"Not all problems can be blamed on apartheid" Kiviet

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Eastern Cape premier Noxolo Kiviet says not all the problems facing local governments in the province can be blamed on apartheid.

She said while municipalities are still grappling with the legacies of the past, issues like corruption, political in-fighting and misappropriation of money, among other things, cannot be blamed on the past.

Speaking at a Local Governance Forum dialogue in East London on Thursday, Kiviet urged those in local government to arrest what she said were "man-made" challenges that have crept into local government politics.

She said "these challenges are not only in local government but are found in other spheres of government and include among others; instability caused by political tensions; misappropriation of money and related spending challenges; lack of capacity in critical institutional areas; lack of professionalism and corruption."

The premier said "unfortunately these challenges cannot be blamed on apartheid but on selfish, greedy and corrupt individuals who see government as a ticket for accumulating instant wealth."

"Law Enforcement Agencies and the Justice system should take center stage to bring those involved in this practice to book. Time for talking and urging people to stop doing corruption is over now; we must act decisively and make examples about wrong doers," she said.

The premier rounded off her speech by commending the steps taken by the ANC in the province to bring about positive change and stability in Eastern Cape municipalities.