Over 1 000 delegates to attend Local Government Indaba in Gauteng

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, will host the Local Government Indaba at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand from October 2 to 3.

The department of CoGTA said more than 1 000 delegates are expected to attend, including representatives from government, traditional leadership, business, academia, civil society, and organised labour.

The gathering aims to revitalise municipalities and restore public trust in local governance.

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According to the department, the Indaba comes three years after the last Local Government Summit in 2022, at a time when municipalities continue to face persistent challenges.

These include financial mismanagement, political instability, poor governance, deteriorating infrastructure, and inconsistent service delivery. “Yet, amidst these trials, there is a growing resolve to turn the tide,” the department said in a statement.

Audit outcomes released by the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) for the 2023/24 financial year highlight both progress and ongoing concerns.

The results revealed that:
• 16% of municipalities achieved unqualified audits with no findings (up by seven from the previous year)
• 39% received unqualified audits with findings (down by 11)
• 35% received qualified opinions (down by one)
• 2% had adverse findings (unchanged at six)
• 5% received disclaimers (down by four)
• 4% had outstanding audits (up by nine)
“These figures underscore the urgency of reform but also the opportunity for a local government performance turnaround,” the department noted.

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The Indaba will focus on several priority areas, including:
• Promoting ethical leadership and effective oversight in municipal councils
• Driving policy reforms, including amendments to the White Paper on Local Government, the Municipal Structures Amendment Bill (Coalitions), and the Intergovernmental Monitoring, Support and Interventions Bill
• Improving service delivery in infrastructure, water, energy, and waste management
• Professionalising local government by attracting skilled personnel, enhancing performance management, and reducing political interference
• Strengthening disaster risk management and climate resilience across municipalities

The programme will feature panel discussions with cabinet ministers, traditional leaders, Members of the Executive Council (MECs), mayors, academics and sector experts.

Themed commissions will further deliberate on specific issues. A highlight of the event will be the Local Government Good Governance Awards, which recognise municipalities that demonstrate excellence in governance and financial management.

“These awards will inspire others to rise to the challenge and set new standards of excellence,” the department said.

The Local Government Indaba is expected to set the tone for stronger accountability, improved service delivery, and renewed public confidence in municipalities.