The recent report from the auditor-general highlights significant issues within municipalities, showing that only 13% (34 out of 247) achieved clean audit outcomes. This alarming statistic should prompt action, but it appears to be met with indifference. Notably, the City of Cape Town is the only metro to receive a clean audit, underscoring the broader failure of local governments to serve their communities effectively and transparently.

The ongoing poor audit results raise serious concerns about the accountability of municipal managers and political leaders. Currently, there are no substantial consequences for those managing these underperforming municipalities. Without accountability, the cycle of poor performance will persist. It’s troubling that municipal managers of poorly performing municipalities still receive significant performance bonuses, which undermines the importance of these audits and sets a dangerous precedent. Rewarding poor performance suggests that mediocrity is acceptable. Improvement is unlikely if those responsible for failures face no repercussions.

To drive change, we need policies that enforce strict penalties for poor audit outcomes, including potential dismissals, salary cuts, or legal action in cases of gross negligence. Leaders must personally feel the financial impact of their performance. Until financial accountability is enforced, poor audit outcomes will continue. The auditor-general’s report is a call to action.

We must demand accountability and implement meaningful reforms to break the cycle of poor performance and inadequate governance, ensuring communities do not continue to suffer