Zimpapers Logo

JOHANNESBURG. – Ongoing service delivery protests around the country are not a result of poor funding from government but local authorities’ slow pace of disbursing funds, a cabinet minister has said. In an interview with CAJ News on the sidelines of the one-day Progressive Business Forum at Gallagher Estate, north of Johannesburg, yesterady, Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Solomon Tsenoli said the onus was with the local authorities to increase their pace in addressing poverty and inequality through funds government made available to them.

“The government has set aside R850 billion for infrastructure development but the main problem is the slow pace of development.
“This has angered our people. The protests that we see in townships are caused by anxiety for increased pace in service delivery. We have the resources, but the implementation pace is the cause of concern,” Tsenoli said.

He said recent nationwide protests on housing, electricity, water shortage and increasing unemployment could only be averted resolved if government and the business community worked together.

Tsenoli said the country has mooted new practical strategies in reducing poverty and creating jobs through infrastructure development.
He earmarked the establishment of Information Communication Technologies centres and affordable transportation as other means of address poverty.

Speaking at the same event, the Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Councillor Parks Tau, said population migration from rural areas into urban areas, mainly Johannesburg was overwhelming.

He said population growth, inequalities and unemployment were causing the fight for resources as witnessed by recent attacks on foreign nationals.
“South Africa is an unequal society, so Johannesburg is the most unequal city in the entire world,” he said.

He said the Johannesburg metropolitan made significant progress in of the growing population pressure.
“Just 10 years ago, the Johannesburg population grew by 1,2 million. It is likely to increase by four million in the next four years,” Tau said
Meanwhile, the new BlackBerry 9720 smartphone is now available in South Africa. The company’s latest Curve series is available from Vodacom and is expected to be available from other authorised carriers and retailers in South Africa in the first week of September.
Prices and availability will vary depending on the carrier.

According to the smartphone maker, the gadget is designed for a premium look.
“The new BlackBerry 9720 smartphone takes everything you would get from a feature phone, a starter smartphone or existing BlackBerry Curve smartphone to the next level, and comes packed with all of your favourite social apps to let you spark the conversation,” reads the statement made available to CAJ News.

The smartphone features a spacious BlackBerry Keyboard with distinct keys for optimal typing, a 2,8” touch screen and trackpad for easy navigation.

It also offers generous battery life, and numerous enhancements including BlackBerry 7 Operating System, the popular BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) and built-in FM Radio including other features. – CAJ News social apps to let you spark the conversation,” reads the statement made available to CAJ News.

The smartphone features a spacious BlackBerry Keyboard with distinct keys for optimal typing, a 2.8” touch screen and trackpad for easy navigation.

It also offers generous battery life, and numerous enhancements including BlackBerry 7 Operating System, the popular BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) and built-in FM Radio including other features. – CAJ News.