Ramaphosa vows action against corrupt and underperforming officials
Mapaballo Borotho
- President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that underperforming government officials at all levels will be dismissed.
- He says poor service delivery violates citizens’ basic rights and will no longer be tolerated.
- The warning comes as the ANC marks its 114th anniversary after losing its majority in the 2024 elections.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that government officials who underperform at municipal, provincial and national levels must be dismissed.
This follows a resolution taken by the African National Congress’ National Executive Committee and was announced by Ramaphosa during the party’s January 8th Statement in the North West on Saturday.
He assured communities that corrupt officials, as well as those who fail to provide basic services, will be held accountable.
The party marked its 114th anniversary at Mo-ruleng Stadium outside Rustenburg. The anniversary comes at a time when many South Africans have turned away from the party that has been in power for three decades.
The ANC lost its majority vote in the 2024 general election, forcing it to share power with opposition parties within the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Addressing delegates on Saturday, the President described poor service delivery as an infringement of citizens’ basic rights.
He emphasised that public office must be treated as a duty to serve the people, and that failure to do so will not be tolerated.
Ramaphosa stressed that performance will be a key measure, and officials who do not meet expectations will be removed from their positions.
“Municipalities must therefore fulfil their basic obligations. They must fix potholes, collect refuse regularly and provide clean water to residents. The job of fixing potholes is not a hard job,” he said.
The ANC has also pledged to intensify the fight against crime and corruption, while declaring gender-based violence a national disaster.