According to Sowetan, South Africa's major cities are struggling with financial management, as highlighted by auditor-general Tsakani Maluleke. She warns that deteriorating governance, failing service delivery, and significant losses due to irregular expenditure pose a threat to the country's sustainability.

Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke has reported concerning declines in the financial health and service delivery of South Africa's eight largest municipalities, highlighting the need for immediate action to address these issues.

South African power utility Eskom faces scrutiny over the sustainability of its profitability as municipal debt owed to it climbs to nearly R120 billion while electricity sales volumes decline by 6.2%. According to The Citizen Business, the figures raise questions about whether the utility's financial gains are being achieved at the expense of struggling municipalities and consumers, amid ongoing concerns about affordability and declining demand across the country.

A recent report from South Africa's Auditor-General highlights significant issues regarding the performance of municipalities, indicating a lack of accountability among officials. The findings suggest that this situation is contributing to a decline in public trust and emphasizes the necessity for urgent reforms to enhance service delivery.

Ratepayers in Cape Town have raised concerns about a potential affordability crisis, warning that municipal bills could increase by as much as 10% annually. According to IOL, the ratepayers point to steep tariff hikes, disparities in property valuations, and rising service costs as key drivers of the financial pressure on households. The warnings highlight growing unease among residents about the sustainability of escalating municipal charges in South Africa's legislative capital.

According to The Citizen, Auditor-General Maluleke has raised concerns over the financial audits of all metropolitan municipalities, highlighting R62.12 billion in debt write-offs and R1.61 billion spent on consultants. Despite these expenditures, 61% of the municipalities submitted flawed financial statements, prompting alarm ahead of the upcoming elections.