Ntirhisano ineffective in resolving Gauteng’s petitions
Madam Speaker,
Your State of the Province Address of 2016 was an old broken record on repeat.
Yet again the residents and various communities of this province were at the receiving end of recycled and abstract promises made by Premier David Makhura.
Once again frustrated residents were presented a sanitised sales pitch of how wonderful the state of the province is.
Two million people are jobless, lack water and electricity and live in the most inhumane of circumstances but, instead of the Premier addressing this, we were told how awesome the province is in advancing people’s lives.
The Premier’s SOPA address revealed a questionable leader with a questionable reputation.
The Premier kept reiterating that: “A promise made is a promise kept.”
Unfortunately, the people of this province have not fully realised the vow he made to ensure that his ‘war room’ speedily resolves petitions.
In fact today, the Premier has more unresolved petitions under his administration than what he got when he became a Premier.
Some petitions date back as far as 2005, yet our parliament’s rallying call is ‘to follow up on the commitments made to our people.’
Honourable speaker, the process of petitions is a sacred instrument of our Constitution. The people of this province want to know do you see us, do you hear us and do we matter to you?
The Premier has lost a perfect opportunity in giving a message of hope to the people of Gauteng that their grievances are heard, they leaders are applying themselves to their challenges.
Hon .Premier your lack of pro-action affirms that you are a questionable leader with a questionable reputation.
You took an oath to provide a hands-on government that is always available to implement agreements reached and commitments made.
Since being elected as Premier, you have not visited a single petitioner to hear first-hand what their problems are. You have not announce a single intervention when you can clearly see that your war room is not resolving petitions.
Honourable Speaker, let me emphasise that the Premier’s brainchild, the Ntirhisano programme is a blunt instrument that has not resolved any petitions.
Instead it is a tranquiliser which may temporarily calm the anger in people but does not deal with the root core problems.
The people of Mpilisweni informal settlement, in Katlehong Ward 52, are still without sufficient supply of clean drinkable water and hygienic toilets.
The teachers at Sebone Secondary School are still battling an alleged scourge of corruption and internal fights.
The residents of Sakhile informal settlements in Katlehong are still without permanent solution to their sanitary challenges.
The installation of traffic lights in Evaton on the Golden highway and Easton road are still needed for the safety of children crossing and many motorists.
To date, 36 houses in Boksburg North belonging to the provincial government remain vacant and illegally occupied by drug users. Crime is now a serious challenge to the community.
To date, residents near Sebokeng hostel are still wondering whether provincial government will fulfil its promise of upgrading their severely deteriorating homes.
Honourable Premier “A ke yona Ntirhisano eo na?”
Premier David Makhura, the daily lived realities of ordinary residents of this province are a far cry from the glossy government publications they see at the reception of government departments.
We urge you to rise to the call by the people and take the tough and responsive decisions necessary to change the lives of our people.