Experts call for rethink of local government structures ahead of elections
The panelists argued that the administration has to be separated from politics for service delivery to be effective.
The structure of local government, financial accountability and public trust were among the issues raised during the NWU Business School Think Tank, hosted in partnership with Financial Mail on Friday, October 23 at the Feather Hill Lifestyle Estate.
Held under the theme Local Government at a Crossroads: Can the 2026 Elections Reset Trust, Delivery and Accountability?, the event brought together various stakeholders to discuss the future of local government in South Africa. This was a fantastic platform for various parties in the upcoming elections to also gage the political climate from other stakeholders in JB Marks.
Full video here: https://www.youtube.com/live/zXPB7RDsAK8
Rob Rose from Financial Mail was the moderator with panellists which included Sanisha Packirisamy (Momentum Group), JP Landman (Political and Economic Analyst), Councillor Stella Mondlane-Ngwenya (SALGA North West 1st Deputy Chairperson) and Prof. Joseph Sekhampu (chief director: NWU Business School).
Panellists argued that municipal structures need to be reconsidered to better reflect the different needs of towns and communities, rather than relying on a uniform model that may not work equally well everywhere.
The discussion also highlighted the relationship between political leadership and municipal administration, with calls for clearer distinctions between the roles of politicians and officials.
Trust between municipalities and residents was identified as a key factor in improving service delivery. Cllr. Mondlane-Ngwenya raised concerns about appointments based on political connections rather than the skills and experience required to manage municipal affairs.
Landman highlighted Mafube Local Municipality in Frankfort as an example of how reliable service delivery can encourage residents to pay for municipal services. The discussion also explored whether public-private partnerships could help address service delivery challenges, while coalition governments and political influence were identified as factors that affects municipal performance.
With the Local Government Elections just more than a month away, panellists stressed the need to find common ground in coalition governments, allowing parties to work together towards practical solutions rather than allowing political differences to undermine service delivery.
