We do not want to criticise premier Phumulo Masualle unfairly, but it was evident that there was very little enthusiastic support from the ranks of his own party during and after his State of the Province Address. It was a very flat affair.
The premier must be commended for his plans for the Eastern Cape economy and job creation, as well as his reference to the state of rural- and arterial roads in the province.
We welcome his stance on the provision of reliable electricity and the role of green energy therein. We also appreciate his call for fiscal discipline and efforts at getting more value for less money. This is important during these recessionary times.
Unfortunately the premier dedicated only four sentences to corruption in his speech. His proposed partnership with the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) to speed up probes into corruption cases cannot be taken seriously, in view of the contemptible attitude president Jacob Zuma has towards the SIU and all other security agencies.
The premier also said nothing about improving service delivery in the province. He said nothing about MECs and officials who should be fired if they do not do their jobs. This implies that they will continue to draw salaries regardless of their efforts and outcomes thereof.
Until corruption and accountability is taken seriously by the ANC government (arresting high profile politicians and officials guilty or corruption) we will continue to have more of the same where corruption erodes confidence, opportunity and service delivery.
Athol Trollip
Leader of the DA Eastern Cape
Tags: SONA eastern cape
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