Only politicians can deal with political interference in municipalities: Masondo
Municipal officials need to be held accountable for poor financial management and decision-making, believes Deputy Finance Minister David Masondo.
Masondo took part in the National Council of Provinces' (NCOP) local government week virtual sitting on Tuesday.
He told MPs that any for local government turnaround will need sound financial management decisions, including the hiring of qualified officials to ensure improved service delivery.
He further told the members that political interference in municipalities has been described as 'huge problem' in local government.
"The lack of consequence management to deal with corruption in the past has created a precedent in the system. In many municipalities, the boundary between the political oversight and the administrative sphere has completely broken down.
"In many instances, politicians are becoming increasingly involved the affairs of municipalities, particularly the awarding of tenders," said Masondo.
He added that political interference can only be addressed by politicians since it is out of the hands of administrative officials in municipalities.
Listen to Masondo below: