Mafikeng - North West Premier Thandi Modise has warned municipalities within her provincial government that those who fail to get their house in order will be dealt with.
Speaking during her State of the Province Address in Mafikeng on Friday, Modise acknowledged that local government was unlikely to be "hitting the targets" soon.
"The 2010-2011 audit reports are shocking. Most municipalities did not even bother to submit their financials to the Auditor General on time," she said.
Only nine municipalities and two municipal entities had submitted their financials.
"This situation cannot be tolerated. Desperate times call for desperate measures. We must act and act decisively," Modise warned.
Issues of mismanagement, irregular expenditure, fraud and corruption needed to be addressed and the province would continue to push for a corruption free administration, she said.
"We must move forward cautiously but with speed to deliver to our people. We must be accountable, lead with humility and always remember we are all here to serve," Modise added.
On the issue of vacant strategic posts in the administration, the premier said people would not be hired simply because they were known or liked.
"I have always insisted that we look for capabilities and skills," she stressed.
Four of six vacancies in question have been filled and the head-hunting process for the HOD for Public Works was being finalised.
"Two HODs have since been suspended - one is facing internal disciplinary processes and the other one's matter is in the courts. The North West is still without a substantive Director General - the matter is at the Labour Court and is expected to be finalised by the end of February 2012," she said.
