The announcement of a national cabinet decision to place the metro under national administration came just days after the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) heard from various stakeholders that the provincial administration that was initiated in 2019 was not bearing fruit. 

Also read: #BreakingNews: Mangaung stripped of its powers by national government

The list of challenges is endless – from contracts of senior managers about to expire to the infighting in the council that has reached stalemate proportions.

The NCOP heard how councillors from the same party were working against each other. Contracts of several senior managers in the municipality are about to expire, but no decision has been taken. 

The appointment of a municipal manager or an acting manager has for months made headlines as the municipality flip-flopped over it and has landed up in court. 

The Metro’s electricity company – Centlec – seems to face the same problems and, according to a presentation in front of the NCOP, its board is non-functional. And despite pleas to Mangaung Metro’s council, no helping hand is extended.

OFM News