If Jacob Zuma was a dictator, this is how he would run things:- Laziness would be a thing of the past;
- Idle youth would be put to work; and
- No more freebies.
Addressing delegates of the SA Local Government Association in Johannesburg yesterday, Zuma said a creeping laziness had entered South African society because "we are free" of white rule.
Zuma said he would relish a chance to rule for an extra year with absolute authority to make South Africans more productive.
"Sometimes I worry when people demand things for free, even things they can do for themselves.
"If I was a dictator, I would change a few things ...but this is a democratic country."
Zuma told a story from his time in exile in an unnamed African country.
He said he could not help but notice that the workers were going about their duties without any urgency.
When he asked why, Zuma said he was told that workers no longer saw it as necessary to work faster or harder because they were free of the white man.
Zuma said he had grown weary of youths asking for government handouts, saying they should build their own homes and acquire employable skills.
Last year, Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said her department would no longer provide state-subsidised houses to people under the age of 40.
Zuma also called on municipalities to hire competent staff.
"There should be no compromise in ensuring that officials have the necessary qualifications."
The president also queried the use of consultants, who cost the government more than R30-billion in the 2013/14 financial year.
He said: "If those of us who are employed to do work with specific skills now use consultants, what then are we employed to do?"
Zuma also spoke out against municipal officials who hired family and friends with no skills.
"Don't employ people because you feel for them or they are your friend or cousin. Employ people to do work," said Zuma.
- Timeslive
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