Premier Lazarus Mokgosi placed the repair of local government at the centre of his address, arguing municipal performance remains the single biggest determinant of both service delivery and economic growth in the province.

He drew a direct link between functional municipalities and economic expansion, warning weak administration undermines service delivery and erodes investor confidence. Stabilising and strengthening municipalities is key to unlocking growth and restoring public trust in government institutions. 

The North West Sopa followed a fairly typical pattern, beginning with a symbolic reflection on (freedom fighter) Sol Plaatje and marking 30 years since the adoption of South Africa’s Constitution. 

Decisive year

However, the central focus was clearly on the upcoming local government elections and what was described as “a decisive year to fix and transform local governance”, said political analyst André Duvenhage.

“It also focused on individual agenda and improved governance. The provincial government is proud that they spent 98% of the budget, and they are also going to embark on a smart governance monitor and evaluation desk dashboard.”

Autonomous

“They are satisfied with the implementation of Article 139 Section 7, the one in Ditsobotla, where there is a national intervention. Interesting initiative of adopting a municipality, to me that is in a way strange and funny, basically saying the municipality cannot do their job, now you need to adopt them, to assist them. 

“A municipality is supposed to be autonomous, so this is a bit strange,” said Duvenhage.

During the address, it was revealed significant funding has been directed toward strategic priorities. This includes R1.9bn for water supply, R1.6 bn for road infrastructure, and R1.4bn for education infrastructure. Strong emphasis was placed on budget allocation and expenditure.

However, Duvenhage cautioned financial commitments alone will not guarantee results. “To me, what is standing on paper is very much theoretical, and I would say the proof of the pudding would lie in the ability of the provincial government to implement what they would like to do successfully, and that is normal priorities as they go to elections.

“They want to fix local governance, which is understandable in this province, fix infrastructure. It’s all about implementation and the implementation agenda, and the capacity required is not clear to me.”

Meanwhile, opposition parties in the North West Legislature have cast doubt on the address, arguing the province needs measurable delivery rather than recycled promises, as communities continue to grapple with service delivery challenges.

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg