Publishing Editor: Sakhumzi “Saki” Mabhele

publishingeditor

The sense one gets when looking broadly at the current state of local government is tremendously discomforting. History has taught us well that the would-be-administrators place a lot of effort interacting closely with their constituencies and communities just before elections and much less thereafter when in fact they should be doing the opposite. The state of our municipalities, their financial standing and the levels of service delivery in local government says it all. One is inclined to believe it is never about the people, but about individuals and their agenda to fulfill self-serving interests.

Phrases like “it’s better the devil you know than the one you do not”, “there is no alternative” and “this party is racist and serves the interest of the minority” or even phrases like “we are doomed should these ones take over” have become an order of the day. These, to a degree indicate the scope we have and the parameters within which we must make our choice. This is where we are now, settling for anything but the worst. Don’t get me wrong, this is not to discourage anyone from voting in future.

Before his untimely death late last year, former Auditor General Kimi Makwethu painted a bleak picture in his July 2020 report when he announced a shocking amount of R32 billion in irregular expenditure. Only 21 municipalities received clean audits in the whole country. He also reported that over R1 billion was spent on consultants by municipalities while they still had salary bills for finance personnel. About R741 million was spent on consultants who were supposed to help with

As it seems corruption is well entrenched in South Africa at all levels of government, not exempting the private sector.

financial reports. Could this mean the guys that were supposed to do the work, not only did they not do the work they gave it to consultants who could not deliver unqualified audits. It’s a double whammy. Are we not in trouble? Two provinces Northwest and Free State could not produce a single unqualified audit. Ethekwini Metro topped the list with a staggering R2.34 billion of irregular expenditure. The city of Cape Town spent R240 million on legal services. R481 Million was spent on companies that are owned or managed by individuals who are in the employ of other public institutions while R81 Million was spent on contracts with family members.

As it seems corruption is well entrenched in South Africa at all levels of government, not exempting the private sector. We saw this with the PPE contracts and the proceedings at the Zondo Commission do not paint a good picture. Many have long warned of a time when the poor will revolt as a result joblessness and poverty. This could not have been far from the truth and when we saw the spread of the unrest we saw in July. I believe the time has come to take fresh look at our electoral system. Political parties need to introspect and devise new mechanisms of deployment to stop the erosion. Municipalities have become the breeding ground for high levels of corruption and destruction. I had hoped I would stick to my lane but since my vote is needed, I submit my two cents worth.

Enjoy the read

Sakhumzi “Saki” Mabhele