Local govt concerns stem from 'poor or inadequately skilled personnel' - Ramaphosa

JOHANNESBURG – African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged that many challenges in local government stem from political appointees who lack the necessary skills and competence.

He made these remarks while presenting the political overview at the party’s national executive committee (NEC) meeting in Boksburg on Saturday.

The meeting was convened to review the state of local government and propose solutions to the persistent issues affecting municipalities.

In his political overview, Ramaphosa discussed in detail the Auditor-General (AG)’s assessment of local government.

ALSO READ | ANC NEC: Ramaphosa emphasises service delivery and uprooting corruption in municipalities

The Chapter 9 institution highlighted that political divisions and instability within municipalities are major factors contributing to service delivery failures.

The AG also raised concerns about how municipal officials manage public funds. Ramaphosa said there’s a great need for qualified people in municipalities.

“Many of the challenges are often caused by poor or inadequately skilled personnel, who lack the required skills to address people’s concerns. Most concerning, a lack of requisite financial skills is often highlighted all too often outsource their financial. This failure at the local government level feeds into narratives about a failing and declining ANC and thus, provides our detractors with further ammunition.”

Ramaphosa has also advised other political parties to carefully consider their candidates for next year’s municipal elections.