Overview
- Answering questions in the National Council of Provinces on October 14, President Cyril Ramaphosa said 2011–2022 StatsSA data show Cape Town extended refuse removal, piped water, electricity and flush toilets more slowly than the average of other metros.
- He argued that per‑capita infrastructure investment is lower in townships and informal settlements, saying the spending pattern mirrors past racial disparities.
- Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis rejected the assessment and accused Ramaphosa of attempting damage control after earlier remarks praising DA-run municipalities.
- City and DA figures highlighted successive clean audits and a reported R40 billion, three‑year infrastructure plan that they say allocates about 75% to lower‑income households.
- The DA also claimed Cape Town has the lowest unemployment rate among metros, while Ramaphosa maintained that strong audits do not necessarily reflect reduced inequality or improved outcomes.