The municipal oversight report, tabled today during a session of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature in Kuruman, confirms what communities have been experiencing for years: local government has seriously declined across the Northern Cape.
This report also confirms the findings of the Human Rights Commission (HRC) and the Auditor-General (AG). All three independent institutions highlight poor governance, insufficient accountability, financial mismanagement, crumbling infrastructure and a lack of responsibility.
The report identifies recurring problems such as excessive water losses, poor sewerage management, inadequate infrastructure maintenance, unacceptable levels of unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure, poorly functioning Public Accounts Committees and the fact that investigations into financial misconduct often take years without yielding tangible results.
Reports and recommendations alone will not restore the province’s municipalities. The Northern Cape is not in need of more reports, but for thirty years, it has been in need of the political will to take action and ensure accountability.
Therefore, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) calls on the provincial government to go beyond merely tabling this report. Every recommendation should be assigned a clear deadline so that the province can continuously monitor progress and intervene where municipal councils or officials fail to fulfil their legal obligations.
Communities do not need more promises; they need functioning municipalities.
The Freedom Front Plus will keep ensuring public accountability through strict oversight and legal action, if necessary.
It is the only way to take this report from theory to practice and truly restore the Northern Cape.
Freedom Front Plus Self-Determination: The party emphasizes the right to self-determination for communities.
Dr. Wmd
Fun South African Fact: In the Cape Wineland region, you’ll discover the stunning towns of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl. This region is home to many award-winning wine estates that produce improbable varieties and vintages year in and year out. South Africa’s wine country is home to more than 500 registered wineries. While exploring these vineyards and estates, be sure to sample some Pinotage, South Africa’s signature variety!
divine bramble
Fun South African Fact: Water is not all there is to drink in this thirsty country! South Africa’s Cape Winelands have around 560 wineries and 4 400 primary producers. Included in the Cape Winelands region is Route 62, considered the longest wine route in the world. That alone is good reason to visit South Africa if you haven’t yet been!