The Northern Cape is in a state of disaster, according to Harold McGluwa MPL, the Provincial Leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA). During debates on the State of the Province Address in the chambers of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature in Kimberley, McGluwa spoke of a number of challenges facing the province, which he believes have resulted in a state of disaster.
McGluwa noted that crime has escalated exponentially and that healthcare accessibility remains poor. He also pointed out that the education system has weakened, roads are falling apart, sewerage and water systems are clogged up, and food security is threatened due to electricity and water shortages. He attributed the collapse of the national power grid to the African National Congress (ANC) and its President, who less than three months ago wanted to throw in the towel.
McGluwa highlighted the fact that the number of people in the Northern Cape who are dependent on social grants has risen by over two hundred thousand in the past two years, to over five hundred and nineteen thousand in September 2022. He also noted that South Africans are now paying R570 more for a basic food basket than they did a year ago.
McGluwa urged the Premier to consider subsidizing direct clean energy access from Independent Power Producers for the agricultural sector in order to mitigate the impact of rolling blackouts and to ensure food security. He also called for assistance to be given to farmers in the Kalahari and surrounding Rietfontein area who was hit by the worst fires last year, and who have now been left with no grazing land.
McGluwa expressed concern over the failure to pay service providers on time in Dawid Kruiper Municipality, resulting in only two out of nine operational refuse trucks. He also noted the lack of theatre nurses at the Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe hospital, leading to backlogs and delays in surgeries.
McGluwa also raised questions about the role of the government during disasters, particularly in areas such as Namaqualand and the Kalahari, where farmers have not received any aid in respect of the last disaster funding model. He noted that the Noenieput School Hostel and the Nico Bekker Hostel in Williston have been subjected to vandalism, whilst the Hantam High School had to close facilities due to possible collapse.
McGluwa also raised questions about the investigations into government employees who hold senior positions without the relevant qualifications, as well as the failure of the province to conduct lifestyle audits. He noted that the Public Service Commission had reported that the Northern Cape had outsourced its lifestyle audits to the police.
McGluwa appealed to the Premier to help take the Northern Cape back from the hands of criminals, noting that while policing is the duty of the South African Police Service (SAPS), safety is the mandate of the provincial government. He urged the Premier to champion safe spaces and help create a secure and crime-free province.