Ramaphosa: Strong municipalities are needed to achieve strong local economies

President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday that strong and robust municipalities have a critical role in driving local economies.

Addressing lawmakers in Cape Town in response to debates on his State-of-the-Nation Address, Ramaphosa reiterated the District Development Model’s role in strengthening local economies and positioning municipalities as centers of growth and improved service delivery.

“Throughout this debate, Premiers have underscored ongoing efforts in our provinces to stimulate economic activity, attract investment, and foster job creation,” Ramaphosa told Members of Parliament (MPs).

“Infrastructure development remains a cornerstone of economic vitality, with noticeable impacts on provincial GDP, local enterprises, and communities.”

Ramaphosa acknowledged substantial infrastructure investments across various provinces, spanning housing, water supply, roads, and other key sectors.

These initiatives not only enhance service delivery but also significantly contribute to job creation, he said.

“The national executive’s visits to provinces have yielded synergistic benefits, enabling the exchange of best practices and support