COGTA MEC outlines State of Local Government at the SALGA Provincial Executive Committee Lekgotla

Posted: 27 May 2022

SALGA Mpumalanga its Provincial Executive Committee Lekgotla at Emalahleni on the 27th of May 2022 which aimed to centre around the clear strategic role that SALGA has to play in representing the interests of local government within the system of government as a whole and to also support member municipalities to fulfil their developmental obligations.

From the 10th to the 13th of April 2022, the SALGA National Executive Committee held a Lekgotla to share ideas and experiences on how the three branches of government can best work together to tackle unique and shared challenges on a variety of areas, such as local infrastructure, improved water quality, climate change and job creation. This also included a discussion of SALGA's long-term vision, which includes the policy priorities, programmes and project plans set out in the organisation's five-year strategic plan which came into effect on the 1st of April 2022 and will commence until 2027.

"As we meet at this Lekgotla and going forward as the SALGA Mpumalanga Provincial Executive Committee, it is imperative that we discuss ways in which we can promote cooperation between local, provincial and national government as well as traditional leaders to enable economic, social, cultural and environmental solutions to the country's most pressing challenges", said SALGA Mpumalanga Provincial Chairperson Cllr. Jesta Sidell.

"As SALGA in the province we have appointed our SALGA Champions into the DDM teams which will provide strategic guidance and direction for the improved provision of services for our communities, enabling us to respond to the challenges that are faced by our communities. As SALGA we have to 'Inspire Service Delivery' and drive programmes that will enable our member municipalities to be able to achieve this", continued the Chairperson.

National Executive Committee member and Executive Mayor of Lesedi Local Municipality Cllr. Nkosi also spoke about some of the challenges facing local government as well as the high unemployment that faces many South Africans. "Going forward these are but some of the issues that we need to have discussions on as local government and the broader government which includes the other spheres".

"During the elections it became eminent that there are still many places where local government is in demand, and we should focus on ensuring that these are addressed within our municipalities. In the province we have 4 municipalities which received Clean Audits – Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, Ehlanzeni District Municipality, Gert Sibande District Municipality and Nkangala District Municipality and we are proud of these municipalities", said the MEC for the Department of Co-operative Government and Traditional Affairs Mr. Mandla Ndlovu as he presented on the State of Local Government in the province.

SALGA's mandate is to:
1) Lobby, advocate, protect and represent the interest of local government at relevant structures and platforms.
2) Act as an employer body representing all municipal members and, by agreement, associate members.
3) Build the capacity of the municipality as an institution as well as leadership and technical capacity of both Councillors and Officials.
4) Support and advise our members on a range of issues to assist effective execution of their mandate and officials.
5) Build the profile and image of local government within South Africa as well as outside the country.
6) To serve as the custodian of local government intelligence and the knowledge hub for the sector.

The Lekgotla also received presentations and discussed on new SALGA Strategy for 2022 – 2027, the Extended Producer Responsibility (Waste Management), Innovation and Technology Barometer, and Just Energy Transition