The Department’s Khensani Makaneta says municipalities must implement consultancy reduction plans in alignment with cost containment regulations. Makaneta’s statement comes as municipalities in the North West were heavily criticised for millions they continue pumping into the use of consultants without any improvements. 

During a webinar held on Tuesday, the office of the Auditor-General highlighted that 100% of municipalities in the province are making use of consultants, yet they are in financial disarray with over half of them still failing to submit financial statements. It is revealed that millions are pumped into consultants, despite municipalities having employees paid to perform the same functions.

OFM News has reported that all 22 municipalities in the province are making use of consultants and have spent a total of R277,7 million in the 2019/20 financial year alone.

Acting AG Head in the province Mthokozisi Sibisi says this is money that could have been used towards service delivery and the filling of critical vacancies.

In his presentation, Sibisi says their findings into North West municipalities indicate that there is neglect of internal control disciplines, resulting in financial and operational collapse, weakened governance, and a lack of accountability.

He says not much has improved in the past four financial years, despite 100% of municipalities making use of consultants.

OFM News