The new leadership in the Nongoma Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal is expected to turn things around from poor financial controls dating back to 2023. 

The KZN Legislature Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Portfolio Committee held a meeting with municipal officials on Thursday, to address challenges highlighted by the Auditor-General of South Africa (A-G). 

Marlaine Nair, the portfolio committee chairperson, said the committee had resolved to hold meetings with municipalities that have received adverse audits, disclaimer audits, and qualified audit reports from the A-G in the last financial year.

She said that Nongoma’s 2023/24 audit reflects areas of concern that require attention. 

“After four consecutive years of unqualified audit opinions, the municipality has now received a qualified opinion, which indicates a weakening of internal controls and governance processes,” she said. 

Nair said this is accompanied by notable compliance challenges, including R65 million in unauthorised expenditure written off, R45 million in unresolved irregular expenditure, as well as persistent weaknesses in procurement and financial management.

Nair stated that financial sustainability is also under pressure; according to the A-G report, the municipality faces a growing debtor book, with R79 million in outstanding debt, most of which is over 90 days. 

Additionally, government departments owe over R34 million, placing further strain on cash flow and the municipality’s ability to maintain consistent service delivery.

Nair said that Thursday’s engagement was not just about identifying shortcomings, but also about finding practical solutions and supporting the municipality in getting back on track. 

“We are here to work together towards improving public confidence, ensuring responsible financial management, and ultimately strengthening service delivery for the people of Nongoma,” she said

In July 2025, the Inkatha Freedom Party took charge of the municipality after a vote of no confidence was passed in the municipal council against the National Freedom Party (NFP) leadership.

Mbekezeli Zondo was elected as the new mayor, with Sinethemba Mbongwa elected speaker and the EFF’s Mthokozisi Luvuno voted deputy mayor. 

At the meeting on Thursday, the Nongoma Municipality stated that it has capacitated its Supply Chain Management systems and taken steps to resolve the findings in a turnaround plan.

Staff from the expenditure unit will also undergo Municipal Standard Chart of Accounts (MSCOA) training by August 31, 2025. A cash flow committee is expected to be established by the end of August 2025.

The municipality stated that in its turnaround strategy, it has limited the outsourcing of municipal services, including the hiring of cars and trucks.

Members of the portfolio committee commended Nongoma Municipality for implementing the turnaround strategy to improve performance.  

The ANC members of the KZN Legislature, Mbali Frazer and Celiwe Madlopha, were also in attendance. In a statement, the  ANC said it is committed to strengthening oversight, promoting good governance, and ensuring that municipalities deliver quality services to the people.

“Through these hearings, our deployees are working to turn around underperforming municipalities, restore financial discipline, and rebuild public confidence,” the party stated. 

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za

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