By Lekgotla Mokoena
It was a time to reflect and take stock of the efficacy of the municipalities in the Free State as the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) in this province convened its Provincial Members Assembly this week in Parys.
The Provincial Members Assembly is the second highest governance structure after the provincial conference and is convened annually to, amongst others, assess the state of local government and prepare for the National Members Assembly.
The gathering deliberated on various issues affecting the local government sphere in the Free State province ranging financial accountability, filling of vacancies, declining expenditure on grants, compliance and Eskom debts.
Opening the Assembly, SALGA Provincial Chairperson, Cllr Bongani Lawrence Mathae reflected on audit outcomes and appealed for basic financial discipline, filling of vacancies, various trainings that are rolled out, collective bargaining processes, electricity challenges, SALGA IGR participation and issues of economic development, among others.
On the issue of electricity challenges, Mathae said: “Electricity challenges affect the lives of our people and businesses negatively, we appreciate the decision by treasury to write off debt. It is regrettable that some of the municipalities have not taken up on the advantage to write off electricity debt.”
The provincial chair also raised the issue of the safety of councillors as key priority.
SALGA NEC deployee to the Free State, Cllr Samkelo Janda, touched on key policy advances. One such is the structured engagements with the ministry of CoGTA and SALGA presidency, where there is consensus that there need to be more effort in supporting municipalities in terms of section 154. Municipalities are urged to be receptive to support provided.
Morena Neo Mopeli, the Chairperson of the Free State House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders said that their role is to advise government and influence policy. He emphasised the importance of going back to our roots in order to fight social ills. “Collaboration between the House and SALGA is key in serving the people of the Free State” said Mopeli
Also present at the Assembly was the Head Of Department of CoGTA in the Free State, Sugar Ramakarane, who delivered a message on behalf of CoGTA MEC Toto Makume. Of great concern to him were failure to adhere to the submission of Audited Financial Statements deadline of 31 August, poor spending on grants and high vacancy rate in the municipalities. He further encouraged Municipal Managers to ensure that they report any act of corruption and maladministration.
He also emphasised on cleanliness. “Through its Letsema cleaning campaign the provincial government will run a competition for a cleanest town in the province” said Ramakarane,
The South African Council for Graduates presented an award to the SALGA Presidency, Cllr Bheke Stofile. The award was in appreciation for 114 engineering graduates who were placed in municipalities.
Acting Chief Director MFM at the Free State Treasury, Pakiso Lebone, pointed out that several engagements were held with municipalities on Eskom debt. He said that 14 conditions have to be met regarding the writing off of the Eskom Debt.
SALGA Chief Officer for Municipal Capabilities and Governance, Rio Nolutshungu, presented the Review of the Municipal Compensation Benefits Managed Service for Municipal Employees Panel discussions on the day dealt with Municipal Demarcation Process and it’s impact on good governance and financial sustainability for local government, as well as on Municipal Financial Sustainability, with specific focus on review of local government funding framework and the update of municipal legislation for infrastructure finance.
