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JOHANNESBURG. – South Africa’s Deputy Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Thembisile Simelane-Nkadimeng says she hopes the municipal elections will see the election of more capacitated and skilled councillors.
An assessment complied by the SA Local Government Association (Salga) found about 62 percent of councillors had been unable to use basic computers to enable the passing of crucial municipal budgets.
This was evident as the Covid-19 pandemic gripped the country and various municipalities were expected to pass budgets for 2019/20.
Simelane-Nkadimeng said political parties and Salga had to ensure refresher courses for councillors, adding they had to take charge of their own education with avenues and funds made available.
“We just hope, this time around, we will be able to receive capacitated individuals. Yes everyone, including ourselves as Cogta [Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs], carry the responsibility of refresher enhancement.
“But to a certain extent, if you are a councillor in the City of Johannesburg, which controls around R6.3 billion, you need to be able to understand finances, you need to be able to get the basics of an income statement.” – News24.com
Online Reporter