The team consisting of engineers, town planners, and provincial managers was dispatched to the troubled Maluti-A-Phofung, Mafube, Masilonyana, and Letsemeng Local Municipalities by Minister Zweli Mkhize earlier in August. Following a damning report by the Auditor-General, stating that 113 municipalities countrywide remain dysfunctional while those in the Free State all require urgent intervention, Mkhizwe dispatched groups of engineers to different provinces to help bring stability to municipalities. In an interview with OFM News, head of the provincial department, Mokete Duma, said the technical team is very much helpful, however, is concerned that the municipalities might not be able to employ them on a full-time basis as they are still in a financial rut.

These municipalities are amongst those currently under administration and counted among the top 10 municipalities with high irregular expenditure. They continue to be plagued by high vacancy rates in senior management positions, maladministration, as well as the inability to collect revenue, among other issues.

Municipalities in the province owe water boards and Eskom billions. They collectively currently owe the power utility R7.8 billion. This is the highest amount owed by municipalities countrywide.

OFM News