The Msukaligwa Local Municipality held its first Ordinary Council meeting of 2026 on 29 January, where Executive Mayor Alderwoman MP Nkosi reflected on municipal performance and outlined key priorities for the year ahead. The meeting focused on accountability and governance, with the tabling of the mid-year budget and performance assessment, as well as the presentation of the municipality’s latest audit outcome.
In her opening remarks, Nkosi described the sitting as an opportunity for Council to reflect on its performance, account to communities and renew its commitment to improving the lives of residents. She confirmed that the mid-year budget and performance assessment was tabled in line with Section 72 of the Municipal Finance Management Act, explaining that the report measures performance during the first half of the financial year. According to the Mayor, the assessment reflects progress made, highlights challenges encountered, and identifies corrective actions needed to improve performance in the second half of the year.
Service Delivery Progress and Operational Investments
Despite financial constraints, Nkosi reported progress in several key service delivery areas, including water and sanitation infrastructure projects, road maintenance and rehabilitation, electrification and public lighting programmes, as well as waste management and environmental cleanliness efforts.
To strengthen service delivery, the municipality invested in critical operational equipment during the review period.
"These investments are already improving response time and strengthening our ability to deliver services efficiently to our community. "she said.
Audit Findings, Financial Sustainability and Debt Relief Measures
Addressing governance and financial sustainability, Nkosi acknowledged the audit outcome issued by the Auditor-General, which raised concerns relating to internal controls, compliance, financial reporting and consequence management.
She said the municipality has accepted the findings and developed an audit action plan to strengthen governance and oversight. The Mayor also expressed concern over rising municipal debt and its impact on service delivery, calling on councillors to encourage a culture of payment where residents are able to do so. At the same time, she noted that the municipality has made provision for debt amnesty and indigent registration to support qualifying households.
Nkosi concluded by acknowledging and supporting the upcoming presentations on the mid-year performance review and audit outcomes.
Further details are expected to follow. Stay up to date with iNews.