SA’s municipalities incur R145bn irregular expenditure in 4 years, metros ‘going backwards’

South African municipalities have racked up R145 billion in irregular expenditure over the past four years, signaling serious financial mismanagement. The situation has led to concerns that major cities are "going backwards" instead of progressing. This irregular spending highlights the need for better financial oversight and accountability within local governments, which are crucial for maintaining public services and infrastructure. The reliance on consultants to prepare audit statements suggests a systemic issue that could have broader implications for the country's fiscal health and public trust.