22 May 2007
The North West provincial government has noted the results of the recent
Markinor survey which rated the North West province the second best performing
province in the country.
In particular, the survey indicates that the North West performed better
than all the nine provinces in the areas of education provision, social service
payments and basic health services. The significance of the survey resides in
the fact that it is the people of the North West themselves who are saying the
provincial government is performing very well.
"The results confirm the reality of delivery in the North West, and the
impact we are making in changing our people's lives for the better. Credit must
go to the army of dedicated and loyal public servants of this province on whose
shoulders lie our dream of translating the goal of a better life for all into
reality," said North West Premier, Edna Molewa.
Molewa noted that despite the province's impressive record of delivery, more
work still needed to be done. It is for this reason that Molewa has, on behalf
of the provincial government, renewed government's pledge to continue working
in partnership with the people to address the remaining challenges so that all
people can taste a better life.
The Markinor results are an independent endorsement of the quality of
service delivery in the province. They stand in stark contrast to the sporadic
violent protest actions by people ostensibly demonstrating against "lack of
service delivery."
The North West provincial government condemns the ongoing mindless violence
and disruptions of service delivery in the affected areas, and calls on all
citizens of goodwill to lend a hand in the task of expanding access to a better
life for all.
The North West provincial government respects the democratic and
constitutional rights of all South Africans to protest and express your views.
However, these should be expressed through peaceful and legitimate
channels.
"We will not achieve the goal of a better life for all in a climate of
instability and anarchy. Those who are instigating these violent and disruptive
protests are not interested in service delivery. They are enemies of
development and service delivery," said the Premier. She warned those who are
involved that the law-enforcement agencies of the state will continue to be
firm and uncompromising in dealing with lawlessness and disruption of service
delivery.
As in the case of Khutsong, we note with concern that those bent on
destroying property and intimidating people are portrayed by the media as
heroes and defenders of democracy. Where is the condemnation of destruction of
property? Where is the moral outrage at the abuse of school children in these
so-called protests? Where is the condemnation of those who are disrupting
service delivery in those areas?
Enquiries:
Cornelius Tanana Monama
Spokesperson: NW Provincial Government
Tel: 018 387 3456
Cell: 082 578 4063
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
22 May 2007
