President Ramaphosa Outlines 7th Administration's Commitment to Basic Services

President Ramaphosa highlighted the country's progress in advancing towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on the provision of basic services.

The seventh administration will focus on extending the provision of basic services to those people who still do not have access to basic requirements and improving the reliability and affordability of delivery.

Responding to the debate on the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said this will require measures to improve the efficiency of local government to deliver on its “crucial” mandate.

President Ramaphosa highlighted the country's progress in advancing towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on the provision of basic services. He noted that 84 percent of South African households now have access to piped water, 71 percent have access to decent sanitation, and 94 percent have access to electricity.

He emphasized that Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa’s commitment to providing all municipalities with the necessary administrative, technical, and financial support is a clear indication of the seventh administration’s intention to improve municipal functioning.

“We must address with urgency the governance and oversight challenges at local government level and the serious problem of municipal and consumer debt,” President Ramaphosa said.

Institutional Strengthening

On building and strengthening institutions, President Ramaphosa stated that significant progress has been made in deepening democracy over the last 30 years, safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms. He stressed the parties to the Government of National Unity (GNU) agree on the importance of entrenching the country’s constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

“We will continue to exert our every effort to safeguard the independence of the judiciary, freedom of the media, and the work of the institutions supporting democracy. We continue to entrench gender equality across all facets of society, and in promoting the full participation in society of persons with disabilities,” President Ramaphosa said.

Gender Equality and Human Rights

The President announced the enactment of the Gender-Based Violence And Femicide (GBVF) Council into law, which will oversee and coordinate GBV programs across the government and in partnership with all stakeholders. An important focus of this work will be on women’s economic empowerment, leveraging the government’s policy of setting aside 40 percent of public procurement for women-owned businesses.

President Ramaphosa also highlighted South Africa’s role as a beacon of hope and progress regarding the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex (LGBTQI+) community.

“These are all important aspects of our human rights culture,” he noted.

Acknowledging Challenges

The President acknowledged the numerous challenges that the country still faces but reiterated the government's commitment to overcoming these obstacles through unity and concerted efforts.

In conclusion, President Ramaphosa's address underscored the administration's dedication to improving basic services, strengthening democratic institutions, and promoting human rights and gender equality as pivotal components of South Africa's development agenda.