Parliament cracks down on failing municipalities as funding freeze battle intensifies

Parliament has drawn a hard line against municipalities that repeatedly fail to meet financial and governance standards. At the centre of the dispute is National Treasury's decision to withhold funding from 69 defaulting councils, including the City of Johannesburg, over poor financial management and unpaid debts. While some MPs have backed the move, others have questioned whether freezing funds unfairly punishes residents instead of those responsible. Johannesburg has until 30 September to improve its finances or risk losing key government grants. Phemelo unpacks the political and financial showdown with Daily Maverick journalist Anna Cox.