Mashatile calls for stability in municipal coalitions at SALGA Lekgotla

By Nkhensani Chauke

Deputy President Paul Mashatile said on Tuesday that the majority of South African municipalities are grappling with significant challenges, including the inability to settle bulk water and electricity bills, as well as deteriorating infrastructure.

He made the remarks during his keynote address at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) National Executive Committee (NEC) Lekgotla in Cape Town on Tuesday.

Mashatile said that these issues worsened after the 2021 Local Government elections, which saw an increase in municipalities with hung councils.

“This has forced many municipalities councils to be governed through coalitions. However, in practice, coalition governments have been unstable and are often terminated before the end of their term of office,” said Mashatile.  

“Instability in local government coalitions has contributed to severe inefficiencies and service delivery challenges. Coalition arrangements have compromised the ability of municipalities to adopt policies, pass budgets, adopt by-laws, and make senior