High levels of dissatisfaction in uMkhanyakude
The survey revealed almost three quarters of uMkhanyakude residents to be dissatisfied with their local municipalities' performance
KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu earlier this month welcomed the results of a citizen satisfaction survey conducted throughout the province, which recorded an 83% response.
‘In my inauguration speech, I promised a continuous co-ordination of regular citizen satisfaction surveys to measure this government’s impact in improving service delivery,’ said Mchunu.
‘I indicated that citizens would be given the opportunity to express their dissatisfaction and to point out weaknesses and strengths in relation to service delivery. This is what democracy is all about – giving the citizens the platforms and tools to assess the performance of the government they elected.’
Mchunu went on to say that, as shown by the results, the provincial government is making progress in ensuring service delivery but needs to intensify its efforts. Stats SA’s report stated, ‘The results were fairly evenly distributed, with 33% of citizens stating they were satisfied, 31% stating they were somewhat satisfied, and 36% expressing dissatisfaction with the performance of the KZN provincial government.’
The report indicated that results differed markedly between income brackets and education level.
It said those in the highest income bracket were twice as likely to be satisfied as those in the lowest income bracket.
When asked about the overall performance of provincial government, 49% indicated dissatisfaction and only 25% satisfaction.
In uMkhanyakude, Zululand and uThukela districts, a massive 70% were dissatisfied with their local municipalities’ performance, while 60% of Amajuba, uThungulu and eThekwini district residents were satisfied with their local municipalities’ performance.
‘What came out very strongly is the poverty issue, especially in uMsinga and uMkhanyakude. Generally speaking, the survey reveals the drivers of poverty to be unemployment at 35% and years of schooling at 15%,’ concluded the survey.
In response, the Human Resource Development Council, chaired by Mchunu, will focus on ‘scarce skills’, including engineering, science and technology, and accounting.
