Maile warns debt and slow infrastructure spending threaten services

Gauteng Finance MEC Lebogang Maile says municipalities are collecting revenue well but failing to spend fast enough on infrastructure - a gap he warns could soon hurt service delivery. Releasing the province’s latest municipal finances report, Maile said residents have a right to see how public money is managed and how it affects their daily lives. By December, municipalities had collected R123.3 billion, 53.9% of their annual target outperforming the mid-year benchmark. But spending lagged at 49.2%, raising concerns about delayed projects, while rising debt adds further pressure. Phemelo speaks to Tshwane MMC for Roads and Transport, Tlangi Mogale, about her department’s performance and priorities for the year ahead.