prioritise: inclusive economic growth, reduction of poverty, and building a capable state. These objectives reflect an urgent call for action amidst the increasing frustrations of citizens struggling with inadequate public services.
However, the president’s words of commitment to elevate South Africa’s service delivery standards juxtaposed sharply against the reality faced by many municipalities
He acknowledged that many municipalities lack technical skills and fail to invest their revenues accordingly adding that these would be strengthened to ensure improved service delivery and economic growth.
“Many municipalities have not invested their revenue into the upkeep of the infrastructure. Many of these challenges also arise in the design of our systems. We will undertake to outline fit-for-purpose local government systems. We will also review the funding models of municipalities
“We will work with traditional leaders in the implementation of local programmes in ensuing that they continue their own work as our leaders of our people,” he stated.
On Wednesday, members of the Drieziek community decried the state of service delivery in the area amid reports that the community has had no water for more than six months.
“We are really struggling with water and have not had access to water for more than six months. We have had to rely on the Jojo tank that has been donated for the purpose of the funeral for us to get access to drinking and cooking water this week,” a community member who did not want to be named had said.
This sentiment was confirmed by ward councillor, Mxolisi Nzondo, who revealed that the water crisis in the area has persisted with no clear solutions from the provincial government.
“We have a serious water issue here. The people of this area have not had water for more than six months, and what we try to do is organise water tanks for those who are burying their loved ones... Another issue is the unemployment rate among young people.
“Young people are unemployed and this make them resort to drugs and crime to occupy themselves. People are not employed and there are no resources and facilities that keep them busy. We want skills centres and drug rehab centres,” he stated.
“Within the next year, we will unlock greater investment in water projects and remove licences for those who do not meet the quality standards,“ he added.
Responding to some of the promises, Unisa Professor, Richard Meissner, a water and local government expert, indicated that there has been no service delivery to speak of as service delivery is skewed, especially in rural parts of the country, where little to no service delivery is made.
“Currently, service delivery is not on par but not everywhere in the country. There are places where service delivery functions better than in other areas.
“We can expect reform of acts like the Municipal Structures Act (MSA) and the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA). That traditional leaders will be consulted is also promising, because across large parts of rural areas, they have political authority and it is usually in these areas where service delivery is lacking more so than in urban areas,” he stated.