South Africa: Lack of Political Leadership Behind the Deterioration of Local Authorities

Jihane
Jihane
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South Africa’s Auditor General, Tsakani Maluleke, told Parliament’s Standing Committee on General Audit on Thursday that the deteriorating financial situation of South African local authorities and municipalities was basically due to a lack of political leadership.

Ms. Maluleke explained, “Only 38 of the 257 South African municipalities have carried out a clean audit during the 2021/2022 financial year”.

Ms. Maluleke pointed out that the situation of local governments had deteriorated in all areas, noting that there had been a drop in audits, but an increase in irregular expenditure of up to 30 billion rands in the last financial year.

Ms. Maluleke also noted that the instability and lack of skills of local councils hurt financial results, warning that almost 50% of municipalities could not publish financial statements.

Ms Maluleke pointed out that the lack of skills had resulted in 220 councils making extensive use of consultants, for R1.6 billion.

Finally, she warned that “the deterioration of local government public institutions continues throughout the country and requires urgent attention”, noting that poor financial management of municipal infrastructure hurts service delivery and causes harm to the public.

Jihan Rmili

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