Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged councillors in municipalities around the country to work hard in providing services as they are part of the tier of government that is closest to the people.

Speaking at the SA Local Government Association Conference in Sandton‚ Ramaphosa said local government was closer to people‚ their challenges and their dreams.

“Many of you being fresh in office‚ you are a new cohort of leaders that are required to serve the people of our country selflessly with distinction. They have elected you because they have confidence that you will use the assets and prioritise matters of development and represent their interest‚ and not any other interest‚” Ramaphosa said.

He said local government can only be said to be working for the people when citizens enjoy basic services.

“They[citizens] will know this when they see remote villages electrified‚ street tarred‚ homes connected to running water. They will know that local government is working for them when their children are fed and have access to early child development‚” Ramaphosa said.

He said local government is also working for people when citizens participate in their communities and local government budgetary processes.

–TMG Digital