This is according to the South African Local Government Association (Salga). Addressing the association’s special National Members Assembly, Salga president Thembi Nkadimeng said it is clear that communities across the country are frustrated and angry about the quality of basic services. She said the state of municipalities calls on all spheres of government and all stakeholders to heed the call of residents. 

Coupled with concerns raised by Salga, the National Council of Provinces' (NCOP) Chairperson, Amos Masondo, expressed similar concerns. Masondo said it is extremely concerning that some municipalities emerge from section 139 intervention worse than before. He said it is appalling that some indicate no improvement in terms of governance, financial management, and service delivery. Masondo and Nkadimeng’s statements come amidst growing concerns over the state of North West municipalities with more than half of them still under administration.

The latest Auditor-General report on local government indicates that municipalities in this province remain a great concern with the majority of them still battling to provide services to their residents.

The report has indicated that irregular expenditure, high vacancy rates, and a lack of political leadership are amongst some of the reasons why they are plaguing into a deeper financial rut. This, coupled with their investments in the now liquidated VBS Mutual Bank.

Addressing Salga’s special National Members Assembly, Masondo indicated that the NCOP is reflecting on the application of section 139 of the Constitution across provinces.

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