Municipalities told to focus on core business

MUNICIPALITIES should stop spending money on games, events and funerals but focus on the core business that would give them a return on investment.

That is the directive from the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Gogta).

“To achieve financial viability, we are going to be ensuring municipalities become prudent and efficient with their expenditure, and ensure there is value for money in the services paid for,” said MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube.

“To make an example, every municipality’s expenditure will be regularly analysed and assessed so that it does not spend the bulk of its budget on non-core functions but on areas where there can be a return on investment,” she said.

A source within the department said that they would crack down on municipalities spending on funerals and events.

It was not immediately clear whether those who are indigent would be affected by the crackdown.

“We do not want to come across as insensitive, but this is one of the most important issues in municipalities. They spend a lot of money on events, funerals and things like the Salga games. These are noncore functions of the municipalities,” the source said.

Unathi Nxumalo of Salga said the games were important as municipalities use them as one of the tools for youth development. They provide an opportunity for the youth to be identified for professional sport, while promoting healthy lifestyles.

“The games boost local economic development of districts through retail, tourism, hospitality, transport and other sectors,” she said.

IFP leader Blessed Gwala said it would be inhumane to stop burials for poor people. He said municipalities spent a fortune burying rich people and celebrities who can afford to pay.

DA leader Zwakele Mncwango said: “There are many things they should eliminate. The games, the needless overseas trips and the useless events – even the Imbizo like the one they (ANC) are holding in Nquthu,” he said.

ANC provincial Secretary Super Zuma said municipalities should cut out luxury items and focus on service delivery.