IN CONVERSATION WITH Doer Mighty Mabule , UAT National Spokesperson.
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The United Africans Transformation (UAT) says the National Treasury's decision to freeze funding to 69 municipalities is a damning indictment of the state of local government in South Africa. It is undeniable proof that financial mismanagement, poor governance, corruption and the absence of accountability have become entrenched in municipalities across the country.
The greatest victims of this crisis are ordinary South Africans. Communities are already forced to live with collapsing roads, unreliable water supply, sewage spills, refuse that goes uncollected, failing electricity infrastructure and municipalities drowning in debt. Freezing funding is not the cause of this crisis, it is the consequence of years of failed governance and financial recklessness.
UAT believes that no municipality should be allowed to repeatedly violate financial laws without consequences. Those responsible for mismanaging public funds, regardless of their political affiliation, must be held personally accountable. South Africa cannot continue protecting politicians and officials while communities suffer.
We therefore call for the immediate publication of recovery plans for all affected municipalities, lifestyle audits of implicated officials, criminal prosecution where corruption or fraud is identified, and the professionalisation of local government by appointing competent people based on merit rather than political connections.
The 2026 Local Government Elections present South Africans with an opportunity to elect leaders who will restore accountability, protect public finances and place service delivery above politics. Municipalities exist to serve communities, not political interests.
The greatest victims of this crisis are ordinary South Africans. Communities are already forced to live with collapsing roads, unreliable water supply, sewage spills, refuse that goes uncollected, failing electricity infrastructure and municipalities drowning in debt. Freezing funding is not the cause of this crisis, it is the consequence of years of failed governance and financial recklessness.
UAT believes that no municipality should be allowed to repeatedly violate financial laws without consequences. Those responsible for mismanaging public funds, regardless of their political affiliation, must be held personally accountable. South Africa cannot continue protecting politicians and officials while communities suffer.
We therefore call for the immediate publication of recovery plans for all affected municipalities, lifestyle audits of implicated officials, criminal prosecution where corruption or fraud is identified, and the professionalisation of local government by appointing competent people based on merit rather than political connections.
The 2026 Local Government Elections present South Africans with an opportunity to elect leaders who will restore accountability, protect public finances and place service delivery above politics. Municipalities exist to serve communities, not political interests.
