Ramaphosa says other municipalities could learn from eThekwini metro's progress

President Cyril Ramaphosa says while the eThekwini Municipality still faces significant challenges, it has started reaping the benefits of stabilisation.

While this is not the same as a turnaround, Ramaphosa notes that two years since a Presidential Working Group was established to respond to the concerns of the city’s decline, the tide is turning.

Writing in his weekly newsletter, Ramaphosa said the same lessons are being applied to the City of Johannesburg and that municipalities must be able to deliver services without the need for national intervention.

President Ramaphosa said the eThekwini metro has demonstrated how effective leadership, coordinated action, and strong societal partnerships can support struggling municipalities.

The metro is governed through a coalition of the African National Congress, Economic Freedom Fighters, and National Freedom Party.

With this being a local government election year, the President has, through his State of the Nation Address, emphasised that municipalities will face particular attention this year, and the National Treasury also plans to clamp down further on non-performers.

In his newsletter, Ramaphosa said the review of the White Paper on Local Government, which is currently underway, will result in a far-reaching overhaul of the entire local government system, including its powers and responsibilities and the appointment of senior officials.

Ramaphosa said the progress being made in eThekwini to rebuild capacity and restore accountability shows how municipalities can achieve a turnaround with political will and the involvement of stakeholders and residents.

With Durban’s business confidence index at its highest level since it was established, Ramaphosa says the progress being made in eThekwini and other municipalities is part of a broader programme of reforms that are contributing to economic growth and improved business confidence.