The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs has dispatched a team of officials to provide support to Msukaligwa and Govan Mbeki Local Municipalities.
This support follows a decision taken by the Provincial Executive Council after a two-day Provincial Co-ordinating Forum (PCF) meeting that resolved to intervene in the two municipalities. During engagements and deliberation at the PCF meeting, it was evident that there are serious challenges in these municipalities with regards to the areas of finance, administration and service delivery.
The Provincial Government will provide support to these municipalities in terms of Section 154 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 read with Section 105 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No. 32 of 2000) which states among others that
“the national government and provincial governments, by legislative and other measures, must support and strengthen the capacity of municipalities to manage their own affairs, to exercise their powers and to perform their functions”. MEC Simon Skhosana has met the Executive Mayors and Members of Mayoral Committee of the two municipalities to outline the objectives of the intervention.
The teams are tasked to assess the situation and develop turn-around strategies with clear plans of actions to assist these municipalities. Skhosana said there was a need for all spheres of government to demonstrate their commitment towards delivering services to the people.
“Both the political and administrative leadership of the municipality have to work with diligence and display a sense of urgency in delivering services to our people,” said Skhosana. The teams will report on a regular basis to Skhosana.
The teams comprise of financial, technical and governance experts to strengthen the capacity and enhance performance of these municipalities. The Department is confident that the support will help municipalities turn their situation around and continue to deliver quality services.
Skhosana will visit both Msukaligwa and Govan Mbeki Municipalities to introduce the team of Technical and Financial experts that will lead the teams providing support in the municipalities.
