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We cannot build the Eastern Cape on a rotten foundation of corruption, poor administration and lack of consequence management.

If Premier Oscar Mabuyane wants to build on these foundations, he first needs to rip out the rot to prevent it from spreading further.

Mabuyane’s vision, delivered today in his inaugural State of the Province Address, is ambitious and touched on the right areas but did not provide any new solutions. What is going to be done differently this term?

His commitment to half the provincial unemployment rate will remain a pipe dream, unless the government embarks on fundamental economic reforms. None of which were mentioned in the speech.

The truth is that several municipalities across the province need urgent intervention, with many unable to deliver even the most basic of services to the people.

The Auditor General report this week highlighted the poor state of municipalities across the country, and this should be his first priority. Let’s get the foundation right.

If the province is to be put back on track, we need to reduce a bloated state and the public sector wage bill, not increase it further. The only posts that need to be filled should be critical posts.

Where the DA governs, we have shown that even under harsh economic circumstances there can be growth, job creation, and improving living conditions for all – especially the poor.

Issued by The DA