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Deputy President Paul Mashatile called for urgent reforms to strengthen local governance during his keynote address at the SALGA National Members Assembly in Durban.
The address took place on Day 2 of the assembly at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.
What Happened
Mashatile said municipalities must become engines of development and improve everyday service delivery.
He emphasised the need for stable, ethical, and innovative local government structures as the country moves toward the 2026 Local Government Elections.
He outlined several key priorities:
GBVF Prevention
Municipalities must integrate Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) prevention into all development plans to build safer communities.
White Paper Review
A new framework for local governance will be finalised by March 2026.
Mashatile said the updated White Paper would address structural weaknesses and modernise municipal systems.
Operation Vulindlela Phase 2
The Deputy President confirmed that reforms in water, energy and local government will accelerate to support inclusive economic growth.
Coalition Governance
He stressed the need for clear frameworks to stabilise coalitions and protect service delivery during political uncertainty.
Official Response
Mashatile urged SALGA to champion innovation, accountability, and stronger partnerships.
“Local government is where democracy meets daily life. Functional municipalities are engines of development and guardians of public trust,” he said.
He added that government remains committed to consultative reforms and to restoring public confidence in municipalities.
Community Impact
The Assembly’s theme — Empowering municipalities to drive South Africa’s growth agenda through economic resilience and sustainable service delivery — reinforces local government’s central role in community wellbeing.
Digital transformation, disaster readiness, and the Clean Cities Campaign were also identified as tools for improving the daily lives of residents.
The SALGA NMA marks the organisation’s 29-year journey, shaping the future of municipalities ahead of the 2026 elections.
