During a virtual keynote address on Thursday, Ramaphosa expressed concern at the state of municipalities and how they have left communities without basic services. He further acknowledged that the Covid-19 pandemic has worsened the situation. Ramaphosa's statement comes just weeks after OFM News reported on how the NCOP delegate from parliament has expressed concern at the state of municipalities in the Free State, North West, and other provinces.

This, after their week-long visit to various provinces - where several financially distressed municipalities tabled their reports.

Members of the council last month heard how municipalities in the two provinces and countrywide are still struggling to provide services to residents. They expressed concern at how the North West is still faced with financial mismanagement, lack of political leadership, and high vacancy rates, among other issues. This is exacerbated by the R314 million loss they incurred when they invested with the now liquidated VBS Mutual Bank.

Whilst NCOP members bemoaned irregular expenditure and incomplete projects, coupled with adverse audit reports by Northern Cape municipalities, those in the Free State expressed great concern at escalating Eskom and water board debts.

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa has called on them to improve their financial outlook and audit outcomes.

OFM News