Leader, fulfil your mandate

DEAR aspiring leader of the ANC

I AM humbly appealing to you, through this letter, to look seriously into governance in our beautiful but diverse country, South Africa.

It is without a doubt that the ANC-led government has played a major role in developing and extending democracy and freedom in the form of a life of dignity and human rights to all South Africans.

It has provided the necessary important basic services such as health care, education, water, sewage, refuse removal and electricity to most of the people for whom the services were inaccessible during the repressive and violent years of apartheid.

The pervasive corruption and injustices we are witnessing are gradually eroding the achievements and noble visions of our Struggle heroes.

After more than two decades into democracy there is a growing concern across South Africa regarding the competence and efficiency of many government structures, especially the municipalities. Government structures like municipalities are important mechanisms in the construction of state institutions as they deal directly with people on the ground. They are also crucial partners with regard to attracting investment, job creation and rural development, as well as addressing poverty and inequality and delivering services to communities.

Notwithstanding the milestones and achievements, the lack of proper financial management, transparency and accountability, as well as corruption, nepotism, tender-related fraud, factionalism and shortage of skills are impeding the transformation process and nation building.

To this end, I urge the future leader and subsequent leaders of South Africa to perform and fulfil their constitutional duties and mandate so that the various government structures, such as municipalities, function at optimum levels.

Vigorous, practical, adaptable and inclusive assessment and problem-solving tools to measure service delivery and performance are needed.