The African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed party councillors at the FNB Stadium Gold Rush Dome on Monday, September 15. He stressed the need for improved service delivery in local government.
“The issue of service delivery comrades, we have to do it, and we must approach like the Youth League was saying in the theme of their conference. They were saying ‘economic transformation or death’ and I say its service delivery improvement or death for us,” Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa urged concillors to stay informed about issues like water leaks and sewage spills in their communities. He instructed them to respond and take action within 48 hours.
Ramaphosa addressing the issue of nepotism
Furthermore, Ramaphosa cautioned councillors against hiring unqualified people based on personal connections. He emphasised that the party needs competent individuals who are committed to provide excellent service delivery.
“Our most important task is to ensure that citizens are able to participate more meaningfully and directly in addressing local challenges,” he said.
Ramaphosa called for a reconnection between councillors and community members, and encouraged citizens to report issues that concern them.
Recently, in their meeting, the party’s Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula said their gathering will serve to accelerate service delivery.
Ramaphosa urges ANC councillors to emulate DA’s governance models
Unexpectedly, Ramaphosa urged ANC councillors to take a leaf out of the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) book, learning from their approach to managing municipalities.
Ramaphosa also told councillors to emulate the DA’s local governance style. He asserted that there is nothing wrong with exploring from DA-led municipalities.
“We need to ask ourselves, what is it that they are doing that is better than what we are doing,” he said.
Moreover, Ramaphosa said he is deeply hurt that some ANC-led municipalities are moving backward. He further sated stated that councillors are the only people that can implement change through improving service delivery.
Do you think ANC local councillors will improve service delivery?
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