President vows action on water and governance in North West

President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined on Thursday evening a series of national interventions that could have direct impact on the North West province, amid ongoing concerns about service delivery and municipal governance.

“Where municipalities are unable or unwilling to provide basic services, national government will not hesitate to step in, this includes stabilising water infrastructure, enforcing accountability, and ensuring that residents have access to clean and reliable water,” Ramaphosa said during his State of the Nation Address.

While the President highlighted gang violence in Gauteng and illegal mining in the Western Cape, experts say his broader agenda touches North West as well. The province has experienced recurring water shortages and administrative instability in several municipalities.

Ramaphosa announced the formation of a National Water Crisis Committee, which he will personally chair.

 “This committee will ensure coordination between national, provincial, and local authorities, and will monitor municipal compliance. Municipal managers who fail to meet their obligations will face criminal charges,” he said.

On crime, he described organised syndicates as “the most immediate threat to our democracy and economic development.” Although he confirmed the deployment of the South African National Defence Force to support policing in Gauteng and the Western Cape, he added, “Our nationwide crackdown on illegal mining and illicit trade will also affect provinces like North West, which have large mining communities.”

Farmers in North West also stand to be affected. Ramaphosa declared foot-and-mouth disease a national disaster, saying, “We will vaccinate 14 million cattle across the country. This is to protect our farmers and secure the livelihoods of rural communities.”

On employment, he stated, “We will expand public employment programmes to create income opportunities for young people and women across all provinces, including North West.”