The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) criticises National Treasury’s decision to withdraw municipal funding, saying it is contributing to difficulties in paying municipal employees’ salaries and sustaining essential services. The union argues that the funding change leaves municipalities short of cash, which results in delayed salary payments and operational constraints. SAMWU’s criticism focuses on the impact on municipal workers and service delivery, linking the funding decision to broader financial strain faced by municipalities. While the reports summarise the union’s concerns, they do not provide detailed figures on the amount of funding withdrawn, the specific municipalities affected, or the stated reasons from National Treasury. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between national fiscal decisions and local government capacity, particularly where municipalities rely on timely transfers to meet payroll and maintain services such as basic municipal functions. The issue is presented as an immediate concern for workers and communities, with salary delays and service pressures described as direct consequences of the funding withdrawal.