Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has assured President Cyril Ramaphosa that the Government of National Unity (GNU) will work tirelessly to ensure that the commitments outlined in the State of the Nation Address (SONA) become a reality.

Speaking during the SONA debate in Parliament on Tuesday, February 11, Hlabisa emphasised the importance of the GNU’s role in governance, stating: “Honourable President, the GNU will ensure that the commitments you made to the nation do not become empty promises, but a lived reality.”

His remarks came as Members of Parliament (MPs) discussed Ramaphosa’s address, delivered last Thursday, February 6, which highlighted key priorities such as economic growth, job creation, infrastructure development, and cost of living reductions.

As the Cogta Minister, Hlabisa acknowledged the dire state of many municipalities and underscored the need for a renewed focus on service delivery.

“Basic services must be delivered, and delivered efficiently,” he told MPs, noting that municipalities across the country are struggling due to resource constraints and outdated funding models.

He argued that the current system exacerbates inequality between wealthy and impoverished municipalities and called for a complete overhaul of the funding structure.

“A new funding model is a must; one that considers each municipality’s unique needs and challenges and provides a more equitable distribution of resources.”

Hlabisa welcomed the President’s emphasis on infrastructure development but urged that the focus not only be on new projects but also on maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure.

“To rebuild South Africa, we need to rebuild our education system, rebuild our healthcare system, and rebuild our economy,” he asserted.

He also expressed his support for job creation efforts, highlighting the importance of the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP).

“We look forward to the implementation of the MTDP, particularly in relation to the three strategic priorities of driving inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty, and tackling the high cost of living.”

While backing the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI), Hlabisa raised concerns about its feasibility in its current form, warning that the government must first address inefficiencies in the existing public healthcare system.

“Government must prioritise strengthening the existing public healthcare system, which is plagued by inefficiencies and shortages of equipment and medical personnel,” he said.

Shifting his focus to international matters, Hlabisa expressed concern over the diplomatic fallout surrounding the Expropriation Act, cautioning against misinformation and calling for clarity on key aspects such as compensation and public interest definitions.

“We condemn those who spread misinformation and work against our collective national interest to rebuild South Africa.

"Having said that, Honourable President, the katha Freedom Party (IFP) believes that greater clarity and certainty must be provided on key issues of the Act,” he stated.

Hlabisa also took a moment to honour the 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who recently lost their lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid intensifying clashes with the M23 rebel group.

“Their selfless sacrifice will never be forgotten. We support initiatives to restore peace across the continent, knowing that peace and stability are essential for economic development, social justice, and human dignity.

"Abrupt withdrawal would not be in the interests of the continent,” he said.

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