Weakened ANC cited as attributing factor to low satisfaction levels in Gauteng

Political analyst, Goodenough Mashego, says various factors, including the weakening of the ANC over the years, has translated into the dissatisfaction many Gauteng residents feel with the government.

Mashego was reacting to the outcomes of the seventh Quality of Life Survey https://www.gcro.ac.za/, which was released by the Gauteng City-Regional Observatory yesterday.

All in all, 13 795 people across Gauteng were interviewed on various issues, including safety, socio-economic status, and government satisfaction.

Only 22% of the residents expressed satisfaction with the government, which was a 19% drop from the 2009 survey, which had recorded 41% satisfaction levels.

Mashigo attributes the high levels of optimism in 2009 to the hosting of the 2010 Soccer World Cup, which promised to deliver endless job opportunities.

It also came as the world was still recovering from the 2008 global economic meltdown, described by many in the economic sphere as the largest economic downturn since the Great Depression that saw stock markets plummeting, big business bleeding millions and ordinary people losing their jobs and homes.

Mashego says while jobs were created ahead of the world cup in the country, as stadiums and the Gautrain stations were being built, the Zuma administration further tanked the people’s confidence in the ANC, especially in Gauteng.

Mashego says crime and the political instability in the country’s metros has also contributed to the frustration faced by many, as these don’t only affect average South Africans but also investor confidence.

He also points out to the lack of vision by the leaders within the metros to grow investment, saying when political instability is coupled with leaders who have no desire to serve residents, things not only deteriorate but basic investment opportunities are also overlooked.

Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, has meanwhile promised residents that the tide will turn.

Speaking at the Gauteng Local Government Summit at the Misty Hills Hotel, in Muldersdrift, Lesufi described the survey’s findings as a sobering reality.

[WATCH]: “ We have convened you here to turnaround the situation and immediately deal with the challenges faced by our people”. ~Premier @Lesufi. Premier says that municipalities need to ensure they pay their employees, @Eskom_SA, water & render services to residents.#LGTSummit pic.twitter.com/y8bM7spg9V

— Gauteng Provincial Gov (@GautengProvince) October 23, 2024