A parliamentary oversight delegation led by former Health Minister Dr. Zweli Mkhize has uncovered widespread corruption, financial mismanagement, and overstaffing in several Free State municipalities, severely hampering service delivery.
The delegation, comprising members from multiple parliamentary committees, visited municipalities including Maluti-a-Phofung, Matjhabeng, and Masilonyana last week. They met with officials, community members, and civil society groups to assess governance challenges.
Preliminary findings revealed systemic issues such as irregular procurement, misused funds, and inflated payrolls due to unnecessary staff appointments. “We found bloated administrative structures, ghost workers, and positions filled through political connections rather than merit,” said Dr. Mkhize. “This directly affects basic services like water, electricity, and waste management.”
Residents in areas like QwaQwa and Welkom expressed anger over crumbling infrastructure, water shortages, and frequent power cuts. “We pay for services we don’t get,” one resident said during community engagements.
The delegation urged immediate intervention, recommending forensic audits, disciplinary measures against corrupt officials, and merit-based hiring. They also called for restructuring municipal staff to cut wasteful spending.
Dr. Mkhize stressed the need for transparency and community oversight, warning that without urgent action, conditions will worsen. A final report will be submitted to Parliament in the coming weeks for review and potential government action.
