Latest news with #service delivery
The Herald
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
Cogta minister Hlabisa determined to fight local government decay
' Numerous municipalities continue to grapple with systemic challenges such as service delivery failures, fiscal mismanagement and governance breakdowns. 'The harsh reality is that several municipalities are unable to repair potholes, ensure access to clean water, or provide reliable waste management. Others fail to use grants effectively. This is unacceptable, and the review of the white paper provides a blueprint for transformative change,' he said. The minister believes the local government sphere will benefit from critically questioning the structure and existing systems of local government. ' We have 257 municipalities. Some are financially unsustainable, lacking any revenue base — an outcome of legacy design flaws in our system. As we reshape local government to be fit for purpose, we must seriously consider whether maintaining non-viable municipalities is justifiable.' The eighth administration has identified local government as a key driver of its strategic priorities, and with the local polls coming up in 2026 Hlabisa described the timing of the review as urgent. 'The pillars are structural reforms to enhance operational efficiency and accountability, deepened community participation and inclusive governance, ethical leadership, anti-corruption initiatives and strengthened intergovernmental co-ordination.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Committee Welcomes Seminal Review of White Paper on Local Government
The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has welcomed the launch of the seminal Review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government, hailing it as an important step towards more accountable and efficient local governments, resulting in better service delivery. Committee Chairperson Dr Zweli Mkhize and several committee members attended the launch event in Johannesburg on Monday. The review was launched under the theme 'Every municipality must work – A call to collective action'. The Chairperson said the review is long overdue, as a lot has changed in local government since the first White Paper, with many municipalities struggling and dysfunctional. He said the vision for local government as an important lever in addressing historical injustices and improving people's lives has not aligned with the lived realities in communities over the years. 'Now, this review provides an important pause to reinvigorate and chart a new trajectory of growth, development and efficiency for our municipalities,' the Chairperson said. He invited all stakeholders to make their voices heard in the planned consultations that will follow, as the review is set to address service delivery challenges in municipalities and the funding model for local government, among other things. 'The committee is looking forward to interacting with the review process of the White Paper on Local Government,' said the Chairperson. The review is expected to be finalised by March of next year. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
The Herald
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald
Business chamber partners with experts to manage risks from weather and other disasters
Big businesses in the city have offered their support in the establishment of a risk management desk by the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber to minimise the risk of service delivery woes. The partnership with Hollard Insurance, Santam Insurance and the Simah Group seeks to ensure that proactive measures are in place to minimise risks associated with weather and other disasters. The desk will focus on proactive maintenance of stormwater drains, alien vegetation removal and the functionality of fire hydrants. Chamber chief executive Denise van Huyssteen said the desk would leverage expert knowledge to proactively identify and mitigate risk factors in the metro, specifically those affecting local businesses. 'By using the expertise of key industry players like Hollard, Santam and Simah, the desk will be able to quickly assess risk areas, develop timely interventions and provide critical insights that help safeguard infrastructure, human life and the continuity of business operations,' she said. The desk's priorities include reducing the effect of weather-related disasters, mapping out risk areas, providing technical inputs and other support for the implementation of sustainable interventions. They also include co-ordinating business responses to natural disasters such as floods or fires, and collaborating with the chamber's geographical clusters and the municipality to ensure a proactive approach to identifying risks and developing mitigation plans. Hollard's head of environmental, social and governance, Deanne Bezuidenhout, said by bringing together expertise from diverse sectors, they were advancing a holistic strategy. 'Disaster prevention is far more effective and less costly than recovery,' Bezuidenhout said. Santam's head of market development, Neptal Khoza, said the initiative was important to ensure the continuity of business operations in the city, which in turn supported overall economic stability. 'The ability to minimise disruptions caused by weather-related incidents ensures that companies can maintain operations and continue contributing to the local economy. Simah's corporate account executive, Khanyisa Gogela, noted the importance of data-driven decision-making and stakeholder collaboration. 'Our involvement in the desk reflects our commitment to using data and innovation to support proactive risk identification and intervention.' The Herald
