In a parliamentary response on September 13, Velenkosini Hlabisa, the minister of co-operative governance and traditional affairs, identified Thaba Chweu Local Municipality (TCLM) as one of 66 ‘distressed’ municipalities nationwide.
This due to TCLM’s ongoing struggles with service delivery and its operational dysfunction.
The classification comes amid growing concerns about the state of local governance in South Africa.
TCLM has faced numerous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, inconsistent waste management, unreliable water supply and up until recently, an electricity crisis on account of its R1b Eskom debt.
Residents have voiced their frustrations over the municipality’s inability to provide basic services, which has led to protests and calls for accountability in the past.
A dysfunctional municipality is classified by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) as grossly underperforming in terms of governance, financial management and service delivery.
According to Cogta, the reasons for municipalities’ dysfunction include instability in councils and poor oversight, weak administration, the inability to perform on conditional grants, poor repairs and maintenance of infrastructure or a lack thereof, and poor collection and management of revenue.
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Hlabisa’s response indicated that TCLM, along with the other distressed municipalities, will be prioritised for intervention programmes aimed at restoring functionality.
The government has pledged to provide resources and support to address the systemic issues plaguing these municipalities.
As the national government moves to tackle these challenges, the spotlight remains on TCLM to demonstrate progress in revitalising service delivery and restoring public trust.
