MEC Gadija Brown’s budget comes amidst news that several municipalities in the province continuously fail to honour their debts, running into millions owed to service providers such as BloemWater, and also failing to pay workers' pension fund contributions.

Brown is expected to give thorough details on the financial outlook of various departments and troubled municipalities among others. Her budget will be in the spotlight, since the national treasury department is expected to distribute the national equitable share to various municipalities across the country around December.

Meanwhile North West Finance MEC Motlalepula Rosho will also table that province’s Adjustment Budget on November 30. Her Adjustment Budget likely garner similar interest as many municipalities face similar challenges as in the Free State.

The North West Treasury in August this year held a webinar on the use of consultants in municipalities. Rosho said there was a high need to work on measures to improve the financial health of municipalities.

OFM News