The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) hosted its Mpumalanga Provincial Members’ Assembly in Secunda this week, bringing together municipal leaders, traditional authorities, and government officials to chart a path toward cleaner, more effective governance and improved service delivery.
The two-day Assembly, held under the theme “Strengthening Local Governance in Mpumalanga: Combating Corruption, Infrastructure Decay, and Financial Mismanagement for Sustainable Service Delivery,” focused on restoring accountability and rebuilding public confidence as the 2026 local government elections approach.
Restoring Integrity and Trust in Municipalities
Opening the session, Cllr Nhlakanipho Zuma, Executive Mayor of Govan Mbeki Municipality, welcomed delegates to “a model city of excellence,” acknowledging both the municipality’s contribution to the provincial economy and its ongoing challenges.
Hon. Desmond Moela, Chairperson of SCOPA and Member of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, emphasized that collaboration between SALGA and the legislature is vital to strengthening governance. “The Provincial Members’ Assembly plays a critical role in ensuring that local government remains accountable and responsive to communities,” he said.
SALGA’s Mpumalanga Chairperson, Cllr Walter Mngomezulu, cautioned that the credibility of local government will be tested at the ballot box next year. “If we do not restore trust and prove our effectiveness, communities may lose faith in this democratic sphere,” he warned, calling for ethical leadership and sound financial management.
MEC Mashilo Calls for Ethical and Effective Leadership
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Speedy Mashilo, MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs, urged municipalities to tackle corruption head-on and focus on empowering communities through the District Development Model (DDM).
“At the centre of every successful municipality is ethical leadership. When leaders act ethically, communities react with trust,” he said, pledging that the provincial government will continue supporting SALGA in strengthening local government performance and oversight.
Key Discussions and Reform Priorities
The Assembly addressed pressing issues affecting local governance, including:
- Electricity Distribution Industry (EDI) reform and energy efficiency;
- Urban resilience and climate change adaptation programmes;
- Local Government White Paper review updates;
- Strengthening oversight, accountability, and performance management systems;
- Revenue protection strategies and support for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).
Panel discussions also explored innovative ways to drive local economic development and promote good governance ahead of the 2026 elections.
Celebrating Municipal Excellence
SALGA capped off the Assembly by recognizing municipalities that demonstrated exceptional performance in governance, service delivery, and innovation.
Notable winners included:
- Bushbuckridge Local Municipality – Best Geographic Information System
- Nkangala District Municipality – Best Performing District on SMME Development and Climate Change Initiatives
- Ehlanzeni District Municipality – Best Municipality on Health Services and Environmental Management
- Gert Sibande District Municipality – Best Fire and Rescue Services
“These awards celebrate those who turn challenges into opportunities and inspire others through their commitment to excellence,” said Cllr Nomsa Mtsweni, SALGA Deputy Chairperson.
Giving Back: SALGA Cares Initiative
In a show of compassion, SALGA continued its SALGA Cares campaign, donating dignity packs—including sanitary products, soap, and school essentials—to learners at Vukuzithathe Primary School in Embalenhle.
“Together, we can make a positive impact in the lives of those in need,” the association said.
