Note to Broadcasters: Please find the attached soundbite in English by Freddy Sonakile.
The Democratic Alliance has high expectations for Premier Lazarus Mokgosi’s State of the Province Address (SOPA). After years of decline, mismanagement and broken promises, the people of North West need decisive action and measurable delivery.
The DA expects the Premier to address the following urgent priorities:
Declare unemployment a provincial disaster:
The North West has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. We are looking forward to a comprehensive jobs plan from the Premier to revitalise the economy. The DA has previously marched and called for unemployment to be declared a provincial disaster, which would unlock urgent interventions, targeted skills programs, and economic recovery initiatives to restore dignity for our people.
Fix failing municipalities and restore basic services:
Many municipalities in the North West remain dysfunctional, under administration, and unable to deliver water, sanitation, and electricity. The Premier must commit to professional appointments, strict oversight, and consequences for financial misconduct.
Protect infrastructure funding and enforce financial discipline:
Through Provincial Treasury and constitutional oversight powers, the provincial government must ensure that funds meant for water, electricity, and roads are properly managed and not diverted to cover wasteful or irregular expenditure.
Revive the provincial economy and create jobs:
The Premier should propose a solid strategy to boost agriculture, mining, tourism, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) by reducing bureaucratic obstacles, expediting delayed projects, and luring private investment.
Strengthen safety, fight illegal mining, tackle corruption, and contain FMD:
Crime, illegal mining, and corruption continue to undermine growth and public confidence. The DA expects firm action, improved coordination with law enforcement, and accountability for those implicated in wrongdoing. At the same time, urgent steps should be taken to support farmers and contain the FMD outbreak.
These priorities are essential if North West is to escape economic stagnation and institutional collapse.
The DA will continue to hold the ANC-led provincial government accountable and will not allow empty promises to replace real delivery.
The people of the North West deserve leadership that puts service delivery and job creation ahead of political self-interest.