By David Mc Kay – DA CoGTA Spokesperson in the Free State Legislature
Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by David Mc Kay MPL and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is concerned that the condition of municipalities in the Free State continues to decline. According to a survey conducted by the Democratic Alliance, of the 19 local municipalities in the Free State, four are currently under administration, MPAC committees are non-functional and no less than ten Mayors, three Speakers, and twelve Municipal Managers are either:
- acting,
- suspended,
- illegally appointed,
- in defiance of Provincial CoGTA and /or the Municipal Systems Act,
- under investigation for corruption, maladministration or financial irregularities.
The ANC must stop pandering to the inept cadres it has deployed and instead replace them with competent officials and leaders who are fit for purpose and have the political will to get the job done. Our municipalities require skilled individuals to manage them effectively, and there should be appropriate performance evaluations and accountability measures in place. If our municipalities’ political and administrative leaders fail to deliver results, they must be replaced.
It also appears that the Free State Department of CoGTA struggles to take decisive action and enforce a zero-tolerance stance on non-performance and incompetence. This responsibility has been left to DA councillors, residents, and communities to demand accountability.
There is a strong correlation between cadre deployment, financial instability and poor service delivery. Service delivery will remain a pipe dream without capable leadership and effective revenue collection. The DA will persist in advocating for stricter measures regarding financial monitoring and oversight of municipalities. Furthermore, the DA will continue to pressure the Free State Department of CoGTA to take stronger