SALGA gears up for PMA
Salga Gauteng is to host its Annual Provincial Members Assembly, with intent to foster collaboration and solutions for stronger local governance.
The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Gauteng Chapter, representing all 11 municipalities in the province, is expected to convene its Annual Provincial Members Assembly (PMA) on August 3 to 4.
Held at the Gold Reef City conference venue, the event will serve as a platform for in-depth discussions on critical issues that significantly impact local government and the communities they serve.
This flagship event is themed ‘Promoting good governance, accountability and ethical leadership in Gauteng municipalities through partnerships and citizens participation’.
According to SALGA, it is set to bring together executive mayors, speakers, chief whips, municipal managers and CFOs from all member municipalities across the province.
In addition to the esteemed municipal leaders, it stated that the PMA will also welcome delegates from both national and provincial government and other key stakeholders, united by a common goal of advancing local governance in Gauteng.
“Through this PMA we aim to foster a spirit of unity and cooperation among all stakeholders as we work towards building resilient, thriving municipalities. This year’s assembly is not just another event; it is an opportunity for us to collectively address challenges, share best practices and explore innovative solutions to achieve sustainable development in our respective municipalities,” stated Gauteng chairperson, Jongizizwe Dlabathi.
He said their goal is to enhance service delivery, strengthen governance and ensure responsible fiscal management for the betterment of the lives of citizens.
Key topics and focus areas:
Leading the distinguished panel of delegates will be the presence of the National Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) deputy minister Park Tau. He is said to play an instrumental role in deliberating on the critical topic of pooled financing, municipal infrastructure financing, and alternative funding mechanisms for local government development.
Salga stated that Tau’s participation in the PMA exemplifies the government’s commitment to finding viable solutions to address the pressing financial concerns faced by the local government.
The assembly will encompass multifaceted discussions on matters vital to the success of local governance.
Among the focal points are:
• The state of Gauteng municipalities and proposals to promote good governance and sustainability of the sector – lead by Gauteng MEC for Gauteng CoGTA, Mzi Khumalo
• National Energy Action Plan and Gauteng Energy Plan of Action to address electricity challenges – lead by Silas Zimu, special advisor to the Minister of Electricity, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa
• Measures to fight vandalism and damage to municipal critical infrastructure and proposed guidelines to address trade in scrap metals – lead by SALGA portfolio head for Built Environment.
