Irregular expenditure in Northern Cape municipalities has surged to R3.67 billion, according to the latest Auditor-General (AG) report for the 2023/24 financial year. The findings highlight a concerning decline in financial management and service delivery across the province’s municipalities.
Deteriorating Audit Outcomes
The AG’s report shows a regression in financial health, with previously well-performing municipalities like Emthanjeni Local Municipality and Richtersveld Local Municipality—which once held clean audits—now receiving unqualified opinions with findings. This signals a troubling lapse in governance and accountability.
MEC Vows Turnaround Amid Crisis
Despite the grim findings, MEC of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs, Bentley Vass, expressed confidence that the situation can be improved. Speaking at a briefing in Kimberley, Vass acknowledged residents’ frustrations over collapsed municipal services but assured that interventions are underway.
“We are confident as the provincial government, together with national government, that we can change the situation in our municipalities. We have to work together to address these challenges,” Vass said.
Intervention Plans
To combat the crisis, the department has established a dedicated team to tackle financial mismanagement. A key focus is the appointment of qualified personnel to fill critical vacancies.
“There’s a direct correlation with the appointment of competent and highly knowledgeable officials in these positions,” Vass emphasized, referencing high vacancy rates as a major obstacle.
Elections Loom as a Test
With local government elections approaching, pressure is mounting on the department to deliver tangible improvements. The MEC’s optimism will soon face scrutiny as residents demand better services and accountability.
The AG’s report serves as a stark warning, but whether the Northern Cape’s municipalities can reverse their downward trajectory remains to be seen.