Local governments' role in advancing service delivery and community development in South Africa

During the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) National Members Assembly in Durban, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Velenkosini Hlabisa highlighted the crucial role of local governments in advancing service delivery and community development.

Over the past three decades, local government has been at the frontline of essential services delivery, and has achieved significant milestones along the way, in spite of facing pressing challenges that demanded urgent reform.

Minister Hlabisa shared promising statistics on the improvements in public service provisions, and noted an increase in access to clean water from 85% to 88.5%, sanitation services from 68.9% to 80.7%, and electricity access reaching an 94.3% nationally.

The summit was held at the International Convention Center in Durban, last week, and was attended by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Small Business Minister, Stella Ndabeni and various councillors from different municipalities across the country. 

"We salute your commitment and professionalism," Hlabisa acknowledged, recognising the dedicated councillors, municipal managers, and frontline workers serving under difficult conditions.

However, beneath these achievements lie persistent issues that continue to hinder progress.

Despite notable advancements, the quality of services remains inconsistent across municipalities.

Infrastructure deterioration, skills shortages, and financial distress threaten the efficiency of local government operations.

Reports from the Auditor-General revealed that only 41 municipalities received clean audits in 2023/24, while over 100 municipalities are currently struggling with unfunded budgets.

Compounding these issues were the youth unemployment rate that exceeded 50%, while poverty levels continue to rise.

Hlabisa asserted that these realities called for urgent reforms to restore functionality and public trust.

The minister also addressed the alarming rise of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) in the country, which has recently been classified as a national disaster.

"This is not just a social crisis; it is a governance imperative," Hlabisa stressed, urging municipalities to incorporate GBVF prevention and response strategies into their Integrated Development Plans and disaster risk management frameworks.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile echoed Hlabisa’s sentiments, affirming that local government played a crucial role in combating GBVF and improving gender equity across communities.

Through the annual 16 Days of Activism Campaign against Violence Against Women and Children, Mashatile called upon councillors and municipal leaders to create safe, empowered environments for all citizens.

“We must ensure that collective responsibility becomes a lived reality,” he stated.

November marks the 29th anniversary of the SALGA’s formation, which began in 1996 with the aim of unifying South Africa's municipalities.

Mashatile acknowledged SALGA as the unified voice representing the interests of 257 municipalities, playing a pivotal role in advocating for community needs, fostering development, and enhancing service delivery.

During his address, Mashatile highlighted the government's recognition of SALGA’s contributions to key legislative measures, including the Electoral Laws Amendment Act and the Disaster Management Amendment Act.

He emphasised the importance of developing unique mandates to address the urgent challenges of economic stagnation, urbanisation, climate change, and infrastructure delays.

“Our municipalities are the bedrock of our communities,” Mashatile declared, reiterating the necessity for collaboration and innovation to ensure local governments can meet the needs of the citizens they serve.

He encouraged municipalities to prioritise economic resilience, invest in infrastructure and services, and embrace modern technologies to improve service delivery.

This year’s summit, themed “Empowering municipalities to drive South Africa's growth agenda through economic resilience and sustainable service delivery,” encapsulates the crucial role that local governments play in shaping the nation’s socio-economic landscape.

DAILY NEWS