Basic municipal services require more support, especially for the poor. To address this, R28.9 billion is added to the local government equitable share.

Madam Speaker, we are making these allocations to uplift and provide services to our people.

These funds must be used for the purpose they are meant for. Currently 175 out of 257 municipalities are in financial distress. We stand ready to work with Parliament and all oversight bodies to hold municipalities accountable for delivering these services.

At the same time, our municipalities and other institutions cannot survive if they don’t receive payment from those who consume their services.

We urge our people and government departments to pay their municipal bills.

Municipalities are also required to improve their service delivery mechanisms, and to ensure that billing systems are fair and efficient.