OPINION: Development must be matched by accountability

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is encouraged by the tangible progress and renewed focus on infrastructure delivery in the Ray Nkonyeni and broader Ugu District, as outlined in the recent Citizens’ Report Engagement delivered by the KZN MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Hon Martin Meyer.

This region holds immense economic potential, particularly in tourism, agriculture, and local enterprise.

Key infrastructure investments, including upgrades at Port Shepstone and Murchison hospitals, clinic maintenance, and the planned psychiatric hospital, are critical steps toward improving service delivery while stimulating local economic growth and job creation.

However, development must be matched by accountability and responsiveness to community concerns.

During the engagement in Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, residents raised serious concerns about political interference and unfair practices within the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). These concerns cannot be ignored.

In direct response, the DA is proud to support the launch of a dedicated EPWP complaints line.
This platform will allow residents across Ray Nkonyeni and Ugu Municipality to report issues such as political interference, unfair recruitment practices, and maladministration.

This is about restoring dignity and fairness to a programme that should provide opportunity, not patronage.

The complaints line is a practical step toward transparency and accountability, ensuring that EPWP benefits reach the people they are intended for, based on need and merit, not political connections.

RIONA GOKOOL MPL
DA Ugu South Constituency Head

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