DURBAN - South Africa needs credible, qualified, and ethical leaders to run municipalities and deliver services.
That’s according to IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa.
He unveiled his party’s local government elections manifesto at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, Durban.
Hlabisa detailed the organisation’s five-point plan, emphasising water provision.
The IFP wants to govern well-run municipalities that can provide basic services with ease.
“IFP municipalities will adopt a clear, fixed-basics approach. We will address visible service failures before they become a crisis," said Hlabisa.
"Our approach will be that maintenance must come before a crisis occurs. Municipalities under the IFP will prioritise preventative maintenance and timely repairs. Water, sanitation, electricity, roads, and refuse collection must be priorities in budgets, in operational plans and maintenance schedules.”
As he outlined the party’s five-point plan, Hlabisa also addressed the country’s gender-based violence and femicide crisis.
He called on men to take the lead in protecting women and children.
“The time has come to call men of South Africa, working together with government, civil society and all stakeholders, to lead the war against gender-based violence and femicide. That time is now, and men must take the lead against femicide,” said Hlabisa.
“We cannot continue to pick up bodies of women and issue statements of regret. This is a national crisis. To say, ‘not in our name,’ is no longer enough because it continues in our name. Now we must say it ends here and now.”
Hlabisa spoke about a climate of fear, frustration and disappointment.
However, as he and his party set their sights on the 4 November local government elections, he urged South Africans to remain hopeful.