(1)(a)(b)(i)(ii)(aa)(bb)(cc) The attached annexure provides the detail of the number of municipalities over the past five years that did not pay or partially paid salaries per province per year. It further distinguishes which municipalities within the two categories did not pay for one month or two to six months or more than six months.
(2) No, the Minister will not make/issue a statement in this regard, the onus rests with the Municipal Council to ensure all financial obligations are honoured timeously. The design of the Local Government Fiscal System does not allow any Organ of State to “bail-out” a municipality should they find themselves in this position. This by implication means that a municipality is required by law to adopt a funded budget as per section 18 of the Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (ACT NO. 56 of 2003), MFMA. A funded budget will consist of any financial obligation due by the municipality which includes salary obligations.