This, as the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Mxolisi Dukwana, is sending a team (consisting of senior officials) to these municipalities.

Without mentioning which municipalities, it recently come to light through the Auditor General (AG), Tsakani Maluleke, that Free State municipalities have continued their wasteful spending of taxpayers' money - with irregular expenditure increasing by almost R2 billion.

ALSO READ: Free State municipalities' irregular spending grows by R2 billion 

According to the provincial departmental spokesperson, Sello Dithebe, the teams are set to assist municipalities in turning around their declining state of finances and service delivery.

ALSO READ: Free State municipalities fail to trace taxpayers' money

According to the Dithebe, these teams will commence their work on 6 July 2022, right through until the end of the year and beyond, to steer municipalities back to sound administration and financial viability.

ALSO READ: Cash-strapped Mangaung forfeited over R400m

“These teams are set up in terms of section 154 of the Constitution to provide support and capacitate municipalities. They will report monthly. Regular updates will be shared with the media, communities and other important stakeholders and partners, on progress and challenges,” Dithebe adds.

The troubled Bloemfontein-based Mangaung Metro Municipality forfeited over R400 million of the national conditional grant meant for much-needed service delivery.

In 2020, the National Treasury is said to have withheld grant funding of R429 million due to underspending. The Auditor-General (AG), Tsakani Maluleke, in her report says Treasury’s action was a result of the delays by the metro in completing grant-funded projects.

OFM News