The ANC government's propaganda is rarely matched by service delivery on the ground but the balance sheet in your district is especially disconcerting.

As you are about to endure another parliamentary road show filled with the ruling party's self-congratulation and fresh promises, we in the IFP can be relied on to bring up some inconvenient home truths.

The collapse of Newcastle's coal mining industry and the difficult times of Iscor Works were never countered with an honest assessment by the post-apartheid Department of Minerals and Energy, which has gone out of its way to nurture false hopes of revival, instead of focusing on diversification of the local economy towards tourism and services.

Another glaring example of the government's failure to deliver on its promises is the story of Uthukela Water. The IFP has been deeply concerned about the reported inefficiencies, irregularities and financial mismanagement within this utility company which was established to consolidate and facilitate the efficient and cost-effective delivery of water to consumers within their jurisdiction.

The continued inability of Uthukela Water to resolve its management and internal capacity problems is leaving consumers high and dry and inconveniencing commercial entities such as farmers and businesses.

Similarly, the idea behind the multiple-tier government which we have in this country is close co-operation between its constituent parts. Sadly, this has not always been the case since 2004, when the ANC-led provincial government embarked on a mission to undermine the service delivery capacity of a number of IFP-controlled local municipalities, including some under the umbrella of this district. The constant meddling of the provincial government has hampered rather than aided service delivery.

The IFP is urging those of you who have been affected by the failures of the ANC government to create jobs and deliver basic services, to confront those responsible while Parliament is present in Amajuba this week.

Dr Lionel Mtshali
Leader of the Official Opposition

Contact: Dr Lionel Mtshali, 083 256 4902