The Phase Four (4) implementation of the Re-loaded Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme was launched on 23rd August in Ditsobotla Local Municipality. As part of this intensive programme that is geared towards improving service delivery, MEC Kenetswe Mosenogi held a crucial session with officials from Ditsobotla Local Municipality at the municipal chambers and the interaction focused on exploring viable solutions to the ongoing challenges faced by the municipality, particularly in light of its current financial crisis.
As part of the Provincial Treasury’s intervention, the municipality has been placed under a mandatory Financial Recovery Plan (FRP) by the National Treasury, highlighting the urgent need for immediate and sustainable financial reform.
MEC Mosenogi emphasized the importance of good governance, proper financial management, and robust revenue collection in ensuring that Ditsobotla can effectively serve its residents. “It is imperative that the municipality adheres to the principles of accountability and transparency in managing public resources. Only through consistent and responsible financial practices can we ensure that the people of Ditsobotla receive the reliable, consistent services they deserve,” she stated.
The Financial Recovery Plan, developed by the National Treasury Municipal Financial Recovery Service, is a binding instrument designed to restore Ditsobotla’s financial stability and enable it to meet its obligations. MEC Mosenogi reminded the officials that this plan is not merely a guideline but a crucial framework that will determine the municipality’s capacity to deliver essential services. “Revenue collection is a key indicator of a functional municipality. Without it, the municipality cannot sustain its operations or deliver services effectively. Failure to implement this recovery plan will directly impede our ability to collect revenue, which in turn will compromise our ability to serve the people,” she cautioned.
“In the spirit of patriotism and a deep love for Ditsobotla and its people, it is essential that the municipality implements proper internal controls. These controls are not just administrative measures but vital tools that protect public resources, ensure their efficient use, and support effective revenue collection. We must do things right, not just because we are required to, but because it is our duty to the people we serve,” MEC Mosenogi added.
The North West Provincial Executive, in accordance with Section 139(5) of the Constitution and Section 143 of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), has resolved to intervene in Ditsobotla Municipality. This intervention aims to address the financial crisis and put the municipality back on a path of sustainable governance. The Provincial Treasury is committed to supporting Ditsobotla in this endeavor, as mandated by Section 154 of the Constitution, which requires national and provincial governments to strengthen municipal capacity.
The Provincial Treasury’s intensive support, particularly through the department’s Municipal Support Section, has focused on enhancing governance, institutional arrangements, financial management, service delivery, and revenue collection. The progress reports on the 2022/23 and 2023/24 financial statements and the Financial Recovery Plan were tabled during the session. MEC Mosenogi encouraged the municipality to fully comply with the FRP’s requirements, emphasizing that its successful implementation will be the key to Ditsobotla’s ability to deliver services to its people and ensure sustainable revenue generation.
As part of the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, additional support and interventions have been provided to the municipality which include but not limited to assisting businesses with new registrations, updating company details on the Central Supplier Database (CSD), and expediting payments for invoices older than thirty days.
The North West Provincial Treasury remains committed to ensuring that Ditsobotla Municipality emerges from its financial crisis stronger and more capable of fulfilling its mandate to the people. Proper governance, financial management, and effective revenue collection are not optional—they are the foundation upon which a prosperous and sustainable future for Ditsobotla can be built.
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Issued by North West Provincial Treasury
For more information contact Ms Kesalopa Gill on 018 388 3584 and 0795486352 or e mail kgill@nwpg.gov.za
OR
Ms Lesedi Makhubela on 018 388 3445 or email connielesedi@gmail.com