{
  "id": 6741654,
  "title": "THE GATHERING 2026: ‘Not too late to turn around SA’s municipalities with the right people in charge’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/the-gathering-2026-not-too-late-to-turn-around-sas-municipalities",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-11T10:30:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Maverick",
    "slug": "daily-maverick",
    "url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-09-11-not-too-late-to-turn-around-sas-municipalities-with-the-right-people-in-charge/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Auditor-General of South Africa, Tsakani Maluleke, and Songezo Zibi, chairperson of parliament's public spending watchdog, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, have conveyed a message of hope for South Africa's municipalities at The Gathering 2026. They assert that with the right people in charge, the ability to turn around municipalities is not out of reach. Maluleke and Zibi emphasize the importance of quality individuals occupying significant roles, urging citizens to engage actively in monitoring their councils' performance. They highlight the need for competent leaders who abide by the rules to restore credibility in financial reporting and ensure efficient governance. The Auditor-General stresses that the quality of politicians, the presence of competent middle managers, and ethical leadership are crucial factors in addressing South Africa's municipal challenges.",
  "summary": "It is possible to turn around our metros with the right people in place, citizens’ consistent engagement and a focus on contract and project management, Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke and Songezo Zibi, chairperson of parliament’s public spending watchdog, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, assured The Gathering.",
  "key_points": [
    "Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke and Songezo Zibi offer hope for South African municipalities.",
    "Right people in charge can turn around municipalities, they assert.",
    "Quality individuals, rule-abiding leaders needed to restore credibility and efficiency."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}