Parliament, Friday, 10 July 2026 – The Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Public Administration (Traditional Affairs, Human Settlements and Water & Sanitation) has expressed concern over the persistent late payment of service providers by some KwaZulu-Natal government departments.
The committee emphasised that the failure to pay suppliers within the prescribed period undermines efforts to promote inclusive economic growth and reduce unemployment. "Late payment for services rendered has a direct impact on the cash flow of small and medium enterprises, placing many businesses at risk of closure and threatening much-needed employment opportunities. The 30-day payment framework is a progressive measure aimed at supporting inclusive economic development," said the Chairperson of the Committee, Mr Mxolisi Kaunda.
The committee engaged with the KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier and the provincial office of the Public Service Commission (PSC) yesterday where it was informed by the PSC that several departments, including the Departments of Health, Education, and Public Works and Infrastructure, fail to pay service providers within the prescribed 30-day period. The committee noted that report with concern as these three departments account for a significant proportion of procurement expenditure in the provincial public service.
The committee welcomed the assurance from the PSC that it enjoys a constructive working relationship with the provincial government. It regards the PSC as a critical constitutional institution established to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency and accountability of the public service. The committee expressed concern, however, about the slow implementation of the PSC's recommendations by government departments.
"While a good working relationship is important, it must translate into tangible improvements in service delivery, such as those observed at the Chatsworth Department of Home Affairs service centre. We urge all departments to implement the PSC's remedial recommendations to improve the quality and efficiency of services provided to the public," Mr Kaunda said.
The committee also raised alarm about the condition of sanitation facilities in schools, as highlighted by the PSC. Despite the implementation of the Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) initiative, progress in eradicating unsafe sanitation facilities remains unacceptably slow, posing a direct risk to the lives and dignity of learners.
"While we acknowledge the scale of the challenge and the resource constraints facing government, it is imperative that innovative partnerships, including with the private sector, are explored to accelerate the eradication of unsafe sanitation facilities. Our children deserve safe and dignified learning environments," Mr Kaunda emphasised.
Regarding financial disclosures by members of the Senior Management Service and other officials designated by the Minister for the Public Service and Administration, the committee commended the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government for achieving a 100% disclosure rate. The committee also welcomed the PSC's implementation of a verification system to assess these disclosures, ensuring that the process is meaningful and not merely a compliance exercise.
Meanwhile, the committee visited several water infrastructure projects in the Impendle Local Municipality and commended the municipality for implementing projects that have improved access to water for residents. While recognising the municipality's resource constraints and the topographical challenges that complicate water reticulation, the committee noted that the projects it visited demonstrate a clear commitment to expanding access to reliable and quality water services.
The committee also welcomed assurances from the Department of Water and Sanitation that a close and collaborative working relationship has been established with the uMgungundlovu District Municipality. This partnership has strengthened planning, budgeting and the implementation of water services projects, providing a positive example of cooperative governance.
The committee will today continue its oversight visit to the Impendle Local Municipality following the invocation of Section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution. As part of its programme, it will engage with political parties represented in the municipal council, business organisations, civil society organisations, and representatives of women and youth to gather their perspectives on the intervention.
The committee will also meet with the provincial executive to assess progress since the intervention was implemented and to evaluate measures introduced to restore stability, strengthen governance and improve service delivery.
Details of the visit
Date: Friday, 10 July 2026
Venue: Impendle Muncipal Council Chambers
Time: 08:30
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, MR MXOLISI KAUNDA.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Malatswa Molepo (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8438
Cell: 081 512 7920
E-mail: mmolepo@parliament.gov.za
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