# Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, says creating an environment in which municipalities can function effectively requires the appointment of competent individuals to relevant and suitable positions. The White Paper on Local Government review process will introduce the separation of municipal and political appointments. Hlabisa says if a mayor cannot understand financial statements, budgets and audit outcomes, then that person cannot plan for the operation of a town or city for the next ten years nor hold the administration to account.
Minister Hlabisa says local government requires competent leaders