How did the president’s promises of 2015 affect Krugersdorp?
President Jacob Zuma made nine promises at the 2015 State of the Nation Address (Sona). The News takes a look at how Krugersdorp was affected by some of these promises, if at all.
The promises were:
• A resolution to the energy challenge
In Krugersdorp, there has not been load shedding since late last year.
• Revitalising agriculture and the agro-processing value chain
The agricultural sector has taken a beating with the recent drought. Community members in Krugersdorp and the greater West Rand responded with various water drives. But what did local government do?
“Mogale City did nothing. Some farmers in the area had to sell their stock and the local municipality didn’t help at all,” said Amanda de Lange, leader of the Freedom Front Plus on the West Rand.
• Advancing beneficiation and adding value to mineral wealth
• A more effective implementation of a higher impact Industrial Policy Action Plan
• Encouraging private sector investment
During last year’s West Rand Chamber of Business and Tourism’s annual business awards, entrepreneurs in Krugersdorp once again showed how “the private sector is making up for the lack in government service delivery,” as key note speaker at the event, Piet Croucamp said. Croucamp is a professor of economics at the University of Johannesburg.
• Moderation of workplace conflict
• Unlocking the potential of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), cooperatives, township and rural enterprises
• Reform of state-owned companies, information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure or broadband roll-out, water, sanitation and transport infrastructure
Krugersdorp residents know all too well of dry taps and water leakages. During his 2014/2015 financial year report of Mogale City Local Municipality‘s finances, the Auditor-General expressed his concern about the striking 42 per cent water loss in the area.
• Introducing Operation Phakisa, aimed at growing the ocean economy
The State of the Nation Address will start at 6pm tonight, with the president’s speech in full swing by 7pm.
Will you be watching it tonight?
Also read:
• Mogale looking into mysterious water leak?
• SONA15 and the spectacle that is our parliament
