Local elections not a verdict on Gauteng government’s performance - Makhura

11 August 2016

Johannesburg - Gauteng Premier David Makhura said the outcome of the 2016 municipal elections was not a reflection on the multiple interventions his government had undertaken in the province ahead of the polls.

The province's first citizen was speaking at a media briefing on Thursday at his office on processes that will unfold following the election outcomes.

He said his government had done well and would continue with some of its projects.

"The transformation and mainstreaming of the township economy, we will be escalating that. Interventions on education and health, we will be escalating those. We have two-and-a-half years left to do this," he said.

Four municipalities in Gauteng, including its three metros - Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg - resulted in hung councils. Political parties are now trying to find common ground in order to establish coalition governments.

Makhura said political parties involved in coalition talks should take the needs of the province's residents into consideration in order to build stable governments in the affected municipalities.

Intervention

"I urge all the political parties to put the interests of the people first as they engage in the coalition negotiations."

The premier also moved to assure those living in Gauteng that they would not be affected by developments around coalitions.

"We will do everything in accordance with the Constitution and relevant legislation to support all municipalities to fulfil their constitutional obligation of providing service delivery to communities."

Makhura has also committed to intervening in situations where governments completely collapse.

"Instability or administrative paralyses will not be in the interest of the people in affected municipalities," he said.

This article first appeared on News24, see here.