Jeremy’s weekly wrap: Delayed and polluted – SA’s systems under strain

Moneyweb@Midday returned this week, and the country’s governance and public service performance was under scrutiny as experts tackled pressing concerns, from crumbling transport infrastructure and weak prosecutorial capacity to environmental health threats and urgent calls for institutional reform.

The conversations highlighted a common theme: when foundational systems falter, they ripple across society, the economy, and confidence in leadership. Whether it be operational failures at the country’s busiest airport, dissecting prosecutorial challenges, or exposing the public health risk of untreated sewage, the conversations underscored why South Africans are watching these issues closely.

In a revealing conversation about air travel disruptions, SA Flyer magazine editor Guy Leitch examined recent flight delays at OR Tambo International Airport that laid bare deeper cracks in South Africa’s aviation system. Leitch explained that chronic shortages of air traffic controllers and procedural breakdowns pushed operations to the brink, causing widespread delays and undermining confidence in the system’s ability to manage peak demand efficiently.

His analysis highlighted not just a short-term glitch, but structural challenges in retaining skills and sustaining reliable air traffic services.

You can also listen to this podcast on iono.fm here.

The justice system took centre stage in two key interviews focused on the National Prosecuting Authority. Lawson Naidoo, executive secretary of the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution, spoke about Advocate Andy Mothibi’s appointment as the new National Director of Public Prosecutions and what it could mean for restoring public trust in prosecutions.

Naidoo noted the complexity of the organisation, and the leadership experience Mothibi brings, while also pointing to broader systemic hurdles the institution must overcome.

You can also listen to this podcast on iono.fm here.

Against that backdrop, Busisiwe Mavuso, CEO of Business Leadership South Africa, echoed the need for institutional reform, welcoming Mothibi’s skillset but stressing that without structural changes,  particularly greater independence from political influence, the NPA will struggle to prosecute corruption and deliver accountability.

Her remarks reflected a broader business and civil society push for deeper governance reforms to strengthen law enforcement.

You can also listen to this podcast on iono.fm here.

Turning from law and transport to environmental and public health concerns, Professor Leslie Petrik of the University of the Western Cape outlined the mounting Cape Town sewage crisis. Petrik discussed how inadequate wastewater infrastructure has led to untreated sewage being pumped into coastal waters, posing serious health risks, and degrading marine environments. With estimated costs of over R12 billion needed for infrastructure overhaul, her interview was a stark reminder of the costly consequences of neglected public services.

You can also listen to this podcast on iono.fm here.

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