The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) yesterday emphasised in the North West Legislature during debates on the high unemployment rate and water crisis affecting residents that these issues are a direct consequence of poor ANC governance and trite policies.
At present, North West has by far the highest unemployment rate in South Africa – it currently stands at 32,9% and the expanded rate is 54%.
Youth unemployment is at a staggering 59%. It is a disaster.
This shocking state of affairs stems from years of failed ANC-led policies, mismanagement and corruption in all spheres of government.
The decay and destruction of critical infrastructure under ANC rule has, among other things, resulted in large-scale industrial disinvestment in the province. It is nearly impossible to attract any new investors – along with the job opportunities they offer – to the North West.
Once prosperous and progressive industrial areas in towns and cities across the province have deteriorated into dilapidated ruins.
Corrupt and incompetent officials and ANC cadres in municipalities and the provincial government have gradually destroyed tens of thousands of jobs.
As a result, North West now mainly relies on the volatile mining sector to create job opportunities. During the first quarter of this year, thousands of jobs were lost in this sector due to retrenchments attributed to international market fluctuations.
In addition, the poor condition of rural roads is jeopardising agriculture – the other economic pillar offering sustainable jobs in the North West. Farmers are unable to transport their goods to markets on time, and suffer significant damage to vehicles and equipment due to failing road infrastructure.
ANC mismanagement and incompetence thus threaten food security as well.
The Freedom Front Plus further emphasised that the province’s dilapidated water infrastructure resulting in massive potable water losses – up to 50% in some towns – poses an existential threat to residents. Likewise, the widespread pollution of water sources by incompetent and corrupt ANC-controlled municipalities poses an equally serious threat to the people of North West.
Clearly, the province is heading for disaster under ANC rule.
The party stressed that it is crucial to immediately launch a comprehensive economic recovery plan. Furthermore, corrupt municipal officials should be suspended and duly prosecuted. A thorough audit of existing infrastructure needs to be conducted in consultation with local communities so that repair plans with specific timelines can be implemented while ensuring transparency.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, cadre deployment has to stop at once and public servants should be appointed purely on merit.
Appointments based on ANC political ties should be rooted out.
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