Ramaphosa addresses service delivery and fiscal stability in South Africa

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has addressed both local service delivery challenges and national fiscal progress. During a visit to Mangaung ahead of the November 2026 local government elections, Ramaphosa noted improvements in cleanliness and service delivery but acknowledged persistent issues. He specifically addressed the ongoing problem of pit latrine toilets, stating it is “disheartening” that the issue remains because funds allocated to the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality were returned due to mismanagement.

Mangaung continues to face infrastructure backlogs estimated at over R4 billion, including water shortages, sewage spillages, and deteriorating roads. The City Manager noted that while work is underway, sewage issues in informal settlements like Freedom Square may persist due to the scale of the backlog.

On a national level, Ramaphosa highlighted that South Africa’s improving public finances must translate into tangible benefits for citizens, such as employment and better living conditions. He noted that public debt has stabilized and begun to decline for the first time in nearly two decades. He also cited the maintenance of a primary budget surplus since 2023, the end of load shedding, and the country’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list as key factors strengthening economic confidence.