The South African Federation for Trade Unions (SAFTU) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) are urging accountability in the wake of the National Treasury’s move to freeze July funding to 69 municipalities that failed to comply with financial regulations.
The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) have called for accountability following the National Treasury’s decision to temporarily suspend the July equitable share transfers to 69 financially non-compliant municipalities across the country.
SAFTU maintains that municipalities must no longer continue to be financed by public money without being held accountable, while SALGA has called on accounting officers, councils and oversight structures to investigate irregular expenditure and hold responsible individuals accountable.
The Treasury said this decision follows persistent and serious non-compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and its supporting regulations, despite support, guidance, engagement and communication.
The department said these municipalities have been given sufficient notice in writing and urged to take measures to change their financial management positions ahead of the withholding of funds.
