The North West province appears to be the wild, wild west these days. The audit reports for most municipalities in this often-forgotten province make for painful reading as critical service delivery has ground to a halt in many towns. Including the city of Mahikeng, where, despite this grim reality, managers recently walked away with a fat bonus. This, while armed gunmen have effectively taken over the Ramotshere Moiloa council amid a dispute between the ousted mayor and speaker, in what’s essentially a municipal coup. About 20 councils were called to account before three parliamentary committees this week, and what MPs heard is bordering on unbelievable. The Lead’s guest and star reporter on this story is Siyamtanda Capa. Lastly, we end off with “On This Day in SA History”. You can send host Graeme Raubenheimer a voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to: [email protected]. Editions drop Monday through Thursday at 19:00 on Spotify, Apple and YouTube.