Latest news with #Mashatile
The Citizen
a day ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Coalitions and political appointees are hobbling municipalities
Government aims to reform the crumbling municipal sector through merit-based appointments and performance-linked funding. But BLSA warns this could benefit metros at less-resourced municipalities' expense. South Africa's crumbling municipalities – with just 16% receiving clean audits in the past year – are hobbled by coalition governments and political appointees. This is the view of Business Leadership SA (BLSA), in response to the government's White Paper on Local Government, which aims to reverse the staggering decline of municipalities in SA, through merit-based appointments and performance-linked funding. While many initially welcomed coalition governments as a sign of SA's maturing democracy and a fracture of the ANC's grip on key centres of power, the downsides have become all too apparent in the failing metros of Johannesburg and Tshwane. Since the 2021 local government elections, Johannesburg has seen six mayors come and go, and Tshwane three, due to political manoeuvring and motions of no confidence. The situation is even worse in Nelson Mandela Bay, where a decade of political instability has severely crippled service delivery. The number of hung councils – where no party holds an outright majority – surged from 27 in 2016 to 70 in 2021, an increase of 159%. Read more The ANC's fall from grace and the danger in its decline ALSO READ: Mashatile: How national government is aiming to reform local municipalities The once-dominant ANC saw its share of the vote slip below 50% in 2021, forcing coalitions in major metros like Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni. This led to shifting political alliances, frequent changes in leadership, budget delays and service delivery failures. More than 30 of these coalitions are unstable, according to the South African Local Government Association (Salga), which means most of them seem to be functioning. But where the majority of South Africa's population live – in metros such as Joburg and Tshwane – this is clearly not the case. BLSA says just 53% of senior municipal officials meet competency standards. Further, municipalities spent R1.47 billion on consultants in the 2024 financial year – with little improvement. Political appointees, often selected for loyalty rather than merit, disrupt continuity and prioritise party agendas over public needs. ALSO READ: Salga looking for ideas to help municipalities despite solution already offered Unforeseen risks The reform agenda announced by government is a positive move, but not without its risks, BLSA adds. The White Paper represents a move away from blanket allocation models, towards incentivising reform based on ethical, performance-based governance. One of the tools used to achieve this is the recently announced Metro Trading Services Incentive Component (MTSIC), a performance-based grant system aimed at improving accountability and operational efficiency in the eight metros. At stake is R54 billion in incentives over six years, partly funded by the World Bank, for metros that meet governance, operational, and financial benchmarks. The problem is this approach could create a two-tier system of local governance: benefiting already-functional metros while excluding underperforming municipalities. The focus on making this type of funding available to metros, risks sidelining the 205 local and 44 district municipalities – many of which suffer from structural disadvantages. Most of them fall below the bankability threshold, preventing them from accessing blended or private financing without external support. ALSO READ: Communities feel excluded as municipalities push ahead with IDP budgets Declining own-revenue collection, coupled with debts owed to Eskom and water boards, means precious little is spent on infrastructure. Municipalities owe Eskom close to R100 billion and R22 billion to the nine water boards. BLSA warns that bypassing municipalities through direct wheeling arrangements – where electricity can be delivered from a power plant in one part of the country to a consumer in another part – could further erode municipal revenues and destabilise their already-fragile finances. Many municipalities are largely reliant on national transfers, a marked increase since 1998. 'This reflects declining own-revenue collection and deteriorating financial discipline. The situation is exacerbated by mounting debts to service providers such as Eskom and water boards, which further limit the ability of municipalities to invest in infrastructure or implement reform,' says BLSA. 'The differentiated funding model proposed by the White Paper is promising, but it lacks clarity on how it will be implemented equitably across varied municipal contexts. Without clear eligibility criteria, safeguards, and support frameworks, the model risks deepening existing fiscal disparities.' ALSO READ: Almost 40 municipalities facing sanctions from Treasury over mismanagement Proposed reforms Public-private partnerships (PPPs) will allow under-resourced municipalities to tap larger pools of private capital and improve delivery of services such as water and electricity. Enforcement of existing laws remains a weakness and oversight bodies like National Treasury and the Public Service Commission are often under-resourced and lack the enforcement powers required to drive change. 'This impairs the credibility of conditional grants and allows underperformance to persist without consequence,' says BLSA. Other proposed reforms, such as the Municipal Structures Amendment Bill – which introduces mechanisms for managing coalition governments in hung councils – should make it more difficult to engineer no-confidence votes to get rid of sitting mayors. The expanded President's Coordinating Council and the proposed Municipal Member of Executive Council must be subject to parliamentary oversight to ensure they achieve their objectives, says BLSA. Government also plans to establish a dedicated South African Police Services (SAPS) unit to combat corruption in local government. ALSO READ: Are municipalities failing — or are residents just unable to pay? Why many are turning to off-grid living Operation Vulindlela is expected to play a central role in coordinating reform implementation. 