DA Slams ANC Over Deterioration of South African Transport Infrastructure

The Democratic Alliance (DA), through its public service and administration shadow minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, has laid the blame for South Africa's deteriorating rail and road infrastructure squarely at the feet of the ruling African National Congress (ANC). Dr Schreiber's scathing remarks come amidst heightened scrutiny of the government's management of national transportation systems.

Citing a shocking figure disclosed in response to a DA parliamentary question, Dr Schreiber highlighted that South Africa has witnessed the collapse of 3,636 kilometers of railway tracks since 1994, a distance equivalent to thrice the journey between Johannesburg and Durban. This alarming statistic was confirmed by Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, illuminating the extent of decay in the rail sector.

Furthermore, the theft of copper cables from state-owned enterprise Transnet exacerbates the crisis. Between 2019 and 2023, Gordhan reported an astonishing 4,633 kilometers of copper cable stolen, further crippling rail operations and contributing to the deteriorating safety and reliability of rail transport.

Dr Schreiber also pointed to the country's road infrastructure troubles, revealing that very little of the national roads managed by the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) sees any form of maintenance. In 2021, 2022, and 2023, a mere 449 km, 688 km, and 1,308 km, respectively, of the country's roads were resurfaced. This figure amounts to only around 2% of national roadways getting attention annually, which raises questions about the government's prioritization of critical infrastructure.

Contrasting the ANC's perceived negligence, the DA spokesperson showcased the party's governance achievements in the Western Cape. He asserted that the DA-managed areas maintain and even expand infrastructure, resulting in high-quality roads and respected public assets, setting an example that he suggests should be emulated nationally.

The denouncement coincides with ANC's celebratory events, which Dr Schreiber labeled as a 'vulgar celebration' in light of the issues facing the nation. He painted the gatherings as insensitive given the backdrop of infrastructural decay and economic hardships borne by South Africans.

The DA's statement concluded with an unequivocal call to the electorate, urging citizens to consider the party's governance record as they gear up for upcoming elections. The rationale put forth by the DA is clear: a vote for them could be a step toward remedying the current dire state of the country's transport infrastructure and getting South Africa 'back on track.'