By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has criticised Cape Town’s DA-run government, alleging that lower-income areas are neglected through budget allocation.
He made the remarks during a question-and-answer session in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Parliament, Cape Town, on Tuesday.
Ramaphosa was responding to a question from ANC NCOP member Kenny Mmoiemang, who asked whether the government had developed mechanisms to monitor the state of service delivery and the quality of services offered by government departments, provinces and municipalities.
Ramaphosa said the legacy of apartheid spatial planning has left many townships and informal settlements in Cape Town far from economic hubs. This has exacerbated service delivery issues.
He noted that despite performing well in financial governance, Cape Town has not made significant progress in reducing inequality within the metro.
Ramaphosa said census data showed that Cape Town performed worse than the metro average in expanding access to services. This includes water, electricity, refuse removal, and sanitation.
“The national government is committed to working with provincial governments and municipalities to ensure that all our country’s citizens enjoy equal access to quality services,” Ramaphosa said.
DA MP Rikus Badenhorst accused Ramaphosa of backtracking by suggesting that the Auditor-General only audits finances, not service delivery.
Ramaphosa re-emphasised that his views were based on Stats SA census data and budget analyses.
While the city’s finances may look strong, he said, what matters is the real impact on people’s lives.
He added that per capita spending in townships and informal settlements remains significantly lower, reflecting ongoing racial disparities.
“One cannot stand on Table Mountain and say, ‘I am doing better than others.’ You need to demonstrate that on a per capita basis, you are changing the lives of people. That is what is required,” the president said.
He stressed the need for corrective measures in the metro and emphasised that his critique aimed to improve, not dismiss, Cape Town’s efforts.