Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read | 10 December 2024 | 16:50 CAT

The DA’s Mike Moriarty discusses the Gauteng government’s failing grade, highlighting systemic issues in service delivery. File photo: DA

The DA’s Gauteng report card paints a grim picture of provincial service delivery under Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s leadership, with an overall score of F. This annual assessment evaluates the provincial government’s performance across key sectors, and this year’s findings highlight significant failures in delivering basic services.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, the DA’s Mike Moriarty emphasized the evaluation’s wide scope: “It covers all provincial government responsibilities, education, healthcare, roads, housing, social services, and economic development, among others.” He added that while these areas are crucial, the provincial government has repeatedly failed to meet minimal targets.

A major issue highlighted in the report is the quality of education and healthcare services. According to Moriarty, the Auditor-General’s data reveals that many departments struggled to meet performance objectives despite low benchmarks. “Some targets are so low that one would expect them to be easily achieved, but even then, they fall short,” he explained.

One silver lining, however, was the MEC for Roads and Transport performance, which managed to scrape a 50% score – the highest among all departments. “The Gauteng freeway system is the jewel in the crown,” Moriarty noted, “but potholes and failing traffic lights across provincial roads remain critical issues.”

The report card is designed to spark public dialogue and hold government leaders accountable. However, Moriarty expressed scepticism about the government’s willingness to engage. “For almost 30 years, our findings have been dismissed as politicking,” he said, lamenting the lack of action on areas flagged for improvement.

Notably, the Gauteng City Region Observatory’s recent Quality of Life survey corroborates the DA’s findings, showing that residents rate provincial services at their lowest levels in history. “This year might offer a chance for sober reflection,” Moriarty concluded.

While the report underscores systemic failures, it also urges collaboration within portfolio committees, where representatives from different parties often engage constructively. “Behind closed doors, there’s room for honest discussion. Let’s hope this translates into tangible progress,” Moriarty said.

With public confidence waning, the question remains: will this year’s report finally prompt meaningful action?

You can listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and the DA’s Mike Moriarty here.