A statutory regulatory analysis of the accountability of the municipal manager and corporate governance measures in Mahikeng local municipality

Abstract

The problem of mismanagement of funds in the municipalities is an issue of concern in South Africa. The Mahikeng local municipality exemplifies the reckless management of municipal funds by the municipal manager who oversees the management of the municipal funds and budget. The current dilemma of the Mahikeng local municipality is due to reckless management of the municipal funds, which creates service delivery deficiencies leading to the municipality being put under administration. This study adopts a doctrinal research method. The study finds that, on the one hand, the provisions of the relevant laws are not adequate, and on the other hand, they are not adequately enforced to hold the municipal manager for Mahikeng local municipality accountable for municipal funds. The study further proposes that corporate governance principles should apply to the municipal authorities to ensure accountability in municipalities. The study concludes that the imposition of corporate governance principles and proper enforcement of the extant laws would ensure appropriate, effective and efficient accountability as well as improved service delivery in Mahikeng local municipality. Consequently, the researcher hopes that the recommendations of the study will apply to Mahikeng local municipality and other municipalities facing similar challenges in South Africa.