The Democratic Alliance (DA) is demanding an intervention into the financial spiral that a number of our municipalities are in.

During the 2024/2025 audit of local municipalities, the Auditor General reiterated the financial crisis that several of our municipalities are in, as uncertainty was expressed about the ability of eight municipalities to continue to operate. This includes:

1. eMalahleni                                  5. Victor Khanye

2. Govan Mbeki                              6. Thaba Chweu

3. Lekwa                                           7. Mbombela

4. Msukaligwa                                8. Nkomazi

“In the cases of eMalahleni, Govan Mbeki, and Lekwa municipalities, which have been under the financial recovery approach for more than five years, it is clear that this approach is not working, as noted by the AG,” said James Masango- DA Mpumalanga Spokesperson on CoGHSTA, “With one of the core focuses being an improvement in revenue generation, the DA finds it extremely concerning that 74% of billed revenue is deemed irrecoverable.”

Because of this situation, the AG notes that 70% of municipalities in the province ended the year on a deficit of R4.8 billion and a significant portion of their next year’s budget will be used to pay the previous years’ expenses.

Keeping in mind that this financial crisis derailed service delivery in several municipalities, the DA calls on the MEC of CoGHSTA, Speedy Mashilo, to implement a detailed turnaround strategy with clear timelines and the related responsibilities.

“The DA remains committed to ensuring that all residents of Mpumalanga have access to basic services, and we will make all attempts to ensure that the lives of our residents are improved,” said James, “We will not relent until the provincial government comes up with practical and sustainable solutions to this crisis.”