ActionSA is deeply concerned that, one year into the tenure of the so-called Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), the lives of ordinary residents in KZN remain stagnant and, in many instances, unbearable. Despite the promises made by parties forming the GPU, very little has changed. In fact, many residents now argue that the situation is worse than it was under the previous administration.
Poverty continues to define the daily reality of millions, and unemployment (especially among the youth) remains devastatingly high. The quality of public services continues to decline, while the culture of accountability and consequence management has all but collapsed in this province.
While Premier Ntuli issued a statement this morning celebrating one year of the GPU, he failed to mention one or two achievements they have made thus far, a silence that speaks volumes.
Health Department in Crisis
Nowhere is this failure more evident than in the Department of Health. This department has collapsed beyond measure. Residents are forced to go without essential medication for months on end, putting lives at serious risk. Despite this health crisis, there has been no meaningtul response from the MEC of Health or any intervention from Premier Ntuli.
Our visit to the Phoenix State Mortuary laid bare the tragic reality. Morgue refrigeration systems are outdated or non-functional, leaving staff to work in appalling conditions.
St Benedictine, King Edward, Wentworth, and Northdale hospitals are just a few examples of healthcare facilities that have collapsed significantly, yet no concrete plans have been put forward to address or reverse this crisis.
There is no plan to fix this, and no accountability from leadership despite this department being allocated the second highest budget in the province.
Public Works and Municipal Collapse
The Department of Public Works has failed dismally to meet its financial obligations to municipalities. The department owes municipalities funds for services such as rates, electricity and water.
This has left many local governments without the necessary funds to deliver basic services to residents.
Instead of supporting municipalities, provincial departments are actively undermining their ability to function, pushing them into further collapse.
Education Department in Crisis
The Education Department continues to face unresolved challenges within the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). As ActionSA we have witnessed firsthand how children are still going hungry at school. A year into the GPU’s administration, there is still no clarity or commitment as to when these issues will be resolved.
Water Crisis
Water shortages continue to plague municipalities such as eThekwini Metro, Ugu, Zululand, and Umzinyathi Districts. Residents are subjected to dry taps and irregular water supply, with no consistent communication or sustainable solutions from government.
Youth Exclusion
Youth unemployment is at an all-time high. Initiatives like the Youth Empowerment Fund have been marred by allegations of favouritism, where politically connected individuals are prioritised over ordinary young entrepreneurs. This has further entrenched inequality and killed the dreams of many capable young people.
Political Interference
Government posts continue to be filled by politically connected individuals at the expense of qualified professionals. This has created an environment where skills and experience are discarded, and loyalty to party structures is rewarded.
Regrettably, the formation of the GPU has effectively dismantled opposition in the KZN Legislature, with the majority of political parties now part of the unity arrangement. As a result, there is no meaningful opposition or strong dissenting voice to hold the government to account. GPU-aligned parties operate without checks or fear of consequences, creating a dangerous environment where decisions are made without proper consideration.
Collapse of Good Governance
The GPU has eroded all principles of good governance. We have written to various MECs raising urgent concerns on behalf of the people of KZN, but more often than not, these correspondences are ignored. When government leaders ignore public representatives, they are ultimately ignoring the people who voted them into office.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has also failed to provide oversight to struggling municipalities. Instead of supporting local councils to improve service delivery, CoGTA has chosen to interfere in municipal processes, further hindering progress.
Public Discontent with GPU
During our recent walkabout at the Bangladesh Market in Chatsworth, business owners and residents made it clear that they have lost hope in the GPU. Many expressed frustration at worsening economic conditions and an increasing lack of basic services. Instead of delivering on its promise to improve lives, the GPU has only deepened public disillusionment.
No New Projects, No Investment
One year into the GPU’s term, there have been no new infrastructure projects initiated under this administration. Projects currently underway are remnants of the previous government. The anticipated economic revival and investor confidence under the GPU have failed to materialise.
The reality is simple, KZN is in crisis, and the GPU is to blame. There has been no improvement in the quality of life for our people. The promises made at the formation of the GPU have been broken, and the provincial government has no clear direction.
