Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has urged leaders of municipalities to do all that can be done to transform local government and deliver basic services.

Speaking to journalists after his meeting with the SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry‚ Gordhan said while the journey to building municipalities was a long one‚ officials had to deal with what could be dealt with today.

“Whatever needs to be dealt with today and can be dealt with today must be dealt with today. Stop making silly mistakes that cost business or upset residents. Do the basic that municipalities need to do.

 “Municipalities are institutions that outlive our generations both the older one and younger ones. In 50 years time‚ there will still be municipalities in South Africa. But you want them over a period of time to develop the expertise‚ capability‚ service culture and the right values to be embedded in these institutions so that they become ones that serve communities‚” he said.

The meeting‚ organised by Sacci‚ was meant to allow business leaders to interact with the minister and give proposals on what the state can do to provide an enabling environment for economic growth.

Gordhan and business agreed that municipalities had to deliver basic services in order for entrepreneurs across the country to be able to create the much needed jobs in the economy.