By OBAKENG MAJE
16 April 2025- The North West MEC for Finance, Kenetswe Mosenogi, has reiterated the provincial government’s unwavering commitment to restoring the financial health and service delivery capacity of municipalities across the province. Speaking during a series of engagements with the Provincial Executive Representatives (PERs) deployed to distressed municipalities, Mosenogi emphasized the critical importance of implementing Financial Recovery Plans (FRPs) as guided by the National Treasury.
“The affected municipalities include Naledi, Mamusa, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Ditsobotla,
Ramotshere Moilwa, Tswaing, Kgetlengrivier, Madibeng, Maquassi Hills and the City of Matlosana. The restoration of the dignity of the North West depends on your commitment to assisting municipalities to implement the financial recovery plans.
“Your deployment is a clear indication that your expertise is not only recognized but needed. The government is counting on your ability to deliver. We reaffirm that the Financial Recovery Plans must be implemented through their prescribed phases, which are Rescue (short-term cash flow management), Stabilisation (improving governance and financial controls), and Sustainability (ensuring long-term financial viability),” she said.
Mosenogi further calls on PERs to ensure municipalities move beyond the Rescue Phase and actively pursue the intended outcomes of their recovery plans as legislated. She added that, in a strong stance on the Eskom Debt Relief Programme, a full compliance by affected municipalities is important.
“We caution against any compromise on the terms of
programme and encourage the enforcement of measures including service disconnections, if necessary to ensure consumer accountability.
“Although difficult, the disconnection of services may be a necessary step to meet the programme’s requirements. In the long run, this will benefit communities, if a portion of the municipality’s debt is written off, thereby improving the municipality’s capacity to enhance revenue collection,” said Mosenogi.
She stressed that financial recovery is not just about balancing books, but about enabling municipalities to fulfil their constitutional mandate of delivering essential services, maintaining infrastructure and creating an environment conducive to economic development. Mosenogi said a municipality’s financial health directly affects its ability to invest in infrastructure, education and public services, which are the building blocks of economic growth.
“This, in turn, attracts investment, creates jobs and improves the quality of life for our people. The North West Provincial Government remains committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that municipalities become sustainable, accountable and service-oriented institutions,” she said.
The Guardian 