'While this is a positive development, its effectiveness will depend on whether it can transition from a policy facilitator to an outcome enabler,' says BLSA. BLSA calls for stronger conditionalities on grants, digital procurement systems, and independent audits to curb corruption and enforce accountability. The reform timeline, with full rollout delayed until March 2026, risks losing momentum. Without quick wins in delivery of services such as water and electricity, reform fatigue could set in. BLSA advocates a phased approach with short-term milestones, like digital dashboards to track performance and regular community dialogues to rebuild trust. This article was republished from Moneyweb. Read the original here.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
'Courage shown by freedom fighters should be extended'-Mashatile
Mashatile said the ANC would continue to honour the country's freedom fighters. Deputy President Paul Mashatile says South Africa must never allow the death of freedom fighters to be in vain as the country progresses on a path of healing and protecting its democracy. Mashatile was speaking during the unveiling of a bust of former uMkhonto WeSizwe operative Mbulelo Ngono in the village of Lurhwayizo, Willowvale, in the Eastern Cape on Thursday. The freedom fighter was presumed dead around 1988 after he was abducted by the South African Security Police from Lesotho. Since then, it is unknown what happened to him. ALSO READ: Human Rights Day: 'SA needs to restore friendship and ubuntu' – Madonsela Mashatile said the courage shown by freedom fighters should be extended towards the government's priorities, which he said include inclusive growth, job creation, reducing poverty and the high cost of living and building an ethical state. 'We will forever remember their selflessness, courage, and commitment to fighting for the rights and freedoms of all in our nation. In all of them, we saw a steadfast drive and courage in the face of adversity, demonstrating great bravery, strength, and determination under very challenging circumstances.' 'Hero' Mashatile said Ngono was a heroic Umkhonto weSizwe soldier, who demonstrated 'amazing fortitude' during a 36-hour combat in 1987. 'His bravery and commitment to the fight for equality and freedom have left an everlasting impact on our country's history. 'His story exemplifies the sacrifices endured by countless heroes and heroines who relentlessly battled against oppression and injustice. His dedication to the Freedom Movement inspires us all, demonstrating the perseverance and drive that characterise our people's spirit,' Mashatile said. Remains Mashatile added that the government is obligated to continue efforts until the Ngono family's demand for the recovery, repatriation and reburial of the remains is ultimately met, allowing them to find closure. 'We are pleased that the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, through the NPA (National Prosecuting Authority) Missing Persons Task Team, has been activated and that this is one of the cases they are currently investigating,' said Mashatile. Freedom fighters Mashatile said the ANC would continue to honour the country's freedom fighters. 'The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa emphasises the importance of honouring those who have sacrificed their lives for the country, acknowledging past injustices, respecting those who have worked to build and develop the country, and believing that South Africa belongs to all its citizens, united in its diversity.' Task team He said the ANC-led government will forever honour the memory of these former MK Combatants and ensure that their legacy lives on. 'In honour of these brave individuals, we have established the Presidential Task Team on Military Veterans to resolve issues and needs brought to the attention of the Government, regarding Military Veterans' benefits and assistance as well as to improve access to services for them.' Mashatile said the unveiling of the Mbulelo Ngono Bust must be a reminder of where 'we come from as a country as we face the current challenges.' ALSO READ: WATCH: Mashatile denies family tied to multibillion-rand lottery deal
Daily Maverick
05-08-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Deputy President Paul Mashatile caught between luxury property, a shiny diamond and a hard place
The ANC's National Executive Committee broke for an hour on Sunday to deliberate on allegations of impropriety swirling around Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane. The ANC's National Executive Committee (NEC) deliberated on the fate of two of its most senior members, Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane, over the weekend and is expected to provide an update on the Integrity Commission's reports on their conduct soon. Opening a shopping centre in Durban days before the NEC conference, Mashatile continued to boldly deny that there was anything irregular about two luxury properties – worth R63-million – that he had declared in Parliament's Register of Members' Interests. Speaking at the official opening of the Inkosi Simingaye Shopping Centre at KwaXimba near Cato Ridge in Durban on 31 July, he responded to a question about the properties by saying 'people must read'. 