Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola has acknowledged that service delivery is a significant issue in South Africa, describing it as a “reality” for the nation, particularly after municipal workers were observed cutting trees and trimming grass along the roads leading to the G20 meeting venue.
Lamola made the admission during a media briefing on the final day of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting, which was held at the Nasrec Expo Centre, in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
On the first day of the meeting, IOL News observed City of Johannesburg municipal workers, wearing orange uniforms cutting trees and trimming overgrown grass along the roads leading to the venue.
This raised questions on whether the work was done to impress foreign ministers attending the event.
In addition, there was also increased police visibility at intersections leading to the venue.
While some traffic lights were not working, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers were seen monitoring the traffic congestion caused by non-operational traffic lights.
The City has long been criticised for its poor service delivery, a problem that has raised concerns for years. Despite the ongoing challenges, little effective action has been taken to address the issue.
Johannesburg is often referred to as one of the worst cities in South Africa in addressing service delivery challenges.
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Lamola acknowledged that the challenges are not limited to Johannesburg, calling them a “reality” for South Africa as a whole.
He defended the city, saying that the metro continues to address service delivery issues.
“We engaged with the host city and the province, and this is not an exception for Gauteng,” Lamola said.
“We appreciate the hospitality shown to South Africa by the City of Johannesburg and Gauteng province.”
Lamola also expressed confidence that the metro is making progress in addressing service delivery issues, including roads, poor infrastructure, and water services.
“We know that the City is committed to attending to the service delivery challenges that are facing the municipality.”
He added that thorough intergovernmental platforms would allow the public to be informed about the progress made in tackling the challenges.
“There is a commitment to address those challenges, particularly when the country hosts events,” Lamola added.
“These issues must be resolved to ensure that all the venues are hospitable for our guests.”
Despite the challenges, Lamola said that foreign ministers from other countries expressed gratitude for the hospitality and accommodation during the meeting.
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