Zuma cites cost of apartheid

The ghost of apartheid still looms large over the lives of many South Africans.

This is according to President Jacob Zuma, who is currently addressing the National Members Assembly of the SA Local Government Association (Salga) in Midrand, north of Johannesburg.

Zuma said, while there was much to celebrate in local government, the long-lasting effect of apartheid meant, for some in the country, there was little change to see.

"The human cost and social cost of apartheid are still firmly with us," he said.

Earlier today, local government officials insisted there was a "good story to tell".

This message, made famous during the ANC's 2014 election campaign, looks set to feature as South Africa heads towards municipal elections in 2016.

The SA Local Government Association (Salga) - meeting on the first day of its National Members Assembly in Midrand - highlighted that municipalities had electrified 7 million more homes, provided water to a further 3 million and built nearly 2.8 million homes as at the end of 2013.