Ramaphosa unveils a reset of South Africa's failing municipalities

Key measures

• Water and electricity money ring-fenced
• Compulsory licences for providers
• Powers tied to size and capability
• Officials hired for competence

Revenue from water and electricity sales will be ring-fenced for maintaining infrastructure, and every water and electricity provider will need a licence.

Owed to Eskom

R120 billion, and more

Municipalities owe Eskom more than 120 billion rand, Ramaphosa said, and many are also behind on payments to water boards.

South Africa

The launch comes less than two weeks before local elections on Nov 4. Cabinet has backed a phased rollout, and some changes need new legislation.