Strengthening Local Governance in Mpumalanga: Combating Corruption, Infrastructure Decay, and Financial Mismanagement for Sustainable Service Delivery

Posted: 21 October 2025

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) convened its Mpumalanga Provincial Members Assembly in Secunda on the 6th and 7th of October 2025, within Govan Mbeki Local Municipality.

The express aim and objectives of the Provincial Members' Assembly, respectively, were to :

• Act in accordance with the directions of the Provincial Conference;
• Adopt the provincial member's programme of action, business plan, and budget in respect of the ensuing year;
• Consider reports from the provincial working groups and oversight bodies; and
• Deal with any other issues emanating from the provisions applicable to provincial members in SALGA's Constitution.

Opening Session

Cllr Nhlakanipho Zuma (Executive Mayor of Govan Mbeki Municipality) welcomed the delegates and guests - "Welcome to Govan Mbeki Municipality, A model city of excellence. Govan Mbeki Municipality contributes 11.5% to the GDP of the province, but we also acknowledge the challenges that we face as a municipality. I welcome you all".
onstructed under the transformative Welisizwe Programme, the newly built bridge at Ward 6 in EmaXesibeni under Umzimvubu Local Municipality has provided the much-needed aide for residents of Sihlahleni and Welakabini villages respectively. Community members now have safe and reliable access to essential services such as schools and the health care facility. "The bridge connects communities to Mwaca local clinic, pupils of Dumisa, Mlungiseleli and Machibini schools. This much needed bridge is improving the livelihoods of the rural communities of Ward 6 and surroundings. The construction of the bridge brought significant social and economic spin-offs to the surrounding community", said Umzimvubu Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr Zukiswa Ndevu.

Approximately 40 people were employed during the construction phase, providing much-needed jobs and income to local families. Economically, the bridge improved access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities, boosting local trade and encouraging small business growth. Socially, it strengthened community connectivity and reduced travel time, fostering greater interaction among residents and neighbouring areas. Overall, the bridge serves as a catalyst for local development and long-term economic resilience.
Umzimvubu Local Municipality is mostly rural and is prone to heavy rains during the summer period, this intervention will make it easy for the communities to utilise it even after heavy rains as it constructed with steel material, concluded Cllr Ndevu. The Umzimvubu Local Municipality extends a word of gratitude to the national government through the Departments of Public Works & Infrastructure and the South African Defence Force for this provision.

Hon. Mr. Desmond Moela (SCOPA Chairperson and member of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature) and Kgoshi. Lameck Mokoena (Chairperson, House and Traditional Leaders and Khoisan) represented by Inkosi Mthethwa, delivered messages of support. "As a strategic partner, the PMA plays a critical role in strengthening local government. We commend the Assembly agenda and the discussions that will be held in the following 2 days. The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature fully aligns itself with the objectives and outcomes of this assembly. The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature also proudly acknowledges the MoU with SALGA, which formalises the partnership between ourselves and local government", highlighted Hon. Mr. Desmond Moela.

Cllr. Walter Mngomezulu, Chairperson of SALGA in Mpumalanga provided a background and gave a rationale for the Provincial Members' Assembly, detailing emerging issues confronting/affecting Local Government at large. "The road to the 2026 local government elections is already upon us. The credibility of local government will be judged at the ballot box. If we do not restore trust and prove our effectiveness, communities may lose faith in this democratic sphere. The Assembly must therefore not only prepare technically but also politically, ensuring that municipalities are ready to serve, ready to govern, and ready to lead", said the Chairperson.

The Chairperson further indicated that "As we chart the course ahead, let us imagine a Mpumalanga province where:

• Every household enjoys reliable and affordable basic services.
• Municipalities are financially sustainable and free of corruption.
• Councillors are ethical, accountable, and respected by the communities they serve.
• Local government drives economic development, job creation, and resilience in the face of climate change."

Hon. Mr. Speedy Mashilo (MEC for the Mpumalanga Department of Co-operative Government, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs) delivered the Keynote Address, which focused on "Strengthening Local Governance in Mpumalanga: Combating Corruption, Infrastructure Decay, and Financial Mismanagement for Sustainable Service Delivery."

"It is a great privilege to address this Assembly. Many of our municipalities are under severe strain and face challenges. As we approach the Local Government Elections, we must confront the challenges that arise on some issues. The challenges we face today are interlinked and require a collective effort from society as a whole. This meeting must look into proper planning, especially through the District Development Model. Empowerment is not only about funding, but also about strategic support and empowerment as well. Municipalities must empower our communities in terms of local economic development. At the centre of every successful municipality is ethical leadership, which is a daily practice for the interest of the public. When leaders act ethically, communities react with trust. As the Mpumalanga Provincial Government, we will continue to work well with SALGA and municipalities as we strengthen local government", said the Hon. MEC.

Discussions
Presentations and discussions at the Assembly centered around the following topics:

• Electricity Distribution Industry (EDI) Reform.
• Update on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
• UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Support Programmes on the SA Just Transition Partnership (JETP) and Urban Resilience Programme (URP) for Mpumalanga.
• Compliance with internal and external security outsourced services.
• The roadmap to Local Government Elections (LGE 2026).
• Updates on the Local Government White Paper Review.
• Updates and emerging issues affecting local government.
• Panel Discussion: Oversight and Accountability for Effective Governance: A Review of the Governance Model.
• Best Practice: Revitalising Local Economies: Investing in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises for Sustainable Growth.
• Mayors Guide to Championing Local Economic Development.
• Revenue protection strategy & planning to combat losses in municipalities.
• Provision of Resources for Municipal Health Services.

Recognising Municipal Excellence

SALGA recognized and appreciated various municipalities for the work that they do. "Tonight, we celebrate those who have turned challenges into opportunities, who have led with integrity, and who have inspired others through their commitment to excellence. We also acknowledge the teams behind the scenes – the municipal officials, technical staff, and community partners – whose contributions are often unseen but always essential", said SALGA Deputy Chairperson Cllr. Nomsa Mtsweni as she gave the purpose of the Awards. The Excellence Awards were presented as follows:

SALGA Cares

In 2024, SALGA initiated the SALGA Cares campaign, an initiative that seeks to coordinate donations to support needy communities, particularly Primary School learners, with basic necessities such as sanitary pads, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and Earbuds. On the 7th of October 2025, SALGA handed over dignity packs to Vukuzithathe Primary School in Embalenhle. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.