Debate on better pay for councillors

Cogta Minister Hlabisa says bold new approach needed for municipalities

- THAMI MAGUBANE

COOPERATIVE Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has suggested better pay for municipal councillors so they can focus on the jobs they were elected to do and not seek other income sources.

He made the comment during a high-level dialogue held yesterday in Midrand, Johannesburg, with political parties as part of the ongoing review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government. Hlabisa stated that the review aims to revive municipalities and ensure they are run like businesses.

He said there is a need to consider better pay for councillors, senior managers, and municipal managers, especially to attract them to work in rural areas as part of the review. Hlabisa noted that many municipalities are in a dire state.

"Local government is where policies become services and promises because infrastructure and governance become tangible. Local government must be capacitated and financially resourced.

"The state of our municipalities leaves much to be desired, and we know that the majority of our public holds the opinion that municipalities are not doing well. Year after year, the audit outcomes show that few municipalities receive a clean bill."

He explained that many municipalities face challenges, and the geographical locations and funding models of the municipalities are at the heart of these issues.

"We need to adopt a style where our municipalities are run like businesses. But to do so, we need to make a bold and new approach to structuring, funding, and remuneration of councillors.