Hon Chair, it is common knowledge that the South African local government environment coupled with its turbulent political landscape which differs from one municipality to another, is a cause for concern to the citizens of this country. It is a serious cause for concern because local communities are deprived of their right to service delivery due to internal, political and administrative instability in these municipalities. The same is true about a series of municipalities in the North West, where there is a collapse of service delivery and financial capability of the third sphere of governance.
Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality in the North West province, is counted among these unstable municipalities which have now being placed under section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic. This step is necessary to bring about the desired normalcy in the municipality for the general good and beneficiary of local communities, when it comes to service delivery implementation.
Whenever an intervention has been preferred in terms of the provision of section 139 of the Constitution, it is imperative and
procedurally correct for the Select Committee on Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs to interact with the internal and external stakeholders of a municipality. It is equally necessary to ensure compliance with the constitutional, procedural and substantive matters relating to the invocation of this section of the Constitution, section 139(1)(b).
The select committee noted general concerns raised by stakeholders on matters related to corruption, misuse of municipal vehicles, as well as lack of consultation on the notice of intervention.
The select committee also noted with concern the absence of the municipal manager during the oversight visit to the local municipality. It further noted with concern the failure of the municipal manager on 19 February 2019, to provide a status report on what the municipality has done during the period of interventions.
With regard to recommendations, having conducted the oversight visit in this municipality and interacted with internal and external stakeholders, the Select Committee on Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs recommends that the NCOP approves the interventions in Kopanong Local Municipality in terms of section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution.
The administrator should fast-track the progress of implementing the municipal turnaround plan in accordance with the terms of reference assigned by the North West MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs. The administrator should provide progress report on the allegations of corruption and misuse of municipal vehicles and ensure the implementation of consequence management.
The North West MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs should table quarterly progress report of the NCOP on the status of interventions in the municipality, including challenges encountered.
The Select Committee on Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs in co-operation with the relevant portfolio committee in the North West provincial legislature should in future conduct a follow- up oversight visit to the municipality in order to evaluate the progress made in respect of the interventions in this municipality.
Chairperson, I table this report in the House.
Debate concluded.
Question put: That the Report be adopted.
In favour: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, Western Cape.
Report accordingly adopted in accordance of section 65 of the Constitution.