These examples should be emulated by other local authorities throughout the country, but Government seems to be failing in this regard. The signing of the Masakhane Public Pledge politicians committed themselves to paying for municipal services was also a major highlight for the campaign . Although, Masakhane has made some great achievements, the battle for payment of services has yet to begin. Payment for services is going to be a thorny issue for Government for the next few years. A culture of civic responsibility has to be instilled in communities because the culture of non-payment in South Africa cannot continue unabated.
Government needs to come up with innovative and cost-effective ways of dealing with defaulters.
If this culture continues, it could have serious implications for our new democracy, particularly local government. The culture of non-payment could virtually see local authorities collapsing before the final phase of local government is completed. Poor levels of payment render delivery, operation and maintenance of service virtually impossible. Heidelberg, a small town on the East Rand, has managed to turn around its payment levels. Heidelberg, is one of a few town councils in Gauteng, which records high payment levels, and other councils should learn from this experience.