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The Local Government Good Governance Indaba and Provincial Members’ Assembly (PMA) has declared that ethical leadership and administrative professionalism are essential to restoring effective service delivery across Eastern Cape municipalities.
The Indaba, currently working with the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality (WMMLM), focused on developing practical steps to strengthen governance and accountability within local structures.
What Happened
During Commission 01, led by MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Zolile Williams, delegates adopted a clear set of resolutions aimed at reshaping how municipalities operate. The discussion emphasised the importance of professional conduct, transparency, and community engagement as tools to rebuild public trust in government institutions.
Official Response
MEC Zolile Williams said the outcomes mark “a turning point for how the province approaches governance and ethical accountability.” He added that professionalising municipal administration will help eliminate corruption and improve delivery of essential services such as water, housing, and infrastructure.
The resolutions adopted include:
- Strengthening the political-administrative divide to prevent interference in governance.
- Prioritising socio-economic development for local communities.
- Professionalising municipal administration through training and standards enforcement.
- Enhancing transparency and public awareness in municipal operations.
Community Impact
The resolutions are expected to guide future governance reforms within the Eastern Cape’s local municipalities, including those facing severe service delivery backlogs. Residents and civil society leaders have welcomed the commitment, saying ethical leadership is long overdue to restore integrity in local governance.
Community stakeholders from the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Municipality also expressed optimism that these reforms could bring lasting stability and accountability in council operations.
