The GOOD Party and ActionSA have criticised the Democratic Alliance (DA)-led City of Cape Town following findings by the Public Protector that highlighted shortcomings in the provision of basic services in some of the city’s townships.
The criticism comes after the Public Protector found evidence of maladministration and inadequate service delivery in parts of Cape Town, raising concerns over unequal access to municipal services in historically disadvantaged communities.
The Public Protector found that the City of Cape Town failed to meet its constitutional and statutory obligations in several township communities, with the investigation identifying improper conduct, maladministration and prejudice to residents. The report cited inadequate access to basic services, including water and electricity in parts of Khayelitsha, while residents of Langa Flats were found to have been paying rent without formal lease agreements, undermining their security of tenure. It also highlighted deteriorating infrastructure, unresolved sewer blockages, illegal dumping, poor maintenance of municipal housing, and safety shortcomings at public clinics, including the absence of smoke detectors and CCTV systems. The Public Protector concluded that while challenges such as budget constraints, ageing infrastructure and rapid urbanisation exist, they do not absolve the City of its constitutional responsibility to provide equitable and reliable basic services to all residents.
The GOOD Party said the findings confirmed longstanding concerns about disparities in service delivery between affluent suburbs and township communities.
“The Public Protector’s findings validate what residents have been saying for years – that many township communities continue to face unacceptable living conditions while waiting for the same standard of service enjoyed elsewhere in the city,” the party said.
GOOD called on the City of Cape Town to urgently implement the Public Protector’s remedial recommendations and ensure equitable allocation of municipal resources.
ActionSA also condemned the DA-led administration, saying the report exposed failures in governance and accountability.
“The findings demonstrate that no municipality should be exempt from scrutiny. Residents deserve equal access to basic services regardless of where they live, and the City must urgently address the deficiencies identified by the Public Protector,” ActionSA said.
The party urged the City to provide clear timelines for implementing corrective measures and improving service delivery in affected communities.
The Public Protector’s report follows complaints relating to municipal service delivery, infrastructure maintenance and living conditions in several township areas. The investigation made recommendations aimed at improving governance, strengthening oversight and ensuring compliance with constitutional obligations.
In response, the City of Cape Town said it would study the findings and recommendations contained in the report and respond through the appropriate legal and administrative processes. The City maintained that it remains committed to improving service delivery across all communities and investing in infrastructure in underserved areas.
The Public Protector’s findings have reignited debate over service delivery, inequality and the allocation of municipal resources in South Africa’s metropolitan municipalities, with political parties calling for greater accountability and faster implementation of remedial measures.
