FW de Klerk Foundation welcomes resumption of operations in Emfuleni, but critical concerns remain

9 October 2024

The FW de Klerk Foundation acknowledges the recent agreement between Emfuleni Local Municipality and Eskom, which allows for the resumption of operations following a prolonged crisis that threatened the livelihoods of municipal employees. While this development is a positive step, it does not absolve the systemic governance failures that led to this precarious situation.

The Foundation's previous statement, issued on 3 October 2024, highlighted the dire consequences of Emfuleni's R8 billion debt to Eskom, which had resulted in the attachment of the municipality’s bank accounts. This impediment severely impacted service delivery and the payment of salaries to hardworking municipal employees, contradicting the constitutional obligation to promote social and economic development, as outlined in section 152.

Ismail Joosub, Manager of Constitutional Advancement at the FW de Klerk Foundation, stated, “While we welcome the resumption of operations, the fundamental issues of governance and accountability remain unresolved. It is critical that local government adheres to section 195 of the Constitution, ensuring efficient and effective use of public resources.”

Christo van der Rheede, Executive Director of the FW de Klerk Foundation, added, “We are concerned that the financial mismanagement that led to this crisis persists. Moreover, the continued payment of suspended civil servants raises serious ethical questions about accountability in our public service.”

The FW de Klerk Foundation urges all stakeholders to address the underlying issues and uphold constitutional values, ensuring that the rights of all workers are protected and that governance is restored to align with the foundational values of transparency and accountability.

Issued by FW de Klerk Foundation, 9 October 2024