The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Members Assembly opened today with a vibrant welcome address by KwaDukuza Mayor, Mayor, Councillor Sduduzo Gumede, who set an ambitious tone under the theme “Empowering Municipalities for Sustainable Development.”
Mayor Gumede described the two-day assembly as a critical platform for advancing local government priorities in the province. He urged delegates to engage in robust discussions on key challenges, including financial sustainability, enhanced service delivery, disaster management, local economic development, and fostering professionalism within municipalities. “This assembly is our chance to craft practical solutions that will shape the future of our communities,” Gumede said.
SALGA President Councillor Bheki Stofile echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the resilience of KwaZulu-Natal’s local governments and their pivotal role in governance. “Local government is the backbone of our future—clean streets, vibrant economies, and infrastructure that attracts investment and opportunities,” Stofile declared. He likened municipalities to a three-legged pot, supported by the council, the people, and policy, stressing that strong governance at the national level strengthens provincial and local systems to meet society’s needs.
Stofile also highlighted the ongoing review of the White Paper on Local Government, calling it a transformative effort to turn policy into actionable practice. “This is not just an academic exercise; it’s a renovation of local government to restore the people’s voice,” he said, emphasizing the need for municipalities to leverage infrastructure as a catalyst for growth.
Deputy Minister of CoGTA, Dr. Namane, provided further insights, outlining the policy and legislative frameworks guiding municipal development. He referenced Section 153 of the Constitution, which mandates municipalities to prioritize basic community needs and promote socio-economic development through effective administration, budgeting, and planning.
In a related development, the Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) hosted a SALGA workshop in the Eastern Cape focused on Governance, Intergovernmental Relations, Councillor Welfare, and Support. The workshop aimed to equip councillors with governance knowledge to enhance service delivery and efficiency across Eastern Cape councils.
The KwaZulu-Natal Assembly will continue over the next two days, with delegates expected to produce actionable strategies to address the province’s pressing municipal challenges.
