In a recent statement, MEC Bentley Vass of the Northern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs, as well as Transport Safety and Liaison, expressed deep concern over the disappointing audit outcomes for the 2022-’23 financial year. This follows a briefing by Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke to the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, which highlighted a generally bleak picture for municipalities nationwide, including those in the Northern Cape. According to Vass, service delivery across 26 local municipalities in the province has been notably inadequate. Despite some improvements in the submission of annual financial statements, four municipalities failed to meet the auditing deadline, while another 13 were unable to provide credible reports. However, Vass acknowledged that there were slight improvements in some municipalities, offering a glimmer of hope amid the overall disappointing results.

Journalist: Shanice Jasson
Email: Intern9@riverside.co.za