Hlabisa Warns of Failing Municipalities, Calls for Urgent Local Government Reform

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has issued a sobering warning about the state of South Africa’s local government system , saying that while there are success stories, far too many municipalities remain plagued by weak financial management, poor governance, and eroding public trust.

Speaking at the Local Government Indaba held in Midrand on Thursday, Hlabisa said citizens in underperforming municipalities are often left “with a sense of despair, where almost everything is upside down.” He described the ongoing failures as a direct consequence of political interference, lack of accountability, and ineffective consequence management , all of which undermine service delivery.

Widespread Failures and Bright Spots

The Minister highli