Durban - Opposition parties in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature have accused KwaZulu-Natal premier Senzo Mchunu of sugar-coating the harsh realities of the coastal province.
Mchunu delivered his state-of-the-province address at the Royal Showgrounds in Durban on Wednesday.
“This was not a true state-of-the-province address, but just a delivery of manifesto, nothing else,” said Inkatha Freedom Party provincial leader Blessed Gwala.
He cited service delivery protests as an example of frustration among many in the province, and said this was something the premier had not referred to in his report.
Democratic Alliance provincial leader Sizwe Mchunu accused the premier of misleading the province's citizens.
“There is no good story to tell citizens; perhaps among ANC leaders there is one, but certainly not for the province,” he said.
According to the DA leader, the provincial government had failed in its efforts to fight fraud and corruption, curb irresponsible spending and reduce unemployment.
African National Congress provincial secretary Sihle Zikalala refuted the opposition party's claims, and said the premier's address had been a truthful account of the state of the province.
“We believe that it is clear that South Africa and KwaZulu-Natal have undergone changes, and what is important is that the speech, aside from highlighting what has been done, also listed the priorities for the next administration,” he said.
Debate on the state-of-the-province address is set to take place in the legislature on Thursday.
Sapa