The local municipalities of Msukaligwa and Dr Pixley ka Isaka Seme will not merge in the immediate future.
The merger was requested by the Minister of Cooperative Governance Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Mr Pravin Gordhan, earlier this year in terms of Section 22 of the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) Act, 1998 (Act 27 of 1998).
The MDB has decided not to re-determine the municipal boundaries or to merge these two municipalities in terms of Section 21 of the Local
Government: Municipal Demarcation Act, 1998.
The board has, however, decided to conduct a more detailed investigation into the reconfiguration of the boundaries of these municipalities after the 2016 local elections.
The MDB published relevant circulars of notices inviting comments and proposals from the community about the proposed amalgamation of the municipalities with a view to optimising the financial viability of the new municipality.
The objectives of the merger were to establish and create an area that would enable the proposed amalgamated municipality to fulfil its constitutional obligations, including the provision of democratic and accountable government for the local communities.
Last year Cogta undertook an assessment of all municipalities across the country and the results indicated, among others, that about a third of municipalities are dysfunctional while another third is at risk.
The assessment also found that several municipalities are not financially viable due to their geographic location.
Minister Gordhan congratulated the MBD on the timely release of the report ahead of the 2016 local government elections.
“This report indicates a possible reduction in the number of non-viable municipalities and this is the initial phase of dealing with such municipalities,” said Minister Gordhan.
Further processes to assess other municipalities will follow immediately after the 2016 local government elections.
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