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CEO UPDATE
As we navigate through an already very busy year, our focus intensifies on the upcoming elections, happening on 29 May. This will be South Africa's most crucial election since the advent of democracy three decades ago. Millions aspire for this election to herald a new era, recognising the undeniable truth that our national prosperity and potential to be a formidable economic powerhouse on the continent have waned over the past 15 years under the leadership of Jacob Zuma and Cyril Ramaphosa.
The recurring theme has been an inefficient ruling party, marked by poor leadership appointments and decisions that prioritise personal gain over national performance. This is not news to the informed public. The pertinent question now is how to respond as the levels of frustration and hopelessness continue to escalate.
A week or three ago, Minister Godongwana's budget speech painted a picture of a country against the ropes, with a desperate ruling party depleting every available resource. The next administration, if equipped with a vision to reverse the situation, will inherit a deep hole that demands strategic solutions.
We don’t even want to dwell on the lacklustre State of the Nation Address (SONA), an event that has become more and more uninspiring in recent years. SONA fails to offer substantial solutions (or even reflect the real state of our nation). But it definitely highlights the urgent role of civil society in driving interventions that will compel the government to enhance service delivery.
Regardless of the potential scenarios in coalition politics, civil activism's role becomes increasingly pivotal every day. This is particularly true at municipal level, where civil society must engage actively in the maintenance and management of our towns and cities while holding council members accountable.
The City of Johannesburg exemplifies the urgency of the situation. Despite still being South Africa's largest economic hub, the city is experiencing a rapid decline. Infrastructure is collapsing, and administrative shortcomings persist since a fire in September 2023 damaged the city's Braamfontein metro centre and administrative building. OUTA will collaborate with other civil action organisations to address this crisis through a comprehensive, fact-driven approach involving engagement with authorities and potential legal challenges. You can read more about our new JoburgCAN initiative here – please join us in our efforts to turn our city around. Or use the information on how citizens can utilise legal avenues to introduce a process of “co-governance” and citizen led interventions of local governance and spending decisions to tackle your own municipality’s crisis.
The dire state of South Africa’s water and future water security is another very important matter for the OUTA team, and the water warriors at our WaterCAN initiative is busier than ever. Be sure to check out their work here.
In the realm of energy security, the Department of Minerals and Energy's (DMRE) call for public comment on the integrated resource plan (IRP 2023) is a critical step in shaping the country's future energy planning. OUTA, however, noted a lack of clarity and substance in the documents the department provided, prompting a submission urging the department to enhance its professionalism in the process. You can read more about our submission in next month’s newsletter.
OUTA is also actively engaging in a quest for due process to be followed by the national energy regulator (NERSA). Towards the end of December 2023, we submitted a request in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to see the reasons for their approval of the DMRE’s request for proposals (FFP) for a new 2500 MW nuclear energy plant.
On the NSFAS front, OUTA's work on exposing corruption at the entity is continuing - expect more revelations in due course. This despite threats of legal action by NSFAS chairperson, Ernest Khosa, if we don't retract our report on leaked voice recordings implicating him and the Minister of Higher Education, Dr Blade Nzimande, in corruption.
Democracy is under pressure, and as civil activists, we must address the dire situation our nation faces after 30 years of democracy. Free and fair elections are essential, but they alone cannot rectify the high levels of inequality, the extreme poverty millions of South Africans have to endure, and the decline in service delivery across most fronts. Constructive civil interventions and an array of approaches are required to counter the current situation. We are beginning to see increasing activity and constructive ways to address the many problems our country and its people face, especially at local government level, and we urge you to join in the efforts.
We cannot afford to be complacent or adopt a defeatist attitude. We are here, and there is work to be done. Semigration to the Western Cape is not a lasting solution, given the interconnectedness of the entire country. Supporting credible civil society initiatives will have to become our reality, both on national and local level.
On the NSFAS front, OUTA's work on exposing corruption at the entity is continuing - expect more revelations in due course. This despite threats of legal action by NSFAS chairperson, Ernest Khosa, if we don't retract our report on leaked voice recordings implicating him and the Minister of Higher Education, Dr Blade Nzimande, in corruption.
Democracy is under pressure, and as civil activists, we must address the dire situation our nation faces after 30 years of democracy. Free and fair elections are essential, but they alone cannot rectify the high levels of inequality, the extreme poverty millions of South Africans have to endure, and the decline in service delivery across most fronts. Constructive civil interventions and an array of approaches are required to counter the current situation. We are beginning to see increasing activity and constructive ways to address the many problems our country and its people face, especially at local government level, and we urge you to join in the efforts.
We cannot afford to be complacent or adopt a defeatist attitude. We are here, and there is work to be done. Semigration to the Western Cape is not a lasting solution, given the interconnectedness of the entire country. Supporting credible civil society initiatives will have to become our reality, both on national and local level.
As we embark on OUTA’s journey and work in the coming year, we will share more details of our plans and solution-based initiatives to address some of the challenges we face as a nation. Together, let us strive for a South Africa that realises its full potential and stands as a beacon of democracy and prosperity on the African continent.
We once again thank you for your support, and if you don’t know it yet, remember that donating to OUTA is one way to save on your taxes. We will issue you with a Section 18A certificate, allowing you to claim a tax deduction. More on that here.
Please share this newsletter with friends, family, and colleagues. OUTA needs your help in expanding our reach.
Regards,
Wayne and the team