The state of municipalities in the Free State, Northern Cape, North West and other provinces is expected to be amongst the concerns raised by the NCOP, following their week-long visit to various provinces last week. Concluding their visit last Friday, the NCOP has drawn attention to how municipalities across the country are still financially distressed - with many still battling to provide adequate services to residents.

OFM News last week reported on how the NCOP raised concerns over North West municipalities, stating that many of them are still faced with financial mismanagement, lack of political leadership, and high vacancy rates, among other issues.

This is exacerbated by the R314 million loss they incurred when they invested with the now liquidated VBS Mutual Bank.

The administrator of Madibeng Local Municipality, John Motlogelwa; and Mayor of Mahikeng, Betty Diakanyo, both confirmed the financial rut experienced in their respective municipalities before the NCOP, stating that they indeed need urgent intervention from the government.

Whilst NCOP members bemoaned irregular expenditure and incomplete projects, coupled with adverse audit reports by Northern Cape municipalities, those in the Free State expressed great concern at escalating Eskom and water board debts.

Free State municipalities collectively owe Eskom over R12 billion - making it the province with the highest debt and one with the highest number of defaulting municipalities.

Accountability over Covid-19 funds allocated to various municipalities countrywide is amongst some of the questions expected to be posed to Mabuza by the Council.

OFM News