Implementation at the heart of local government crisis, not fancy policies or slogans

As the Electoral Commission (IEC) prepares to run another round of local government elections later this year, we must pause and ask ourselves an important question — what kind of local government are we asking people to vote for? These elections come at a time when local government is facing what can only be described as an existential crisis, one defined by persistent failures in service delivery. And for communities, this is not an abstract policy issue — it is a lived reality.

When taps run dry, communities are unable to drink, cook, wash and do other necessities that require water. Water is not the only service that local government is not delivering to communities; some are crying about the unreliable provision of electricity, which is expensive. In some areas, communities are accustomed to not having electricity when there are thunderstorms.

Imagine spending Christmas Day without electricity, not because of non-payment, but because of billing errors that even municipal officials cannot explain Motorists are budgeting for the repairs of tyres that are damaged by the bad roads. Municipalities are failing to fix potholes that have existed for years. Residents have learnt to live with sewage running in the streets for months.

[paywall]

Imagine spending Christmas Day without electricity, not because of non-payment, but because of billing errors that even municipal officials cannot explain. These are not isolated incidents. They are daily experiences for many South Africans.

And understandably, communities respond with frustration, protest and growing distrust. Its failures are, therefore, the most visible and the most deeply felt.

[/paywall]