Dlamini-Zuma admits there is a shocking lack of expertise in municipalities

18 January 2023

There are only 168 properly accredited engineers appointed at municipalities countrywide. That number represents about 19% out of a total of 1 026 individuals appointed in engineer posts.

This is evident from the reply by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, to a parliamentary question by the FF Plus.

What is also evident from the Minister's reply is that one of the main causes of the decay of critical infrastructure in ANC-controlled municipalities is that there are a mere 141 accredited civil engineers employed at municipalities.

No accredited mechanical engineers have been appointed at municipalities.

Meanwhile, municipal infrastructure is decaying at an alarming pace and billions of rand worth of vehicles and equipment are literally turning to rust on municipal premises.

These shocking figures also highlight the enormous outflow of critical expertise from municipalities.

It has resulted in a total lack of insight into the necessity of retaining critical skills to ensure professional service delivery.

It, furthermore, explains why billions in tax money is squandered on tenders for services which municipalities ought to provide themselves at a fraction of the cost.

This terrible state of affairs will only be turned around when the ANC is removed from power. South Africa deserves better than the ANC.

Issued by Michal Groenewald, FF Plus MP and chief spokesperson: Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), 18 January 2023