The State of the Province Address (SOPA) by Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul was reminiscent of previous addresses in which grand announcements were made that never truly materialised.
The announcement that R48 million has been earmarked for upgrading the Steinkopf Health Centre in addition to R60 million for an oncology centre is, nevertheless, welcomed.
These announcements do not conceal the harsh reality that the provincial Department of Health remains in a critical state, as highlighted by the findings of the Health Ombudsman.
New projects are important, but what the province really needs is a functional health system.
The Premier’s claim that access to basic services such as water and sanitation has improved stands in stark contrast to the grass-roots reality in numerous towns where residents have to get by without water for days and even weeks, while sewage spills pose serious health risks.
No solutions were offered for these problems, such as the one currently affecting Sol Plaatje Municipality residents.
Announcing nearly R1 billion for infrastructure upgrades and boosting the R1 billion housing project is meaningless without visible and measurable results.
On their own, monitoring and promises do not make water flow from taps or restore dignity to communities.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) also notes the Premier’s economic claims, including growing the provincial economy and job creation. These must be measured against the reality of climbing unemployment, infrastructure decay and poor service delivery, which directly hampers economic growth.
The establishment of an office of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in the province, as well as setting up technical task teams, is positive. Such structures will, however, make no difference without genuine accountability and consequences for maladministration.
The people of the Northern Cape do not need more visions and promises. They need water that flows, infrastructure that works and a government that fulfils its constitutional duty.
The Freedom Front Plus will faithfully fulfil its constitutional oversight role in the Provincial Legislature and will call the executive to account for every promise that is not kept.
FF+ Manifesto on Job creation: Implementing policies that stimulate job creation.
West Warrior
The E in South Africa stands for electricity
wrangler jim
Skebenga / Skelm – a crook / gangster [skuh-beng-guh] A Zulu word for gangster.