He spoke at the launch of the latest Quality of Life survey in Sandton on Tuesday.
The survey recorded the lived experiences of 13,795 residents at a ward level, examining progress and development in health, safety, life satisfaction, socio-economic status, service provision, government satisfaction, and participation.
Lesufi emphasised the impact of not paying rates and taxes on municipalities’ ability to deliver services and pay staff.
While admitting that most of the municipalities in the province are in crisis, Lesufi said residents also need to change their approach and attitude to paying for services.
The premier said residents’ attitudes towards government have been largely affected by the terrible state of the local government.
“Local government is the only government closest to the people. If it’s dysfunctional, it affects everyone. If we can’t intervene at that level, it’s going to be very difficult because we need a massive intervention at a local level. Let local government do what local governments must do.”
At the same time, Lesufi touched on the level of crime in the province, citing it is utterly unacceptable and warned that unaddressed crime in Gauteng will have far-reaching consequences nationwide.
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