# Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke says persistent dysfunction in local government hinders South Africa’s economic growth. Speaking at the 1998 White Paper review, Maluleke urged municipalities to take audit outcomes seriously, linking poor financial management to service delivery failures. Maluleke warned that non-compliance and unreliable performance reports erode public trust and investment. She also called for renewed commitment to implement reforms, saying the 1998 White Paper was solid but never fully applied:
Auditor-General lauds 1998 White Paper as solid, calls for bold reform [SOUND]
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