In response to poor performances by some of the country's municipalities, as cited in the auditor-general's report this week, the SA Local Government Association has launched a programme to tackle inefficiencies in financial management in local councils.
A total of 69 municipalities have been prioritised by Salga to receive intervention from its Municipal Audit Support Programme, or Masp.
Masp will focus on improving leadership, governance, institutional capacity and financial management in municipalities.
Salga wants to reduce the number of municipalities which are in "ICU" from 20% to less than 10% by 2016.
Salga CEO Xolile George said more training would be provided to officials in managerial positions.
This support will come from Salga, Treasury, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the auditor-general's office.
George said Salga would also pair the better-performing municipalities with those struggling in order to share best practices.
"This can be done regardless of resources," he said.
Masp will be implemented over three years and will cost about R40-million.
In his report on municipalities on Wednesday Auditor-General Kimi Makwetu raised concerns about R700-million spent on consultants to help officials compile financial reports.
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