The Board Chairperson of the Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Consultative Council Ms Thobile Buthelezi says governance, service delivery, and sustainable development should be at the heart of leaders in local government. Ms Buthelezi said this while addressing the SALGA Provincial Members Assembly (PMA) Conference in the Eastern Cape Province held over two days at the East London ICC. The assembly brought under one roof highest echelons of leadership in local government such Mayors, Council Speakers and other experts to discuss ways of improving the local government sphere.
Ms Buthelezi said ECSECC stands ready to support municipalities in areas of knowledge and innovation to rapture the system of local government for better service delivery and development of communities. "We are reminded of the critical role that local governments play in advancing the socio-economic development of our nation. By sharing knowledge and uniting our efforts, we can build communities that are resilient, inclusive, and empowered,” said Ms Buthelezi.
She added that the resolutions of this SALGA Provincial Members Assembly must assist in shaping and fetching the future beyond the next 2026 Local Government Elections. But most importantly the resolutions must show "cause for Change in the way the sector does things in reinvigorating the connect with the people, from design of programs to their execution.”
Addressing the same gathering, Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane urge municipalities to do the basics right. He cited socio infrastructure development and good governance as pressing issues that municipalities must improve on. "Social infrastructure is the foundation of economic and social transformation. Municipalities must continuously upgrade infrastructure, maintain it, rehabilitate dysfunctional systems, and ensure every household enjoys this right,” said Premier Mabuyane.
He urged municipalities to enforce develop and enforce by laws maintaining order and safety in municipal areas. He said the issue of Spaza Shops that are selling expired food has been brewing for some time and that enforcing by laws by would ensure adherence to environmental health regulations to ensure food safety, proper waste management, and public health compliance. "Invest in employing environmental health officers to intensify inspections and education campaigns. This will create healthier, cleaner, safer, and more prosperous communities,” Premier Mabuyane concluded.
In 2026, the country is going to hold Local Government elections and the SALGA Provincial Assembly has also discussed how municipalities must prepare communities for the upcoming elections.
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