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On 21 October 2025, the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature launched the Taking Legislature to the People 2025 programme in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The three-day event aims to bridge the gap between lawmakers and communities, promoting active citizenship and transparent governance across the province.
What Happened
The programme gathered Members of the Legislature, MECs, government departments, and public entities for direct engagement with citizens from all 50 wards of Buffalo City.
During the opening session, the Portfolio Committee Chairpersons for Social Development and for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs, and Tourism tabled their reports before the House, triggering vibrant discussions on service delivery and local development.
Official Response
Legislature officials described the event as a true reflection of participatory democracy. “This platform allows us to account directly to the people we serve and to listen to their priorities,” one committee member said.
The Legislature reaffirmed that community inputs from the sessions will inform future oversight and policy interventions, ensuring that citizens’ voices influence provincial decisions.
Community Impact
Residents expressed appreciation for the opportunity to interact directly with their representatives. Many raised issues around social welfare, economic inclusion, and municipal service delivery, hoping that their concerns will lead to tangible policy action. The engagements will continue until 24 October 2025, allowing more communities to contribute to shaping the province’s development agenda.