GPU Government Has Failed the People of KZN – Life Remains Unbearable
ActionSA is deeply concerned that, one year into the tenure of the so-called Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), the lives of ordinary residents in KZN remain stagnant and, in many instances, unbearable. Despite the promises made by parties forming the GPU, very little has changed. In fact, many residents now argue that the situation is worse than it was under the previous administration.
Poverty continues to define the daily reality of millions, and unemployment (especially among the youth) remains devastatingly high. The quality of public services continues to decline, while the culture of accountability and consequence management has all but collapsed in this province.
While Premier Ntuli issued a statement this morning celebrating one year of the GPU, he failed to mention one or two achievements they have made thus far, a silence that speaks volumes.
Health Department in Crisis
Nowhere is this failure more evident than in the Department of Health. This department has collapsed beyond measure. Residents are forced to go without essential medication for months on end, putting lives at serious risk. Despite this health crisis, there has been no meaningtul response from the MEC of Health or any intervention from Premier Ntuli.
Our visit to the Phoenix State Mortuary laid bare the tragic reality. Morgue refrigeration systems are outdated or non-functional, leaving staff to work in appalling conditions.
St Benedictine, King Edward, Wentworth, and Northdale hospitals are just a few examples of healthcare facilities that have collapsed significantly, yet no concrete plans have been put forward to address or reverse this crisis.
There is no plan to fix this, and no accountability from leadership despite this department being allocated the second highest budget in the province.
Public Works and Municipal Collapse
The Department of Public Works has failed dismally to meet its financial obligations to municipalities. The department owes municipalities funds for services such as rates, electricity and water.
This has left many local governments without the necessary funds to deliver basic services to residents.
Instead of supporting municipalities, provincial departments are actively undermining their ability to function, pushing them into further collapse.
Education Department in Crisis
The Education Department continues to face unresolved challenges within the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). As ActionSA we have witnessed firsthand how children are still going hungry at school. A year into the GPU’s administration, there is still no clarity or commitment as to when these issues will be resolved.
Water Crisis
Water shortages continue to plague municipalities such as eThekwini Metro, Ugu, Zululand, and Umzinyathi Districts. Residents are subjected to dry taps and irregular water supply, with no consistent communication or sustainable solutions from government.
Youth Exclusion
Youth unemployment is at an all-time high. Initiatives like the Youth Empowerment Fund have been marred by allegations of favouritism, where politically connected individuals are prioritised over ordinary young entrepreneurs. This has further entrenched inequality and killed the dreams of many capable young people.
Political Interference
Government posts continue to be filled by politically connected individuals at the expense of qualified professionals. This has created an environment where skills and experience are discarded, and loyalty to party structures is rewarded.
Regrettably, the formation of the GPU has effectively dismantled opposition in the KZN Legislature, with the majority of political parties now part of the unity arrangement. As a result, there is no meaningful opposition or strong dissenting voice to hold the government to account. GPU-aligned parties operate without checks or fear of consequences, creating a dangerous environment where decisions are made without proper consideration.
Collapse of Good Governance
The GPU has eroded all principles of good governance. We have written to various MECs raising urgent concerns on behalf of the people of KZN, but more often than not, these correspondences are ignored. When government leaders ignore public representatives, they are ultimately ignoring the people who voted them into office.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has also failed to provide oversight to struggling municipalities. Instead of supporting local councils to improve service delivery, CoGTA has chosen to interfere in municipal processes, further hindering progress.
Public Discontent with GPU
During our recent walkabout at the Bangladesh Market in Chatsworth, business owners and residents made it clear that they have lost hope in the GPU. Many expressed frustration at worsening economic conditions and an increasing lack of basic services. Instead of delivering on its promise to improve lives, the GPU has only deepened public disillusionment.
No New Projects, No Investment
One year into the GPU’s term, there have been no new infrastructure projects initiated under this administration. Projects currently underway are remnants of the previous government. The anticipated economic revival and investor confidence under the GPU have failed to materialise.
The reality is simple, KZN is in crisis, and the GPU is to blame. There has been no improvement in the quality of life for our people. The promises made at the formation of the GPU have been broken, and the provincial government has no clear direction.