News24 reports that the ANC provincial leadership in the North West says poor revenue collection by the Ditsobotla Local Municipality is to blame for its inability to meet financial obligations which include paying staff salaries for May.

Ditsobotla is unable to meet its financial obligations and provide basic services to residents. It is one of the most poorly-run municipalities in the North West, with most residents living without access to running water. The council was dissolved in 2022, and fresh by-elections were held. The ANC campaigned hard, with President Cyril Ramaphosa pledging to residents in the area in early December that infighting by ANC members would be resolved.   But despite the ANC's return to power in the municipality, things have remained the same. An internal memo to the municipality's staff stated they should not expect their May salaries until further notice. The municipality's acting manager Mamrena Lehoko said it was putting systems in place to try and cushion the financial burden. At the weekend, Cogta MEC Nono Maloyi indicated that the provincial government had sent staff to assist the municipality. He said the bulk of Ditsobotla's financial problems stemmed from provincial government departments operating in the municipality owing it money. He said the municipality would pressure those departments to pay its debts urgently.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Zintle Mahlati at News24

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