North West Province Takes Strides Toward Enhancing Municipal Performance

In a steadfast move to elevate the functioning of municipalities within the North West province, MEC Gaoage Oageng Molapisi, heading the department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), has publicly reinforced the department's determination to enhance the integrity, governance, and fiscal management across municipalities in the region. His pronouncement came alongside the presentation of the Departmental Budget Speech for 2024/2025 at the North West Provincial Legislature, outlining a series of crucial initiatives focused on improving municipal administration and fiscal health.

Among the key highlights, MEC Molapisi revealed that a governmental directive was made last year instructing all municipalities to recruit incumbents for senior management and other crucial vacancies. For the twenty-two municipalities in the province, only two - Madibeng and Lekwa-Teemane - have not completed the appointment of Municipal Managers. MEC Molapisi underscored the urgency of this issue, recognizing its vital role in ensuring effective municipal administration.

Additionally, MEC Molapisi has made ethical governance a primary agenda by rolling out a training programme rooted in the Municipal Integrity Management Framework (MIMF). This framework is a blueprint for high ethical standards, envisioned to restore citizen faith in local government transparency and ethics. The training is extensive, targeting councillors, officials, and community members alike.

Financial obligations to the power utility Eskom have been a significant burden, with North West municipalities cumulatively owing R5.4 billion. In response, COGTA, in collaboration with the Provincial Treasury, has initiated a Debt Relief programme aiding these municipalities towards fulfilling their financial commitments to Eskom. The programme includes notably debt-laden municipalities like Madibeng and Matlosana.

Molapisi announced the implementation of a vigorous monitoring and evaluation system accompanied by revenue enhancement policies to aid in improving the financial stability and revenue collection prowess of municipalities. The interventions are under the microscope to ensure they are effective and have a lasting impact. The commitment extends to offering capacity support to facilitate the accurate preparation of Annual Financial Statements in compliance with the Municipal Financial Management Act (MFMA). Committees such as the Municipal Public Accounts Committees (MPAC) will also receive augmented support to amplify their efficacy.

The roll-out of these programs and policies is more than a makeover for municipal administration; it is a commitment to the province’s principles of accountability and sustainable financial practices. The ambitions of MEC Molapisi signal a profound opportunity to steer the North West municipalities toward transparency, fiscal responsibility, and robust governance.