North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi has placed the repair of local government at the centre of his State of the Province Address, arguing that municipal performance remains the single biggest determinant of both service delivery and economic growth in the province.
Addressing the legislature, Mokgosi framed municipalities as the frontline of the state, saying they are “the closest sphere of government within reach of ordinary people and affect their daily lives directly,” while also serving as the practical base for businesses of all sizes.
He anchored this argument in the constitutional mandate of local government, noting that Section 153 obliges municipalities “to promote the social and economic development of the community.”
The premier drew a direct link between functional municipalities and economic expansion, warning that weak administration undermines both service delivery and investor confidence.
“The duty to fix local government to correct and restore its administrative functionality is important both for meeting basic needs of the people and creating enabling conditions for businesses to operate and create jobs,” Mokgosi said. “There is therefore a positive correlation between a functioning local government and a growing economy that works for all the people.”
He outlined core priorities for intervention, including improving the provision of water, electricity, refuse removal and road maintenance, describing these as the building blocks of both community wellbeing and local economic activity.
While acknowledging municipal failures, Mokgosi said the provincial administration is also focusing on tightening its own governance systems, stressing the need for what he called a “seamless ecosystem of good governance” across all spheres of the state.
He reported progress on financial management. Mokgosi said that nine out of eleven provincial departments achieved unqualified or clean audits in the most recent audit cycle, an outcome he said reflects efforts to “turn the tide of poor audit outcomes.”
The premier also highlighted compliance measures aimed at strengthening ethical leadership.
“We can confirm that all senior managers in all provincial departments have complied with submissions on financial disclosures,” he said, adding that the step is intended to deter conflicts of interest and potential malfeasance.
In a signal of stricter political oversight, Mokgosi announced that all Members of the Executive Council have signed performance agreements with his office.
“Where there is dereliction of duty, political consequence management will ensue,” he told the house, positioning the move as part of a broader push to reinforce accountability within the executive.
The address also acknowledged ongoing probes into alleged wrongdoing involving public officials. Mokgosi confirmed that several cases involving government and municipal employees are under investigation by law enforcement agencies, while others are already before the courts.
“Progress in relation to these matters will be announced by relevant units at an appropriate time,” he said.
Karabo Ngoepe
iol.co.za
