The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Eastern Cape has raised serious concerns about the province’s economic stagnation, citing poor infrastructure, policy uncertainty, and municipal mismanagement as key barriers to growth.
This comes ahead of Premier Oscar Mabuyane’s State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Friday themed “30 Years: A Commitment of Renewal & Service, the People Shall Govern”.
SOPA is a key government policy pronouncement, offering the Premier the opportunity to address the people on the current state of the province and outline the government's plans and priorities for the upcoming year.
Speaker of the Legislature, Helen Sauls-August (MPL), will preside over the sitting, with approximately 500 guests expected to honour the event, including Kings and Queens, Khoi-San leaders, municipal representatives, and members of the business community.
DA MPL, Dr Vicky Knoetze, said that despite the province’s vast potential, rural economies remain underdeveloped. She said opportunities in agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing are wasted due to poor infrastructure and policy uncertainty.
"If these industries are to thrive, investment and clear policy direction is essential, and we want to get a true sense of that direction in this year's SOPA address," she said.
She added that the new Government of National Unity presents an opportunity to drive much-needed reforms and that the Eastern Cape must take practical steps to address infrastructure backlogs, unlock rural economic potential, and create an investment-friendly environment.
However, she warned that economic growth is impossible without functional local governance.
"Mismanagement at the municipal level has brought service delivery to its knees. Businesses are already struggling due to deteriorating infrastructure, unreliable electricity, and water shortages," she said.
Knoetze further cautioned that without decisive governance reform, companies would be forced to close, and new investment would bypass the province entirely.
She also highlighted major infrastructure failures, specifically pointing to the long-delayed Mzimvubu Dam project.
"For too long, major infrastructure projects like the Mzimvubu Dam have remained nothing more than political promises. Year after year, delays and mismanagement have stalled progress, holding back job creation and agricultural expansion," she stated.
She emphasized that if the government is serious about economic growth, infrastructure development must move beyond rhetoric to implementation.
"The DA will continue to hold government accountable while working to ensure that DA-led economic reforms translate into real opportunities for the people of the Eastern Cape," Knoetze said.
She concluded by saying that the province has been left behind for far too long.
"It is time for action, investment, and growth that delivers tangible results for the people of the Eastern Cape," she said.
