Municipal Workers' Union Expresses Concern Over Distressed and Dysfunctional Councils

The South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU) has expressed significant concern over the unhealthy state of local councils across the country. A recent Parliamentary inquiry reveals that a startling 89% of local councils are experiencing distress or dysfunction.

Minister Maropene Ramokgopa, in charge of Monitoring, Planning, and Evaluation in the Presidency, responded to questions in the National Assembly. The Minister's reply exposed the harsh reality that out of 257 local councils, 229 (or 89.1%) are currently grappling with distress or dysfunction. Among these, 163 (equivalent to 63%) are distressed, while an additional 66 (25.6%) are dysfunctional.

Papike Mohale, spokesperson for the union, conveyed SAMWU's grave concern over this alarming disclosure. According to him, the situation paints a bleak picture for municipalities, entrusted with the substantial responsibility of delivering essential services to residents. The union, which had previously called for progressive intervention to forestall the collapse of such municipalities, holds that many are already showing evident signs of an impending institutional breakdown.

Mohale went on to discuss the clear signs of distress, which include delayed salary payments to workers, belated payments to third parties, and most importantly, the failure of these municipalities to fulfil their constitutional duties towards the residents. He emphasized that such revelation warranted immediate action and expected comprehensive solutions to this persisting crisis.

The union pointed out that most municipal challenges are primarily financial, caused by insufficient funding and financial mismanagement. SAMWU consistently calls for a thorough re-evaluation of the municipal funding model, which it believes can address these financial hurdles.

Mohale stated that the union was prepared to collaborate with COGTA and SALGA to develop lasting solutions that could rescue the remaining municipalities.