The City of Johannesburg emerged as one of the top performers at the 9th South African Local Government Association (SALGA) National Communicators Forum, held from February 25 to 27 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

The city secured two major awards, namely the most media profiled municipality and the most innovative team. It also received nominations in six metro categories, including social media, revenue communication and crisis communication excellence.

The three-day forum brought together communicators from all 257 municipalities to share best practices and strengthen local government communication.

SALGA deputy president, Xola Pakati, urged delegates to rebuild public trust through transparency and fact-based storytelling, while mobilising communities against infrastructure vandalism and climate-related risks.

Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, emphasised that municipal communicators are the voice of local government and must sharpen their strategic role ahead of the upcoming elections.

“Municipal communicators are the voice of local government,” he said.

Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dickson Masemola, described the forum as a vital platform for improving service delivery. He referenced Cyril Ramaphosa’s declaration of 2026 as the ‘Year to Fix Local Government and Transform the Economy’.

Joburg’s strong showing reflects its continued commitment to innovation, excellence and proactive community engagement, reinforcing communication as a cornerstone of responsive and accountable governance.