RAMAPHOSA VOWS TO RESTORE PERFORMANCES OF MUNICIPALITIES IN 2025 SONA

Written by: Thato Letsaba

President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his first State Of The Nation Address under Government of National Unity. The head of state delivered a severe warning to poor performing municipalities on February 6, 2025. Ramaphosa said there will be a new funding model of municipalities and emphasised the critical role local government plays in delivering basic services and promoting local economic growth.

With Local Government Elections taking place next year, the president acknowledged that majority of municipalities are failing dismally to provide essential services such as water, electricity and sanitation. Ramaphosa attributed these challenges to poor governance, lack of skills and corruption. However there are no harsh legal actions taken against those implicated in corruption.

Ramaphosa announced a new comprehensive plan of action, which is a new funding model for local government aimed to revitalize municipalities, including the deployment of national and provincial officials to lend a hand to help failing municipalities. He also vowed to hold accountable those responsible for maladministration.

Furthermore, the President advocated for the inclusion of community members in municipal decision-making processes and bring to their elected leaders to book.

While Ramphosa’s plan of action sounds good on paper, its success or failure will depend on effective implementation and the teamwork between national, provincial and local governments.

Ramaphosa is racing against time as Local Government Elections are fast approaching. The ruling party faces the danger of performing poorly as their election performances keep sinking.