Speaker, service delivery has unfortunately become a slogan that is used to justify protest around the country by frustrated communities. No matter the context, violent protests occur mainly because of the lack of service delivery that is so prevalent around the country at this time. Some communities have gone so far as to burn down the houses of councillors, throw stones at political leaders and even dump human waste on highways in an effort to draw attention to their plight.
In many cases these protests have been politicised and the voice of those crying to be heard has been lost in the fray. The provision of services is part of government's role to the people, but it seems many government officials make it impossible for our people to receive these services. Some communities have been without water for up to a month because the municipality was unable to service their water bill. We cannot expect people to sit by and not demand services, whether it is for water, electricity or health, while government fails to deal with incompetence. Services must be delivered and there is no legitimate excuse for government's nondelivery. I thank you.