By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile made a heartfelt address to the nation, acknowledging the government’s responsibility to bolster the delivery of basic services to its citizens.
Mashatile expressed optimism for the future, highlighting that there have been significant strides in improving the quality of life of South Africans.
Over recent years, investments in social services such as education, healthcare, housing, water, and sanitation have been progressively accelerated.
The deputy president said the festive season is an opportunity for South Africans to think about the “sick, vulnerable and destitute”.
“[They] are unable to fully enjoy the festive season because of the scourge of social ills. This reality is a reminder of how much change is still needed in our society.”
He said South Africa has made “significant inroads” into undoing the legacy of apartheid.
Mashatile said government has ramped up social services over the last few years. He listed education, healthcare, housing and the provision of water and electricity as examples of the services South Africa’s government has supplied.
“We have seen improvements in access to education, with six out of 10 children aged four years old having access to early childhood development,” he said.
“Secondary education completion rates have doubled,” he added, without specifying what timeline he was referring to.
He also said more than 82% of households have access to piped water, while access to electricity increased to more than 94% of South Africans. He didn’t mention the effect of load shedding.
The deputy president made these remarks despite service delivery protests being common in South Africa. In 2022 there were 193 protests over the lack of municipal services. In the first half of 2023, there were 122 service delivery protests.
Mashatile also urged South Africans to be careful when travelling on the road.
He told motorists to “drive safely, not drink and drive, [and] when tired get some rest”.
“Motorists and other road users are encouraged to avoid travelling at night [and] where possible to be more cautious when travelling on weekends as road accidents are particularly high on these days.”
Meanwhile, some Members of Parliament say despite the numerous challenges the country has faced throughout the year, there is hope for South Africans in 2024.