Deputy President Paul Mashatile has unveiled a stark reality facing local government during his oral reply to a question-and-answer session in the National Assembly on Friday.
Sixty-six out of 257 municipalities in the country are currently grappling with dysfunctionality.
MPs heard that these municipalities are anguished by issues ranging from poor governance to inadequate service delivery.
The deputy president said the apparent issue has prompted the government to pledge immediate support to alleviate the struggles.
Mashatile said the government has undertaken outreach programmes in various provinces including the North West, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal with the aim to identify areas where improvements could be made to coordinate service delivery.
He assured MPs that plans are underway to facilitate improved delivery of projects, highlighting the establishment of a management initiative.
The initiative, result management office, according to Mashatile, is set to ensure municipalities improve service delivery with support and capacity building from the national government’s war room.
He said it would also device integrated service delivery, connecting with communities.
The national government’s intervention, said Mashatile, should not be seen as meddling. He said the government does not intend to take over the affairs of municipalities but rather to strengthen their capabilities.
He further underscored the significance of the national government collaborating with municipalities, stating that it is crucial for combating the rampant issues of inadequate service delivery.
“We aim to create resilient, sustainable, and cohesive communities where municipalities serve as catalysts and enablers of development,” he said.
“The national government, in collaboration with provincial government, will continue to strengthen the capabilities of municipalities in managing their own affairs because we don’t want to take over.
“We want to help them manage their own affairs and carry out their functions.”
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