MUNICIPAL debt is a pressing issue in South Africa, with local governments facing significant financial distress, which has resulted in a cycle of financial instability that threatens the delivery of essential services.

The debt owed by municipalities amounts well over R100 billion, according to reports, with local governments owing substantial amounts to various entities, including water boards and the embattled state-owned power utility, Eskom.

Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina recently revealed that water boards had an outstanding municipal debt of about R130bn, while National Treasury figures show that municipal debt to Eskom had surged to almost R110bn.

“Such high levels of municipal debt mean that municipalities may be at risk of being unable to provide basic services, maintain infrastructure or upgrade facilities. Similarly, they may also not have enough cash to fulfil their responsibilities,” Munsoft chief executive Nicholas Maweni said.

This alarming situation underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions, and digital transformation emerges as a critical path forward.

However, digital transformation presents a viable, data-backed approach to mitigating these challenges and ensuring long-term stability. Maweni said by embracing technology-driven governance, municipalities could enhance service delivery, improve financial transparency, and achieve sustainable financial health.

“Digital transformation offers a promising path forward for South African municipalities to address their financial challenges and ensure long-term stability. By embracing technology-driven governance, municipalities can enhance service delivery, improve financial transparency, and achieve sustainable financial health,” he said.

Despite the potential benefits, the adoption of digital transformation has been slow and fraught with challenges. Municipalities must overcome significant hurdles such as outdated infrastructure, lack of technical expertise, and resistance to change.

Maweni pointed out that by leveraging technology, municipalities could streamline billing systems and reduce outstanding debt. Automated revenue systems and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven analytics could optimise billing processes, ensuring the timely and accurate collection of dues. However, the implementation of these systems would require substantial investment and a clear strategy, which many municipalities lack.

“Furthermore, digital tracking and reporting tools can enhance accountability and transparency in municipal finances. Blockchain technology, for instance, can provide a secure and transparent ledger for financial transactions, reducing the risk of fraud and mismanagement,” he said. Yet, the adoption of blockchain and other advanced technologies would necessitate robust digital infrastructure, which is often non-existent in many municipalities.

“Smart technology can also improve resource management by enhancing efficiency and curbing wasteful expenditure. Internet of Things (IoT) devices and data analytics can monitor resource usage in real-time, enabling municipalities to make informed decisions and reduce costs.” Maweni said.

Despite these advantages, the integration of IoT devices and data analytics into municipal operations remains limited due to budget constraints and a lack of skilled personnel.

To effectively embrace innovation, technology, and digital transformation, municipalities should consider outlining a comprehensive digital transformation strategy that would align with their financial and operational goals. Maweni said this strategy should include specific objectives, timelines, and measurable outcomes to track progress.

“Building robust digital infrastructure is critical for supporting technological advancements. Municipalities should invest in modern IT systems, secure data storage, and reliable internet connectivity to enable the seamless implementation of digital solutions,” he said. “Furthermore, collaboration with technology providers, academic institutions, and private sector partners is key as it can accelerate digital transformation efforts. Municipalities can leverage external expertise and resources to develop and implement innovative solutions.”

Despite the clear benefits of collaboration, many municipalities remained isolated, failing to engage with potential partners who could provide much-needed support and resources.

At the same time, according to Maweni, training and upskilling municipal employees is essential for the successful adoption of digital tools. Municipalities should provide continuous training programmes to ensure that staff are proficient in using new technologies and can maximise their benefits. “Ultimately, digital transformation should focus on improving the overall experience for citizens. Municipalities should prioritise solutions that enhance service delivery, increase accessibility, and promote transparency in governance,” he said.

Maweni noted that several municipalities had successfully implemented digital solutions to address financial challenges. For example, the eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal had adopted digital platforms to improve service delivery and financial management. Specifically, the municipality had implemented the Microsoft Office 365 Enterprise Digital Transformation Programme to enhance communication and collaboration among municipal staff. This has streamlined internal processes, improved efficiency, and facilitated better decision-making.

Furthermore, the municipality has also adopted smart city technologies to monitor and manage urban infrastructure. This includes the use of IoT devices and data analytics to optimise resource usage, reduce costs, and improve service delivery.

However, the success of eThekwini stands in stark contrast to the struggles faced by many other municipalities, highlighting the urgent need for the widespread adoption of digital transformation strategies across the country.

“Digitalisation presents an unparalleled opportunity for municipalities to overcome the debilitating challenge of municipal debt. Successful implementations demonstrate the transformative potential of embracing innovation to achieve financial stability and improved service delivery. By embarking on this journey, municipalities will not only secure their financial futures but also ensure that they can meet the needs of their communities effectively and efficiently,” Maweni said.

However, the road to digital transformation is fraught with challenges, and without decisive action and substantial investment, many municipalities risk falling further into financial distress.