'There is nothing in Parliament that I said that I own a house. I said I live there,' he insisted. On Sunday, the NEC broke for an hour, asking Mashatile and Minister of Human Settlements Thembi Simelane to excuse themselves while the Integrity Commission presented cases on allegations of corruption. Outing himself Mashatile was outed by News24 after the public release of Parliament's Register of Members' Interests in late July. Mashatile had declared ownership of the two properties – a multi-bedroom mansion in Constantia, Cape Town, worth R28-million, and another in Waterfall, Midrand, worth R37-million. News24 has had eyes on Mashatile's luxury lifestyle for ages and in 2024 first reported that a company, belonging to Mashatile's son-in-law, Nceba Nonkwelo, had bought the Constantia house in 2023. Mashatile lives in the house when he is in Cape Town. Nonkwelo is married to Mashatile's daughter, Palesa. Whether or not the declaration in the register was a Freudian slip, this annual ritual of holding public representatives to account has uncovered a tidy stash belonging to the deputy president. Diamonds are not forever Over and above his eye for property bling, Mashatile has admitted to receiving a diamond from grifter Louis Liebenberg, currently behind bars, awaiting trial on various criminal charges. Liebenberg had boasted that he had given the deputy president a diamond as a gift. In the meantime Mashatile has paid a R10,000 fine imposed by the Joint Committee on Members' Ethics for failing to declare the gift. Mashatile had stated that he wanted to have the diamond 'weighed' to check its value before declaring it. And besides, it had been a gift for his wife, Humile. This response – doing the deed out in the open – was not appreciated by the committee. Liebenberg also gifted former president Jacob Zuma about R1-million to sue News24 journalist Karyn Maughan and prosecutor Billy Downer. Simelane and the ghost of VBS Daily Maverick and News24 first sniffed out that former Minister of Justice, now Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane had taken out a R575,600 loan she obtained from VBS corruption-accused fixer Ralliom Razwinane in 2016. Simelane later told the portfolio committee for justice and constitutional development that she had had no improper relationship with Razwinane or his company, Gundo Wealth Solutions. Gundo had been appointed by the Polokwane Municipality to provide investment brokerage services for three years in March and April 2016. Between 16 September 2016 and 5 May 2017, Polokwane invested R349-million in five transactions with VBS and withdrew its money between 16 March and 3 July 2017, earning R12.7-million in interest. As Kyle Cowan and Pauli van Wyk wrote in October 2024: 'Since the publication of the existence of the loan by Daily Maverick and News24, Simelane has steadfastly maintained there was no conflict of interest then – between Gundo being a service provider to Polokwane while she was mayor and getting a loan from them – or now – with her oversight of the National Prosecuting Authority that is pursuing cases against dozens of VBS fraud- and corruption-accused persons and companies.' Simelane was shifted to Human Settlements when the heat reached the kitchen. She will know her new fate soon. DM
TimesLIVE
02-08-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Mashatile to visit Mangaung municipality for cleanup campaign
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will visit the Mangaung municipality in the Free State for a cleanup campaign next Tuesday. The presidency said this was part of the government's 'clean cities and towns campaign' aimed at ensuring that communities across the country live in clean and healthy environments. The campaign, which was first launched in Soweto in the south of Johannesburg in June, also aims to get communities involved in cleaning up their towns. 'The campaign aligns with government's broader service delivery objectives under the District Development Model (DDM) and builds on the Free State province's 'Bontle ke Botho', which promotes community pride and shared responsibility for public spaces,' the presidency said in a statement. The Mangaung cleanup initiative is under the theme: 'Bontle Ke Botho: A Free State that works for all, building clean and sustainable communities'. Mashatile's office said the initiatives were part of the government's efforts to 'revitalise urban areas, enhance service delivery, and combat environmental degradation'. With climate change a reality that requires urgent intervention, the presidency said, these campaigns were also part of the government's commitment to help curb the deterioration of the planet and take climate action to preserve the environment. 'The visit by the deputy president will mobilise communities and stakeholders to participate in cleaning and greening initiatives, showcase accelerated service delivery interventions, including waste management, infrastructure repairs, tree planting as well as reinforce partnerships between the government, private sector and residents to ensure sustainable urban development.'
IOL News
01-08-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Deputy President Paul Mashatile denies misuse of public funds amid luxury property claims
Deputy President Paul Mashatile denies claims of misusing public funds, insisting luxury properties linked to him are privately owned by family. Deputy President Paul Mashatile has denied allegations that he uses his government position to amass wealth and live in luxury. Speaking at the official opening of the Inkosi Simingaye Shopping Centre on the sideline of KwaXimba near Cato Ridge, west of Durban on Thursday, Mashatile addressed reports about a property in Constantia that had been linked to him in Parliament. IOL previously reported that Mashatile is facing scrutiny for declaring two luxury properties worth a combined R65 million, despite an annual salary of just over R3 million. Among these is a Constantia estate in Cape Town valued at R28.9 million, which he previously claimed was owned by his son-in-law's company. The other is a Waterfall property in Midrand, reportedly valued at R37 million. Within a year, Mashatile has declared at least two high-value properties, including the Constantia estate he once denied owning. The declarations have intensified public debate around the wealth of public servants and the transparency of their financial disclosures. These declarations came as members of Parliament made their latest financial disclosures public through the June 2025 Register of Members' Interests. 'People must read. That's the first thing you must learn in life. There's nothing in Parliament that I said I own a house. I said I live there. That house is owned by my son-in-law. It's a very simple thing to read. So what's the problem?'
