President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for stricter accountability in local government, saying officials who fail to deliver on their responsibilities should be removed from office.
Addressing the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) during its annual outreach programme in North West on Friday, Ramaphosa said poor performance in municipalities could no longer be tolerated.
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He said officials entrusted with serving South Africans must meet their obligations or step aside.
“I often say people who work for the people of South Africa must perform. If you don’t perform, then you must ship out,” Ramaphosa stated.
The President was speaking as part of the NCOP’s “Taking Parliament to the People” programme, which brings lawmakers closer to communities across the country.
Local Government Performance Under Spotlight
Ramaphosa used the address to focus on the growing challenges facing municipalities, including weak administration, poor service delivery and a lack of accountability.
He said public officials who misuse government resources or fail to meet their targets should face real consequences.
The President’s remarks come amid increasing concern over the deteriorating state of many municipalities, some of which are struggling financially and operationally.
Ramaphosa Warns Businesses To Stop Capturing Municipalities
Beyond government inefficiency, Ramaphosa also issued a warning to private companies accused of exerting undue influence over municipalities.
“Do not capture our municipalities,” the President warned. “Leave our municipalities alone and run your businesses properly.”
He said such interference undermines local governance and contributes to municipalities becoming dysfunctional and insolvent.
Clean And Well-Maintained Towns Attract Investment
Ramaphosa concluded by stressing the economic importance of effective municipal management.
He said towns that are properly maintained and kept clean are far better positioned to attract investors and stimulate local economic growth.
According to the President, strong and functional municipalities create the stable conditions needed for businesses to invest and communities to prosper.
