Gauteng CoGTA sets out vision to improve local service delivery
The Gauteng Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has shared its current focus areas, which include strengthening local municipalities, improving service delivery, and increasing transparency in the public sector.
Earlier in May, MEC Jacob Mamabolo met with the Public Service Commission (PSC) commissioner Vusumuzi Mavuso to discuss governance and oversight.
During the meeting, Mavuso confirmed that Parliament approved the Public Service Amendment Bill, and that it would be referred to all provinces for consideration.
CoGTA has stated that the Constitution and the Batho Pele principles, which promote accountability, openness, and citizen-focused service delivery, guide its approach.
In 2023, the department held a Local Government Turnaround Summit attended by representatives from all 11 Gauteng municipalities, national and provincial governments, traditional leaders, and state-owned entities.
The summit addressed common challenges facing municipalities and discussed potential solutions under the theme 'Building smart and resilient municipalities of the future'.
CoGTA believes municipalities are key to delivering essential services such as water, electricity, and sanitation. The department has identified leadership development, skills training, and ethical governance as areas for improvement.
During recent public emergencies – including the Covid-19 pandemic and floods in parts of the province – municipal workers and emergency personnel assisted in providing aid such as food parcels, water, and shelter.
CoGTA says it continues to roll out training and capacity-building initiatives for municipal staff. The goal is to improve management practices and responsiveness to service delivery issues.
Some municipalities in Gauteng have faced ongoing concerns from residents about infrastructure, service interruptions, and administrative backlogs.
The department has not yet provided detailed timelines for when specific improvements might be visible.
The Public Service Amendment Bill, if passed by all provinces, would give the PSC a broader role in monitoring performance at the municipal level. This change is expected to affect how accountability is managed across all levels of government.
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