A test for the President's leadership quality, or an ultimate blow to his credibility?

UASA welcomes Pres Jacob Zuma’s promise to push ahead with local government and service delivery reforms, particularly regarding the appointment of only qualified and skilled staff to key posts in municipalities.

Zuma said in Pretoria yesterday [27 April] the government would ensure only qualified and skilled staff were appointed to key posts in municipalities and that tender and procurement systems and financial management and accountability were enhanced.

Perhaps this will be a test for the leadership quality of Zuma.

He promised better service delivery at local government level where municipalities often fail to provide basic services like water, sanitation and electricity to communities and where incompetent municipal officials are clearly not up to the task.

If he can stand firm and push ahead with this promise, the lives of the poorest of the poor will be improved, which will go a long way to restore faith in the government of the day.

The flip side of the coin is equally true. If he does not push through and bows under the pressure of disgruntled groupings opposed to the reform, it will be a major blow to the credibility of statements and promises made.

UASA sincerely hopes Zuma’s words are not just pre-election promises to secure votes for the ruling party.