South Africa's municipalities are not only in a financial and political mess but also appear to be led by incompetent officials, thanks to information that came to light in a parliamentary reply.
Out of 2 747 senior municipal officials, only 1 500 met minimum competency levels, acting Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni revealed when replying to a question from DA MP Cilliers Brink.
Prescribed minimum competency levels were introduced 13 years ago for municipal managers, CFOs, supply chain managers and other managers working in finance and procurement divisions.