Back-to-Basics programme improving municipalities

Friday, April 7, 2017

Midrand - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Back-to-Basics programme is positively changing the way municipalities operate.

He delivered the closing remarks at the conclusion of the two-day 3rd Presidential Local Government Summit, in Midrand on Friday.

It was attended by Ministers, members of Parliament, premiers and members of provincial executive councils, the business sector, unions, traditional leaders, members of the state institutions supporting constitutional democracy, and the leadership of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).

“There is an improvement in how municipalities interact with the public and respond to the needs of communities. The capabilities of municipal staff are being improved through training and skills transfer.

“Municipalities are taking action to improve their performance in areas such as financial management and human resources. Each day, the delivery of electricity, water, sanitation and transport is improving,” said the Deputy President.

The summit was held under the theme, “Transforming Municipal Spaces for radical Social and economic Development”.

He said the deliberations of the summit provided strategic direction to the new term of local government.

“The action plan flowing from this summit will guide the way for all three spheres of government, associated institutions and external partners, to work together to advance further the Back-to-Basics programme,” said the Deputy President.

He encouraged the spirit of working as a collective, and said South Africa makes progress through dialogue, mutual respect and consensus.

“By involving everyone in finding solutions we inspire hope and build trust. It is when we are honest, accountable and engage each other frankly that we are able to manage the tensions inherent in any human endeavour.

“We know that we cannot defeat poverty, unemployment and inequality without commitment and decisive action from all sectors of society. We have a duty to build and strengthen partnerships with civil society, labour, communities and business to create a better life for ordinary South Africans,” said the Deputy President. - SAnews.gov.za