Select committee on cooperative governance and public administration (traditional affairs, human settlements and water and sanitation) chairperson Mxolisi Kaunda strongly condemned the continued failures at the Reitz-based local authority, which have resulted in the municipality failing to provide safe, drinkable water to its residents, particularly vulnerable communities.

“These positions are central to governance and financial oversight. This level of instability inevitably undermines accountability and effective administration.

“Financial management remains a major concern, with the municipality having received disclaimer audit opinions for seven consecutive years. The committee has instructed the municipal public accounts committee to urgently investigate financial misconduct, including double payments, irregular procurement processes and other forms of maladministration.”

‘This level of instability inevitably undermines accountability 
and effective administration’

Kaunda criticised the non-functionality of the executive committee, which has not been convening, effectively paralysing decision-making and oversight.

“The absence of a functioning executive committee renders the municipality practically dysfunctional and incapable of providing leadership. Equally troubling is the collapse of council operations, with repeated walkouts, failure to reach quorum, and councillors neglecting their responsibilities without accountability.

“The committee has called on political parties to enforce discipline and ensure that councillors fulfil their obligations to residents,” he said.

The provision of clean water and adequate sanitation is a basic constitutional right,” he said. “Subjecting communities to unsafe and contaminated water is not only unacceptable, but also a direct violation of their fundamental rights.”

It’s understood the ailing municipality delayed its response to findings by the South African Human Rights Commission, which had identified gross violations of residents’ rights to access basic services. Despite being given three months to submit a remedial plan following the report’s release on 19 November 2024, the municipality only adopted its response more than a year later.

“This inordinate delay reflects a culture of indifference and a lack of urgency that continues to cripple service delivery. Such nonchalance is enabled by the absence of consequence management against officials who either fail to perform their duties or act in contravention of the law,” he added.

Nketoana reportedly owes Eskom approximately R1bn, a liability that has already hindered potential economic investment and job creation in the area. At the same time, increasing non-payment by ratepayers continues to strain municipal cash flow.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

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