National Treasury's decision to temporarily withhold R13.5 billion in equitable share funding from 69 municipalities has reignited a difficult but necessary debate about the state of local government in South Africa.

Treasury says the move is a corrective measure aimed at restoring fiscal discipline and holding municipalities accountable for persistent financial mismanagement. But organised labour warns the decision could deepen an already fragile situation, placing municipal services, workers and communities at greater risk.

At the heart of this debate is a critical question, how do we enforce accountability without compromising the delivery of essential services to millions of South Africans?

Joining us is Professor Alex van den Heever, governance and public policy expert at the Wits School of Governance. We are also joined by Dumisane Magagula, General Secretary of the South African Municipal Workers' Union.

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