For the past two weeks media coverage has focused on the traditional “First 100 Days” of the Government of National Unity. Some publications have published “scorecards” of the various ministers, while others have focused on existing tensions between the ANC and the DA on some issues, such as the mayorship of Tshwane or the BELA Act.
All of this is interesting to read or to listen to pundits speculating on, but there are many more important issues that should be the focus of national attention. It is mostly on these issues that we are focusing our efforts in parliament because success on these will move the needle in terms of economic growth, creating sustainable employment opportunities and service delivery.
The first is the funding of critical state entities and agencies, such as Eskom, South African Airways (SAA) and regional water boards (such as Amathole Water Board or Umgeni Water Board). Water boards supply bulk water to municipalities, who owe them just over R10-billion currently.