Durban, 16 October 2025 – KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has called for urgent reforms and strengthened collaboration to enhance stability, accountability, and service delivery in municipalities across the province and the country.
Speaking at the Local Government Conference hosted by the Development Democracy Programme (DDP) at the Elangeni Hotel in Durban, MEC Buthelezi noted that while progress has been recorded in KwaZulu-Natal, many municipalities nationally continue to experience significant challenges.
“According to the Auditor-General’s 2023/24 report, only 16% of municipalities received clean audits. Weak governance, poor accountability, and financial instability remain key concerns,” he said.
The MEC acknowledged several KZN municipalities that received national recognition for governance practices, including eThekwini Metro, Ulundi, King Cetshwayo District, Umkhambathini, and KwaDukuza Local Municipality. Ulundi Municipality was also noted for consistently utilising 100% of its conditional grants over the past five years.
He reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to supporting municipalities facing difficulties and improving governance through:
• Regular council and portfolio committee meetings
• Training for councillors and municipal officials
• Strengthening Municipal Public Accounts Committees (MPACs)
• Financial recovery plans and debt management interventions
MEC Buthelezi also welcomed the Municipal Structures Amendment (Coalitions) Bill, 2024, which seeks to stabilise coalition governments and reduce political-administrative tensions.
“When councils are unstable, municipalities struggle to deliver services effectively. This Bill represents a step towards political stability and improved service delivery,” he said.
He further called for greater integration of traditional leadership in local governance, proposing constitutional amendments to clearly define the roles and powers of Amakhosi in community development and spatial planning.
“Amakhosi should be recognised as partners in the development of our communities,” he emphasised.
He encouraged stakeholders to collaborate in finding practical solutions.
“Local government affects all residents and plays a role in economic development. We must adopt a solutions-oriented approach to strengthen service delivery and governance,” he said.
DDP’s Board Chair, Dr Devi Rajab, reflected on the story of whistleblower Babita Deokaran, who was killed in 2021 after exposing corruption in Gauteng. She highlighted the impact of poor governance on communities and the importance of ethical leadership.
“Our communities continue to face challenges while some leaders benefit from resources they did not earn. Political appointments often replace merit, excluding qualified individuals in favour of politically connected ones,” she said.