Issues regarding non-payment of third parties, non-payment of Covid-19 danger allowance, and high rate of vacant key posts are amongst some of the issues sharply raised by Cosatu and Samwu. Cwaile has acknowledged that most municipalities across the province still find themselves in this dire financial situation due to mismanagement, non-compliance to policies, and a lack of consequence management. Whilst there are municipalities such as the Naledi Local Municipality that have indicated improvements, Cwaile has confirmed more still needs to be done to assist the local government.

His statement came amidst growing concerns over the state of municipalities that have been placed under administration, including the Ratlou municipalities, which has recently also been placed under provincial care.

The DA in the province has expressed concern at how a number of municipalities in the province are still plagued with poor service delivery and maladministration.

With cabinet having approved the withdrawal of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team’s involvement in the province as of the end of the financial year, Cwaile has made a commitment to hold regular engagements with the union in order to ensure the smooth running of all 22 municipalities.

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