Riyaz Patel
The ANC in Gauteng is meeting to discuss and strategise over what it describes as the deteriorating state of local government.
Last week, Cooperative Governance MEC, Lebogang Maile, raised concerns over the risk of nine of Gauteng’s 11 municipalities possibly becoming dysfunctional.
He also said a committee had been set up to investigate allegations of fraud, maladministration, and corruption in Gauteng municipalities.
The ANC in Gauteng has identified fraud, corruption, poor financial management and backlogs in service delivery as key issues plaguing municipalities.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura, who is also Provincial Chairperson of the ANC in Gauteng, issued a stern call to action while opening proceedings, saying people are becoming impatient. “19 years since the introduction of local government and still 19 years later there fundamental views which we need to confront.”
He added that the ANC will not tolerate officials who adopt a go-it-alone approach. “Mismanagement must lead to consequences even if it is a Gauteng ANC led government.”
“We have to confront the reality that poor performance must be punishable.”
Makhura said, “Local government in Gauteng has had it too nice. We are going to crack the whip,” Makhura emphasized.
