R1.4bn relief fund: 'I want transparency' says Hlabisa

Co-operative governance and traditional affairs minister Velenkosini Hlabisa is pushing for stricter accountability and transparency to ensure disaster relief funds are used effectively by municipalities. Announcing the allocation of R1.4bn in disaster relief funds for flood-hit provinces, he emphasised that municipalities would be required to provide detailed monthly and quarterly reports, bank statements, and the aims of spending breakdowns. This is to prevent the misuse of allocated funds and to ensure timely disaster recovery – an urgent priority given the history of funds being diverted or left unspent due to inefficiencies. Phemelo is in conversation with Minister Hlabisa about his plans.