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.

The Auditor-General has reported that the financial situation in Johannesburg requires immediate attention, noting a general regression in audit outcomes among metropolitan areas.

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.

According to a report by the Auditor-General of South Africa, only 39 municipalities received clean audits. Sharrone Adams, head of audit, highlighted issues at the metro level, stating that officials often do not behave ethically, experience conflicts of interest, and fail to act in the best interest of their institutions.

Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke reported that the City of Cape Town has regressed in its supply chain management and procurement practices, resulting in non-compliance issues. This regression has contributed to the municipality receiving an unqualified audit with findings, according to Maluleke.

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.