Steenhuisen Says Municipalities Are the Engine Room for Growing the Economy
In a recent speech, John Steenhuisen, the leader of South Africa’s official opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, highlighted the crucial role of municipalities in driving economic growth and development in the country. Steenhuisen emphasized that local governments are the engine room for growing the economy and called for greater focus and support for these crucial institutions.
Steenhuisen’s remarks came during the launch of the DA’s “Vision 2029” campaign, which aims to bring about meaningful change and progress in South Africa over the next decade. The campaign focuses on four key pillars: creating jobs, fighting corruption, improving service delivery, and building a capable state. Steenhuisen stressed that municipalities play a vital role in achieving these goals and that their success is critical for the country’s overall economic growth.
One of the main reasons why municipalities are so crucial to economic growth is that they are responsible for delivering essential services to citizens. These services, such as water, electricity, and sanitation, are essential for businesses to operate and for individuals to live a decent life. Without functional and efficient municipalities, the economy cannot flourish, and people’s quality of life will suffer.
Steenhuisen also highlighted the potential for municipalities to drive job creation. By investing in infrastructure, promoting small and medium-sized enterprises, and creating a conducive business environment, municipalities can attract investment and stimulate economic growth. This, in turn, leads to the creation of much-needed jobs, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left many South Africans unemployed.
Furthermore, Steenhuisen stressed the need for municipalities to fight corruption actively. Corruption not only drains resources that could be used for service delivery and development but also erodes public trust in the government. Steenhuisen urged municipalities to adopt transparent and accountable practices and to root out corruption at all levels. A corruption-free environment is crucial for attracting investment and promoting economic growth.
Steenhuisen also called for building a capable state at the local government level. This means ensuring that municipalities have the necessary skills, resources, and support to deliver on their mandate effectively. With proper training and support, municipalities can become more efficient and responsive to the needs of their communities, leading to improved service delivery and economic growth.
The DA leader also stressed the need for municipalities to work closely with the private sector and civil society to drive economic growth. By fostering partnerships and collaborations, municipalities can leverage the expertise and resources of these sectors to achieve their goals. This approach has been proven to be successful in many countries and can be replicated in South Africa.
Steenhuisen’s remarks have been welcomed by many, with some experts saying that his vision aligns with the government’s National Development Plan, which aims to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030. However, there have also been calls for more concrete plans and actions to back up these statements. Municipalities have been plagued by challenges such as mismanagement, corruption, and inadequate resources, which have hindered their ability to deliver services effectively. It is essential that the government takes immediate action to address these issues and support municipalities in fulfilling their role as the engine room for economic growth.
In conclusion, John Steenhuisen’s call for greater focus and support for municipalities as the engine room for growing the economy is timely and relevant. Municipalities play a crucial role in delivering essential services, creating jobs, and promoting economic growth. It is crucial that the government works hand in hand with municipalities to address the challenges they face and support them in fulfilling their mandate. With concerted efforts, South Africa’s municipalities can become a driving force for economic growth and development, paving the way for a more prosperous future for all citizens.
