The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has conducted an analysis of the institutional capacity of the following four municipalities: Mbombela, Msukaligwa, Lekwa and Nkomazi Local Municipalities. The analysis done in terms of section 154(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act No.108 of 1996), as well as Section 105 of the Local Government systems act 2000(Act no 32 of 2000) has indicated that the suspension or vacant positions of the municipal manager or chief financial officers has impacted negatively on the performance of these municipalities. The department will therefore be providing support to strengthen the capacities of these municipalities.
The department has assembled a team of experts with the required expertise that will be sent to provide institutional support to the Mbombela, Msukaligwa, Lekwa and Nkomazi Local Municipalities. These experts will be there for an interim period to ensure that they build capacity in the identified areas.
On Mbombela Local Municipality and the delay to resolve the issues of the suspended Municipal Manager, MEC Norman Mokoena is aware that the dispute has been referred to court however he views this matter seriously and that it needs to be resolved as a matter of urgency as it has a direct effect on the functionality of the municipality. “In an effort to resolve the issues around the suspended Municipal Manager, I will be engaging the legal representatives of both parties with a view that they try to expediently resolve this matter. This will be done, respecting the legal processes that are unfolding on this matter,” said Mokoena.
Enquiries:
Simphiwe Kunene
Cell: 082 413 3931
Issued by: Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mpumalanga Provincial Government
23 September 2009
