Local News | Politics
President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the persistent performance gap between DA-led municipalities and those governed by the ANC in service delivery, calling for enhanced competency among ANC councillors. During the ANC’s councillors roll call event at the FNB Stadium in Soweto, Ramaphosa urged party members to analyze best practices from municipalities that excel in governance.
He pointedly cited DA-controlled municipalities as examples of effective management, questioning what specific methodologies they employ that result in superior service delivery. “There’s merit in competition, and we must ask ourselves what lessons can be learned from Cape Town and Stellenbosch,” he remarked.
Ramaphosa stressed the importance of elevating their operational standards, stating, “We cannot remain at the bottom indefinitely.” He expressed his concern over the regression observed in some ANC municipalities and highlighted the critical role that councillors play in driving improvement. He noted that the Auditor General had reported deficiencies in the financial reporting of several ANC-led municipalities, where financial statements were often prepared outside of council protocols.
Emphasizing the need for competent personnel in local governance, he remarked, “Our nation has no shortage of individuals proficient in finance and accounting. We must recruit qualified individuals to manage our local governments effectively.”
In a related address, ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe critiqued the council members for their lack of managerial acumen, despite their inclination toward performance through song. He articulated this concern by stating, “While we excel at performing and creating enthusiasm, we lack substantive council management skills. There is considerable talent for singing, but a glaring deficiency in capability.”
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