Sanco part of new councillor induction programme

The elections are over and as part of a rigorous induction training programme the South African Local Government Association (Salga) has prepared and equipped incoming and returning councillors for the new term. Almost 62 per cent of councillors running South Africa’s 280 municipalities are in their jobs for the first time.

After every municipal election a nationwide programme of councillor induction is undertaken. This programme has a new name – the integrated councillor induction programme (ICIP). The week of 5 September marked the rollout of ICIP nationwide and Mogale City Local Municipality councillors had contact training sessions for five consecutive days.

To deal with service delivery bottlenecks, Sanco’s leadership has decided to assess all its councillors’ performance and to audit all ANC-led municipalities and wards. The audit would be conducted by ANC/ Sanco branches.

Over the years the office of the Auditor-General has noted poor financial management and lack of skills, among other, as some of the problems plaguing municipalities. Institutions such as the Public Protector have uncovered corruption.

The induction will help councillors to attain a clear understanding of the local government environment and processes in order to address challenges.The programme is structured in such a way that the orientation engagement is an integral part of the formal learning journey of a councillor that will culminate into a full qualification. It includes topics such as municipal councillors as skilled and ethical leaders, policy and legislation, municipal procedures and protocols, municipal role players and stakeholders, co-operative governance, and roles and responsibilities of councillors.