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DA-run municipalities have scored the highest in the latest Ratings Afrika Municipal Financial Sustainability Index (MFSI).

Ratings Afrika defines financial sustainability as:

“The financial ability to deliver services, develop and maintain the infrastructure required by its residents without unplanned increases in rates and taxes or a reduction in the level of services and the capacity to absorb financial shocks caused by natural, economic and other adversities without external financial assistance.”

Midvaal, the only DA-governed municipality in Gauteng, was ranked the best municipality in the province by Ratings Afrika. This is the latest in a string of accolades for Midvaal that includes awards for job creation, service delivery and quality of life.

Johannesburg was rated the worst-performing metro in the country with a ranking of 26 index points. DA-governed Cape Town, by contrast, was rated the top performing metro with a ranking of 63 index points.

The difference between these two metros is like night and day. While Johannesburg falters as a result of billing chaos and inability to collect revenue, Cape Town prospers through sound financial management and the roll-out of services for all.

The picture emerging is becoming crystal clear: DA governments do it better.

We do it better because we understand that, by paying attention to financial management, we can deliver services and improve people’s lives.

There is a lesson here for the national Department of Co-operative Government and Traditional Affairs. Ditch the talk shops and complicated ‘turn-around’ strategies. Focus instead on getting the basics of government right in each municipality. And stop the practice of cadre deployment that destroys the capacity of municipalities to deliver.

But the most important lesson is for the voters of South Africa. If you want to live in a municipality that can’t deliver basic services because its finances are not in order, then vote for the ANC. If you want to live in a municipality that spends the people’s money on improving people’s lives, then vote for the DA.

No government – whether it is run by the ANC or the DA – is perfect. We don't always get it right, but we are working hard where we govern to deliver opportunities for all.