Ramaphosa concerned about municipal councillors’ literacy levels
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed concern about the number of municipal councillors who cannot read or write.
Ramaphosa was addressing the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Council of Mayors Conference in East London on Thursday.
"One of our MECs was saying that some of our councillors elected in various councils are people who can't read and write. Now that is quite concerning. particularly because we are now in 28 years of democratic government, where education has been made free, where the doors of learning have been opened.
"You have to ensure that suitably qualified and experienced managers are appointed and that there is regular upskilling and training. Municipalities have to make provisions in their budgets for capacity building and development programmes for councillors.
"There must be consequence and accountability management. This must be the hallmark of restoring the credibility of our municipalities."
Last month the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) found that most municipal ward councillors are not skilled in managing council affairs, while others struggle with writing reports and doing presentations.
September 8 marks international literacy day as declared by UNESCO.
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