Municipal Failures Demand Urgent Reform, Says COGTA Chair Amid Disappointing Audit Outcomes
Cape Town, 9 June 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr. Zweli Mkhize, has expressed deep concern over the state of local governance, following the release of the 2023/24 municipal audit outcomes by the Auditor-General. Mkhize described the findings as a “mirror” of systemic governance failures and a call for urgent, coordinated intervention.
According to the audit report, 59% of municipal financial statements contained material misstatements, despite municipalities spending over R1.4 billion on consultants to prepare them—many of which already have full-time financial staff. Additionally, 113 municipalities are operating with unfunded budgets, which Mkhize called “planning for failure.”
Only 16% of municipalities received clean audits, while widespread issues persist in financial management, service delivery, and infrastructure development. The committee flagged procurement irregularities, ongoing corruption, and a lack of enforcement of existing laws as major contributors to this crisis.
Mkhize also criticised the failure of 84% of municipalities to comply with conditions tied to the national debt relief support programme, indicating a breakdown in accountability. He announced the committee will intensify oversight visits targeting the worst-performing municipalities in each province, and emphasised a shift from “excuses to performance and consequences.”
Cultural Practices and Initiation School Safety
In addition to governance issues, Mkhize addressed the safety concerns around traditional initiation practices, welcoming revised targets in the Department of Traditional Affairs’ 2025–2030 Strategic Plan. The committee is calling for zero deaths and amputations from initiation schools by 2029, underscoring the constitutional and moral imperative to protect life.
To meet this target, Mkhize called for a multi-departmental response involving Health, Social Development, SAPS, and Justice, in coordination with traditional councils and families. He rejected the use of budget constraints as justification for inaction and urged for innovative, collaborative approaches.
Call for Structural Reform
Dr. Mkhize concluded by stating that the issues of audit failures, municipal dysfunction, and unsafe initiation practices reflect broader challenges in governance, leadership, and accountability. He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to restoring the credibility and functionality of local government through firm oversight and a renewed focus on service delivery and human dignity.
Audio of the full remarks is available at: iono.fm/e/1564395
