The Free State has made fiscal sustainability and accountability a priority for local government reform.
The state's municipalities pledged to focus on improving good governance by embedding a culture of ethical leadership and performance management.
They are also working to implement structural reforms that promote accountability.
The pledge comes from a three-day local government summit in the Free State.
MEC Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department Saki Mokoena is confident that the tide of non-compliance within the municipality can be turned.
Mr Mokoena said: “The participation, the quality of the discussions, and just the presence of city leaders who were here through their input to say to us, 'We're ready and we're doing everything we can to turn things around.' I'm very happy and I'm looking forward to working with them.”
“We are going to support them. It is not easy for municipalities sometimes. We are working hard but we know the difficulties that are there. Therefore, when we urge local governments to provide services, the public must also come. If you are unemployed, there are no free services, so join the party. If you are working, register as indigent to pay for your services. ”
Those in local government roles in the Free State say they hope the summit will be more than just a talk show.
Moketsi Lebesa, head of Maruti a Fofan City Council, said she expected concrete changes after the summit.
“So, I am concerned about whether there is the political will of the political leadership to implement the resolutions of this summit. Let's hope and pray that the decisions of this summit do not degenerate into another forum for discussion,” Leveza said. ” he said.
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