Is Sihle Zikalala the right person to be the Public Works and Infrastructure Minister in KwaZulu-Natal, which is still reeling from the devastating floods that occurred there last year and caused significant damage to the essential infrastructure of the province?
Sandile Swana, an independent political analyst, claims that Zikalala was “not a top performer” despite the fact that he was embroiled in controversy for admitting to ordering a tanker to deliver water to his personal residence during the KZN state of emergency. A political reward, President Cyril Ramaphosa has lavishly rewarded Sihle with one of the most powerful and senior Cabinet positions. He needs to take advantage of this chance to get his act together.
According to Swana, “The people of KZN have not forgotten his behavior during the floods, when he put himself first and not the people,” which led to a decline in his popularity throughout the province. Zikalala’s position was “clear-cut,” he stated.
“Due to the fact that our foundation is in a difficult situation, the open door is there for him to accomplish something concrete and unmistakable. The question will be whether Ramaphosa and Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana have budgeted for the necessary task. Policy expert Dr. Nkosikhulule Nyembezi stated that escalating corruption scandals and worsening economic issues could divert Zikalala’s attention from service delivery during the upcoming elections.
