President Cyril Ramaphosa says that when national, provincial and local government work together, the lives of people can be improved. The President was in the Northern Cape on Friday (25 July) for the sixth cabinet oversight visit.
His opening remarks focused on projects that must be funded and supported by the national government, which will help in turning the economic fortunes of the province around.
The President’s engagement is said to be aligned to the commitment made during the 2024 Budget Speech to collaborate closely with provincial and local government. Ramaphosa says as the Government of National Unity (GNU), they see the visits as an important part of building a capable, developmental state.
“Structured engagements between national and provincial as well as local government structures are designed to narrow and ultimately close the gaps that often prevent us from doing what needs to be done. They aim is to help us work together more efficiently; to resolve challenges together and to plan smarter, but they also enable us to come up with innovative ideas and proposals of how we can foster development,” says Ramaphosa.
The President also emphasised economic developments within the province, which include the green hydrogen project that is set to not only benefit the province, but also the region.
“The Northern Cape is in many ways the pioneer of innovation. Last year, there was a report published; profile that characterised the province as South Africa’s emerging powerhouse. The Northern Cape is at the forefront of the clean energy revolution, as we all know and is experiencing a significant surge in power project,s notably solar and green hydrogen. The project is ambitious in both scope and potential not just for the NC but the national economy as well. It has potential that can have an impact on SADC and even for the continent,” Ramaphosa explains.
Ramaphosa says the economic growth will also address social challenges.
“While the economy of the province has been growing and creating jobs, persistent challenges still remain that are prevalent in the province. National Treasury’s report points to an increase in the people living in poverty, here in the Northern Cape and people who are facing real-life challenges. A drop in a number of households that have access to basic services. Unemployment especially youth unemployment, remains high. Much as we look at the potential and the progress that is being made these challenges are still casting a shadow on our way to much better development,” Ramaphosa elaborates.
President Ramaphosa says government will be working closely with the province in improving service delivery and economic growth challenges. The next cabinet oversight visit will be in the North West.
Video: Ramaphosa intervenes in failing municipalities in N Cape
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