President Ramaphosa Stresses the Role of Effective Municipalities in South Africa’s Economic Growth

Addressing the recent District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo at Tsakane Stadium in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the crucial role played by municipalities in advancing South Africa's economic growth and tackling the critical issue of job creation. The call for efficient local governance emphasizes an actionable pathway towards the nation’s development and prosperity.

The President's address comes at a pivotal moment as the country grapples with economic challenges, including unemployment and poverty. In front of a community eager for progress, President Ramaphosa not only pinpointed existing hurdles but also assured citizens of the government's unwavering commitment to enhancing service delivery in critical areas such as water, electricity, and housing.

Recognized as a significant economic hub, the City of Ekurhuleni's strategic position as a manufacturing powerhouse and transportation nexus places it at the heart of the nation's economic engine. Home to Africa’s largest airport, OR Tambo International, the metropolitan area stands as a testament to the potential that efficient local governance can hold in fostering economic vitality.

Nevertheless, President Ramaphosa did not shy away from acknowledging the urgent need for improvement in service delivery, which remains a persistent challenge for residents. Concrete solutions to these challenges were promised, including the development of new water reservoirs, bolstering bulk water supply, and addressing the housing shortage that many South Africans face.

Another pressing issue raised by the community members was crime, which the President assured would be met with intensified efforts from Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. The rampant concerns of extortion, the so-called construction mafia, and gender-based violence are top security matters to be tackled head-on, with the President condemning the ongoing violence against women and calling for its immediate cessation.

With a promise for more visible and proactive local council representation, President Ramaphosa reminded elected councillors of their duty to serve and maintain regular engagement with the communities they represent. The imbizo itself serves as a platform for this interaction, emphasizing the need for ongoing dialogue and response to grassroots-level concerns.

The President’s address steers the nation's focus toward the immediate need for robust and reinvigorated municipalities. As engines of development, these bodies are not merely administrative entities but central players in catalyzing economic growth, enhancing quality of service delivery, and ensuring the wellbeing of South African communities.