THE Free State Legislature has summoned all municipalities across the province to appear before its oversight committees starting this week, amid a dire state of local government entities.
The hearings – which form part of the Legislature’s Local Government Oversight Week – will take place between 14 and 24 October 2025 at the Windmill Casino in Bloemfontein.
According to a statement issued by the Legislature, the oversight week follows joint meetings held earlier this year by the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and the Standing Committee on the Auditor-General.
“The hearings are meant to follow up on commitments made during the June hearings and ensure accountability, promote good governance, support service delivery and improve public trust,” the statement said.
The Legislature encouraged the public to actively participate in the sessions by submitting petitions, raising community concerns and engaging with committees on issues affecting their municipalities.
A wide range of municipalities and municipal entities will appear before the oversight committees to account for their performance, governance practices and financial management.
Among the key institutions expected to face tough questions are the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and its electricity utility, Centlec, as well as several district and local municipalities.
The hearings come in the wake of the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA)’s Municipal Finance Management Act report for the 2023/24 financial year, which paints a bleak picture of the state of local government in the Free State.
According to the AGSA, all municipalities in the province had findings of non-compliance with legislation during the period under review, while several failed to submit their financial statements on time.
At least four municipalities – Mafube, Kopanong, Mohokare and Masilonyana – received disclaimed audit opinions, meaning auditors could not obtain sufficient reliable evidence to express an opinion on their financial statements.
The report describes the Free State as one of the worst-performing provinces in terms of financial management, citing persistent weaknesses in internal controls, poor record-keeping, lack of accountability and overreliance on external consultants.
It further notes that several municipalities are financially distressed, struggling to pay creditors and facing going-concern risks, suggesting they may not be able to continue operating without external intervention.
The Auditor-General’s national findings were similarly grim.
Across South Africa, 78 percent of municipalities were found to be under financial strain, with most taking an average of 286 days to pay their creditors.
Since the 2021/22 financial year, municipalities nationwide have incurred a staggering R14.6 billion in interest and penalties due to late payments and poor financial management.
The AGSA also highlighted ongoing weaknesses in internal audit units and audit committees, as well as excessive dependence on consultants.
Municipalities collectively spent over R1.47 billion on financial reporting assistance – without developing sustainable internal capacity.
Against this backdrop, the Free State Legislature’s oversight week is being viewed as a crucial intervention aimed at tackling long-standing governance and service delivery failures.
Legislature committees will interrogate municipal mayors, managers and executive members on their audit outcomes, financial performance and progress in addressing infrastructure and governance challenges.
The Legislature said the initiative underscores its commitment to transparency and public accountability.
“This process demonstrates our dedication to transparent and effective governance,” the statement read.
“Public participation remains key to improving accountability and ensuring municipalities serve the people efficiently and ethically.”
Proceedings will be open to the public and streamed live on the Legislature’s Facebook and YouTube platforms.
Schedule of hearings:
- Tuesday, 14 October 2025 (12:00): Mangaung Metro, Centlec, Setsoto, Ngwathe
- Wednesday, 15 October 2025 (09:00): Thabo Mofutsanyana District, Phumelela, Maluti-a-Phofung, MAP Water, Nketoana, Mantsopa
- Thursday, 16 October 2025 (09:00): Fezile Dabi District, Metsimaholo, Mafube, Moqhaka, Tokologo
- Friday, 17 October 2025 (09:00): Lejweleputswa District, Lejweleputswa Development Agency, Masilonyana, Nala, Xhariep, Kopanong
- Friday, 24 October 2025 (09:00): Matjhabeng, Dihlabeng, Mohokare, Letsemeng, Tswelopele – Staff Reporter