Last week, all eyes were on Minister for Finance Neal Rijkenberg as he was delivering the 2026/27 National Budget Speech. The moment that always carries the weight of hope, concern and much expectation had finally arrived. The national budget is a reflection of priorities, a signal of the country’s direction and a promise of how government intends to responds to the everyday realities faced by the citizens. With bated breath, many people across the country waited to hear whether the new financial plan would bring relief and opportunities, especially job creation. From students and civil servants to unemployed citizens, they looked forward to the budget speech with regard to meaningful progress in a time when the cost of living continues to affect many households.
The minister has tabled a E36.92 billion National Budget for the 2026/27 financial year, the spotlight now shifts to Members of Parliament. They have the privilege to scrutinise these allocations, debate priorities and ensure that public funds, debate priorities and ensure that public funds serves public interests in constituencies. The public has entrusted their MPs with more than just seats in Parliament, they have entrusted them with their daily struggles, hopes and development needs. When people cast their votes, they do so with high expectations that their representatives will be their voice in Parliament and with the hope that the issues affecting their communities are heard and addressed. From roads and healthcare to education and rural development, the public expects their representatives to move beyond silence and truly represent the people who placed their trust in them.
Today’s case will focus on the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport’s ongoing projects are plausible and show true determination in ensuring safe national road networks. However, while the ministry is mandated to construct and maintain the country’s road infrastructure, the poor state of many roads has raised serious concerns. In rural communities, roads are narrow, damaged and this mirrors poor maintenance.
The city roads have quite noticeable potholes, increasing the risks of accidents, particularly for children in transit vehicles that use these routes daily. During rainy seasons, muddy roads in rural communities make daily commuting dangerous for public transport. These conditions not only delay school transport, but also expose commuters to harm when vehicles break down or become stranded. It is, therefore, a respectful plea to the ministry to also extend the same attention to rural roads so that the benefits can be felt equally by the nation.
Honestly, roads are more than just long pieces of road made of gravel or tar; they are a lifeline that connects communities to opportunities and essential services. They link un-well people to the nearest clinics, and allow children to travel safely to school. Government has shown tremendous efforts in improving infrastructure; it is important that this progress also reaches rural areas. It is a gentle, but important reminder to the ministry that many residents in these communities depend on the very same roads that are worn out.
The people seems to have lost faith in the very same MPs they elected, hence the representatives should try to rebuild the trust. In a nutshell, development is attained through dialogue and inclusion, which is where the ball should start rolling. Fixing the broken relationship is not about fixing the roads only, but also about how the Ministry of Public Works and Transport show up and listen. When the public participates in issues that affect them, it gives them a sense of hope and makes them more likely to trust the representatives. The MPs should not make their communities feel neglected.
To many, Members of Parliament are seen as a bridge between the daily struggles and national decisions.
As much as the MPs should focus on debating and approving budgets in Parliament, they must maintain a close and trusting relationship with the public. This enforces accountability because it creates a direct line of responsibility for transparency. When MPs regularly engage with constituencies, they see how decisions are made and which projects are funded.
As mentioned earlier, there are ongoing projects under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport; these projects need to be well-maintained in order to remain in good condition. Effective follow-up would reinforce trust between the ministry and the public, especially the rural; road projects should not be a once-off intervention but a consistent show-up.
Communities have entrusted their MPs with their well-being, hence they should bring their promises to life. Minister Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, the ministry has been working tirelessly ensuring national road safety, a commitment that deserves recognition and applause; it would be wonderful for rural communities to experience the same level of dedication. Respectfully, let the promises on paper translate into action on the ground so that rural and urban communities feel heard and recognised. For more comments; mkhabelanamhla@gmail.com
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