”But what we’ve seen is that he has not been able to deliver on that promise at all,” Kobe said.
Overall, ActionSA’s evaluation of the government of national unity was scathing, highlighting failures in leadership, public service, the economy, infrastructure, basic services, education, and crime. The party criticized the lack of transparency, excessive spending, and ineffective measures to combat corruption.
The party proposed a leaner cabinet, abolishing deputy minister positions, and reducing ministerial perks to reflect ethical leadership. They also called for greater accountability and transparency in government spending.
The evaluation also highlighted the worsening unemployment rate in South Africa, with over 12 million people currently unemployed or discouraged from seeking work. Economic growth forecasts have also declined under the GNU, with job losses and a stagnant economy.
Trade and transport challenges were also identified as areas of concern, with South Africa’s infrastructure and transport sectors facing widespread problems. Ports such as Durban and Cape Town have fallen in global rankings, impacting the country’s ability to compete on the continent.
Overall, ActionSA’s evaluation paints a grim picture of the government’s performance over the past year, calling for urgent action to address the country’s growing challenges. The state of governance in South Africa has been called into question by various MPs, highlighting the failures in service delivery, education, and crime rates. MP Tebogo Letlape pointed out the loss of 103,000 jobs in the construction industry since the current government took office. He emphasized the importance of proper sanitation as a basic human right, citing examples of sewage leaks in various parts of Johannesburg.
Letlape also criticized the prioritization of lawbreakers by the government, highlighting the challenges faced by those waiting for housing while others jump the queue by building illegally. He noted that hospitals are struggling to accommodate both citizens and foreigners, while municipal services like electricity remain unaffordable for many.
The education system was also under scrutiny, with Chief Whip Lerato Ngobeni revealing a high school dropout rate of only 53.6% of students completing matric. She expressed concern over the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and the rising number of youth not in employment, education, or training.
MP Dereleen James highlighted the dire state of crime in South Africa, with over 5,700 murders recorded in the first quarter of 2025. She lamented the loss of lives in her community, including children brutally killed. James criticized the lack of resources for law enforcement, citing cases where detectives shared cellphones and vehicles were scarce.
The coalition government was criticized for focusing on keeping certain parties out of power rather than delivering on promises made during the election campaign. MP Beaumont stressed the need for the government to govern effectively and deliver on services. She urged for a more coherent direction in governance to address the systemic failures plaguing the country.
Overall, the calls for accountability and effective governance in South Africa are growing louder as MPs highlight the urgent need for improvement in various sectors. The challenges facing the country require a concerted effort from the government to address the issues and deliver on the promises made to the people.
