'Skills gaps and political instability’ threaten local govt

Speaking at the Local Government Indaba in Midrand on Thursday, Maluleke said the root of the crisis lies not only in funding or policy but in capability and accountability. 

"We are often asked what we have done to realise this aspiration. 

"Using our extended powers, the AGSA’s material irregularity process has identified over R8.7 billion in financial losses since 2019. Yet only 48% of these cases have been resolved,” she said. 

"Municipalities must be characterised by cultures that foster performance, accountability, transparency and integrity. Without capable, ethical leadership, all resources, plans, and policies fail to translate into outcomes for citizens.”

The Auditor-General stressed that municipalities continue to struggle with leadership and institutional capacity. 

"Fifty municipalities had vacant CFO positions in 2023-24. Two hundred and nineteen municipalities relied on consultants for financial reporting, yet many still submitted poor-quality statements. 

"Audit committees and internal audit units were ineffective in over 80% of municipalities,” Maluleke said.

"Transformation without capability is not enough. We must professionalise local government and ensure that skilled professionals are empowered to lead.”

Maluleke also argued that intergovernmental coordination must be strengthened. "We must move from fragmented planning to one government, one plan, one budget, serving one people. 

"Too often, national and provincial support is reactive rather than proactive, and plans do not align with budgets. Municipalities cannot succeed in isolation,” she said.

Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa also flagged political instability as a major concern, particularly in municipalities governed by coalitions or minority parties. 

"Almost one-third of municipalities now have coalition or minority governments. This has created instability, with many arrangements failing before a full five-year term,” he said. 

He added that the electoral system has yet to achieve gender inclusivity, leaving the majority of ward councillors as men, which has downstream effects on governance and representation.

Both leaders pointed to citizen trust as a critical factor. Hlabisa noted that poor communication and dysfunctional ward committees have left communities feeling unheard and disengaged. 

“Corruption, unethical conduct, and weak accountability mechanisms continue to undermine public trust. Communities must feel that their voices matter and that government delivers,” he said.

Both leaders called for a renewed focus on ethics, accountability, and professionalisation of municipal administration. 

Maluleke urged municipalities to embrace a culture of consequences for wrongdoing and proactive citizen-focused governance. 

“The time for reflection is now. The time for action is overdue. The time for transformation is urgent. Let us rise to the occasion. Let us lead with integrity. Let us govern with purpose,” she said.

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