Media Statement
For Immediate Release
COGTA PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON RAISES ALARM OVER KZN MUNICIPALITIES’ FINANCES

The latest Section 71 fourth quarter report on municipal finances has confirmed what many communities in KwaZulu-Natal already know, while there are areas of progress, too many municipalities remain in deep financial trouble.

Municipalities collected R99.3 billion, equal to 98.6% of adjusted budgets. On the surface this appears strong, but the reality is stark: municipalities are still burdened by R67.1 billion in unpaid debt, of which 84% is overdue by more than 90 days. At the same time, they owe R9.3 billion to creditors, with more than half of that amount also overdue — mainly to Eskom and water boards. These arrears threaten electricity and water supply across the province.

Even more worrying is the under-expenditure of R9.9 billion. These are funds that were budgeted to build roads, repair infrastructure, and improve basic services — but they remain unspent due to delays, poor planning, and weak capacity.

The report also highlights the problem of unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure (UIFWE). In the second and third quarters alone, municipalities detected more than R132 million in UIFWE. Detecting it is one thing, but the failure to prevent it shows that too many municipalities still lack proper financial controls. National Treasury has warned that if this continues, it may use its constitutional powers under Section 216(2) to withhold funds from repeat offenders — a move that would have direct consequences for service delivery.

As the CoGTA Portfolio Committee, we are clear: municipalities must urgently improve debt collection, honour their creditor payments, speed up infrastructure spending, and act firmly against financial misconduct. Provincial and National Treasury can provide support, but accountability lies squarely with municipal leaders.

The time for excuses has passed. Our municipalities are the frontline of service
delivery — and they must get their finances in order before more drastic action is taken.
ISSUED BY THE COMMUNICATION’S UNIT ON BEHALF OF COGTA PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON, HONOURABLE MARLAINE NAIR

For Interviews: 0726928963

While addressing Hon Boyce said, “Our communities do not care which sphere of government delivers, they want clinics that work, roads that connect, water that runs, and leaders who listen. Women are not just filling spaces in governance; we are catalysts for ethical, accountable, and impactful leadership. When women lead, change becomes tangible.” #kznlegislature #kznmpls #salga #womensmonth2025

The workshop, hosted by the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) in partnership with The Presidency and the KZN Legislature’s Multiparty Women’s Caucus, is equipping women entrepreneurs, start-up founders, and informal traders with the tools, resources, and networks they need to grow and formalise their businesses. #kznlegislature #kznmpls #womensmonth2025 #nationalempowermentfund

MEDIA ADVISORY

NEF, The Presidency and KwaZulu-Natal Legislature to host Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme Workshop in Kokstad

Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa – The National Empowerment Fund (NEF), in partnership with The Presidency, the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature’s Multiparty Women’s Caucus (MPWC), and the Greater Kokstad Local Municipality, will host a Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme (WEEP) Workshop on Tuesday, 19 August 2025 at the Kokstad Town Hall, Harry Gwala District.

The workshop forms part of the Presidential Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme (WEEP) — a national initiative dedicated to providing women entrepreneurs, start-up founders, and informal traders with the skills, resources, and networks they need to grow and formalise their businesses. Delivered through district-level partnerships with The Presidency, provincial legislatures, municipalities, and economic stakeholders, WEEP directly connects women to funding, market access, and compliance tools.

A full-day empowerment programme

The Kokstad workshop will offer an intensive programme featuring:

Practical Business Compliance Guidance from SARS, SEDA, SABS, Treasury, NHBRC, CIDB, DEL, KZNEDTEA, CIPC, NCC, and CIDP on registration, certification, and UIF/COID requirements.

Tender Readiness Training from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), the B-BBEE Commission, and KZN Provincial Treasury on completing tender documents, understanding local content requirements, and positioning for public sector contracts.

Funding Access Sessions with the NEF, Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEFA), Township and Rural Economic Programme (TREP), Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), ABSA Group, Standard Bank, and Old Mutual on funding products, eligibility, and application processes.

Market Linkages through UN Women’s Buy from Women Platform, the Sanitary Dignity Programme from the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD), and marketing opportunities from DALRRD and SheTrades.

Who should attend

• Registered and informal women-owned businesses
• Women entrepreneurs seeking funding, markets, and compliance guidance
• Start-up founders ready to formalise their operations

“This workshop is not just about information – it’s about action. Women will leave here knowing exactly how to apply for funding, how to win government tenders, and how to position their businesses for long-term growth. The NEF is committed to walking this journey with them,” says Ms Siziwe Zulu, the NEF’s Business Development Officer.

“When we empower women entrepreneurs, we strengthen communities and build the economy from the ground up. The WEEP workshops are designed to remove barriers, provide access to finance and markets, and give women the practical skills they need to thrive. We encourage every woman-owned business in Harry Gwala District and surrounding areas to seize this opportunity.” says Non CQ Madlopa, Chairperson of the Multiparty Women’s Caucus.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, 19 August 2025

Time: 08h00 – 14h00

Venue: Kokstad Town Hall, Greater Kokstad Local Municipality, Harry Gwala District, KwaZulu-Natal

View KZN programme

For registration and enquiries:

Bongani Tembe on 082 327 2600 / TembeB@kznleg.gov.za

Ends.

Note to editors

About WEEP – Bringing opportunities to women

The Presidential Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme (WEEP) is a national initiative designed to deliver practical skills, funding pathways, and market access directly to women-owned businesses. Through district-level workshops implemented with The Presidency, provincial offices, municipalities, and key economic stakeholders, WEEP bridges the gap between women entrepreneurs and the resources they need to succeed.

Previous WEEP activations nationwide have focused on finance readiness, compliance, market access, and network-building for women entrepreneurs. The Kokstad workshop will build on this momentum by offering actionable tools, expert guidance, and direct engagement with funding and procurement partners.

-Ends- 

Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mmabatho Tembe, joined the Film Night in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Anti-Fascist War, held at Suncoast Cinema Centre in Durban. #kznlegislature #kznmpls #chineesconsulate #suncoast

1 2 ►

#kznlegislature #kznmpls #WomensMonth2025

1 2 3 ►