Mahikeng: With 2026 marking a local government election year, Premier Lazarus Kagiso
Mokgosi has announced that the North West Province will prioritise stabilising and
strengthening municipalities to improve performance and address persistent service
delivery challenges.
Speaking during his State of the Province Address, which also marked the Official
Opening of the Provincial Legislature, Premier Mokgosi said the stabilisation of the
provincial administration has created space to intensify support to municipalities.
“As the sphere of government closest to the people, local government plays a critical role
in meeting basic needs and creating an enabling environment for economic growth. There
is a direct correlation between a functional local government and an inclusive, growing
economy,” he said.
The Premier announced that 2026 is declared the “Year to Fix Local Government and
Transform the Economy”, signalling a renewed focus on restoring administrative
functionality and improving the provision of essential services such as water, electricity,
refuse removal and road maintenance.
To strengthen financial governance in struggling municipalities, the provincial government
has appointed Provincial Executive Representatives to oversee the implementation of
Financial Recovery Plans (FRPs) and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
Encouraging improvements in audit outcomes reflect ongoing government support through
financial recovery measures, administrative assistance, and improved planning and
budgeting processes.
Premier Mokgosi commended Moses Kotane, Greater Taung and JB Marks Local
Municipalities for improving their audit outcomes from qualified to unqualified in the most
recent audit cycle.
He further stated that focused support will continue for Bojanala Platinum and Dr Kenneth
Kaunda District Municipalities as well as Moretele Local Municipality, to help them
progress from unqualified to clean audits.
The Premier also welcomed the reduction in disclaimer audit outcomes from nine
municipalities in the 2020/21 financial year to only one in 2024/25, which is Ditsobotla
Local Municipality.
He noted that government is satisfied with the progress achieved in Ditsobotla Local
Municipality following the introduction of a National Cabinet Representative in terms of
Section 139(7) of the Constitution.
Additional intervention measures will include the introduction of Section 154 support in
identified municipalities, to strengthen institutional capacity in areas such as waste
management and road maintenance. Further interventions are expected to focus on
financial management, governance, service delivery improvement and leadership stability.
ENDS
Issued by the Office of the Premier
For enquiries, contact
Sello Tatai
Spokesperson to the Premier
North West Provincial Government
Cell: 064 756 2510/082 450 7842
E-mail: SITatai@nwpg.gov.za
OR
Brian Setswambung
Provincial Head of Communication
Office of the Premier
North West Provincial Government
Cell: 076 012 4501
E-mail: BSetswambung@nwpg.gov.za
