Pretoria – Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Deputy Minister Andries Nel says advances are being made in building an inclusive society and broadening opportunities for all.
In this regard, Nel said millions who were previously excluded now have access to education, water, electricity, health care, housing and social security.
Nel said access to services has been broadened, the economy has been stabilised and a non-racial society has begun to emerge.
Addressing the South African Local Government Association (Salga) Members Assembly in Cape Town earlier today, Nel said South Africa has been able to build institutions necessary for a democratic and transformative state.
“The constitution enshrines a rights-based approach and envisions a prosperous, non-racial, non-sexist democracy that belongs to all it’s people.
“To accelerate progress, deepen democracy and build a more inclusive society, South Africa must translate political emancipation into economic wellbeing for all,” he said.
With regard to local governments, Nel said government needed to shift towards developing a more enabling framework that focuses on developing the systems to strengthen local government.
“Municipalities also need to strengthen their commitment to improving efficiency and effectiveness, avoid wasting funds on non-priority expenditure and collecting all the revenues that are due.
“This should be accompanied by strengthened national and provincial support and oversight for local government,” he said.
He said national and provincial departments have a constitutional right to intervene, and they should be prepared to utilise this when necessary.
“The state needs to improve its management of the system, including mediating agreements between district and local municipalities where there is duplication or conflict over the allocation of responsibilities and resources,” Nel said. – SAnews.gov.za
