On Monday, civic organisation Public Interest SA welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s signing of the Municipal Systems Amendment Act.
The organisation stated that the action will be essential for combating corruption, particularly in municipal councils.
The law mandates that the PEC of the local self-government submit the minister with copies of blacklists. It also targets municipal officials who quit prior to disciplinary proceedings after being sacked.
Public Interest SA chairman and founder Theboga Haas said: “We believe this legislation and the amendment to the Municipal Systems Act are very important in our fight against corruption, particularly at the local government level. As you can imagine, most of the corruption happens at the local level.’
Haas stated that while they acknowledge the significance of the reforms, they are frustrated by the “apparent kid gloves” used to dismiss municipal officials for misconduct.