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ACDP MP, Steve Swart, commented on municipal governance during a debate in the National Assembly:

"The ACDP shares the view that the state of service delivery in many municipalities is appalling. As this is where service delivery occurs, there is an urgent need to address this situation.

Minister Shiceka was very frank during his budget vote by saying that "it is a crying shame that after 15 years of democracy parts of our country such as the OR Tambo district, still reflects the legacy of apartheid and the unacceptable face of under-development, poverty and marginalisation."

In commenting on the deplorable state of certain municipalities he stated that "the extent of the breakdown in trust is so grave that it is placing our democratic state at risk."

We have also now seen a number of areas being engulfed by service delivery protests, such as Germiston, Vosloorus, Alberton, Piet Retief, Lydenburg and Balfour - in all 24 which is far too many!

Clearly we in Parliament need to exercise a far greater and more robust oversight function. We also welcome the Minister's commitment to deal effectively and quickly with corrupt officials. There must be greater accountability, discipline and commitment form municipal officials.

Citizens are crying out for better service delivery. Should these issues not be urgently addressed, we will continue to see protests and demonstrations that can indeed place our democratic state at risk".