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The Auditor-General's damning report on Gauteng municipalities for 2022/2023 reveals a total abdication of responsibility by the provincial administration.

A staggering R12.4 billion in irregular, unauthorised, and wasteful expenditure has been uncovered. This is not just a number; it represents rampant non-compliance, unfair procurement, and blatant misuse of public funds.

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has completely failed in its duty to support municipalities. Their incompetence and lack of resources have directly led to plummeting service delivery, infrastructure collapse, and unchecked corruption at the local level.

The extent of this failure is appalling with 91% of municipalities found non-compliant with legislation. This is not mere oversight; it's a systemic breakdown of governance.

Municipalities are now in financial freefall, unable to invest in critical projects or pay suppliers on time. Poorly planned infrastructure projects are leaving communities in the lurch, while insufficient maintenance budgets are allowing our assets to crumble.

These aren't just "challenges"—they are clear indicators of a province spiralling towards failure under inept ANC leadership.

I call on Premier Lesufi to immediately address this crisis. The people of Gauteng deserve answers:

1. Why has COGTA been allowed to neglect its constitutional duties?
2. What concrete steps will be taken to rectify this R12.4 billion disaster?
3. How will you ensure accountability for this gross mismanagement?

The DA's solution is clear: we would dramatically enhance COGTA's capacity to support municipalities effectively. Without immediate, decisive action, Gauteng is on a one-way street to becoming a failed province.

We will not stand by while the ANC drives Gauteng into the ground. The DA remains committed to fighting for competent, accountable governance that truly serves the people.

Issued by Alan Fuchs MPL - DA Gauteng Member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA)