JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to ensure that this week’s local government elections are free from violence, following police warnings that 331 voting stations have been identified as high-risk areas.
In his weekly letter to the nation, Ramaphosa urged all registered voters to head to the polls on Wednesday and exercise their democratic right.
“I call on all registered voters to go out to the polling stations on Wednesday because local government is essential to improving the quality of life of citizens,” he wrote.
The President emphasised that the outcome of the elections will have a direct impact on the daily delivery of essential services to communities.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening municipalities through the proposed White Paper on Local Government, which aims to improve their ability to fulfil their responsibilities.
Ramaphosa said the proposed reforms would focus on professionalising municipalities, building administrative capacity and ensuring that local government officials are appointed based on their qualifications and competence.
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He stressed that accountability must remain a priority, warning that those responsible for the misuse of public funds, manipulation of procurement processes and neglect of public duties must be held accountable.
“The White Paper recommends changes to professionalise municipalities and build their administrative capacity. Local government structures must be led and staffed by people appointed for their qualifications and competence. Those responsible must be held to account if public resources are stolen, procurement is manipulated or public duties are neglected.”
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