SALGA Mpumalanga hosts 2020 Provincial Members’ Assembly

Posted: 06 November 2020

On the 5th and the 6th of November 2020, SALGA in Mpumalanga hosted its Provincial Members’ Assembly (PMA) at the ANEW Hotel Witbank in Emalahleni, in order to:

• Adopt the provincial members’ programme of action, business plan and budget in respect of the ensuing year;
• Consider reports from the working groups and oversight bodies; and
• Deal with any other issues emanating from the provisions applicable to provincial members in this Constitution.

The Mpumalanga Provincial Members’ Assembly began with a rendition of the National Anthem as well as a Candle lighting in honour of the heroes and role models who contributed to making the world a better place for everyone. “We remember leaders that fought for the liberation of our country. We remember those who died in the struggle. We remember those who died because of HIV and AIDS related illnesses. We remember those who died because of Covid-19 related illnesses. We especially remember those who lost their lives due to Gender-based violence at the hands of people they loved and trusted”, said Cllr. Hlumbane

The Executive Mayor of Emalahleni Local Municipality, Cllr. L Malatjie, welcomed attendees at the Mpumalanga Assembly. "We welcome the Assembly to the beautiful city of Emalahleni. We note the celebration of 25 Years of Local Government, it has indeed been a long and hard walk. There are remarkable strides and a lot of good stories because today we are better than yesterday. We must acknowledge and salute the leadership of SALGA for guiding local government as we were challenged with economic recession, the covid-19 pandemic a well as various other challenges. ICT and broadband has become quite important for municipalities to participate in the commercial markets into the future”, said Cllr. Malatjie.

The Chairperson of SALGA Mpumalanga, Cllr. M Chirwa, thereafter delivered the Official Opening Remarks, starting with the well wishes towards matriculants who will be writing their examination. “With the technological advancements that we have seen and the onset of the fourth industrial revolution, we have to align to systems that the globe has termed as ‘the new normal’”, said the Chairperson. He also highlighted to the municipalities that municipal plans must be underpinned by the Economic Recovery Plan that the President has outlined. The Chairperson also congratulated municipalities that have improved their audit outcomes, as well as thank Nkangala and Gert Sibande district municipalities for having obtained Clean Audit outcomes. As we “Grow South Africa together through capable and developmental municipalities in today’s 4th Industrial Revolution and beyond the Covid-19 pandemic” as per the theme of this gathering, there can be no doubt that local government has had a profound impact on the lives of ordinary South Africans in expanding the provision of services to our people”, said Cllr. Chirwa.

Mpumalanga Chairperson of the House of Traditional Leaders, Inkosi S Ngomane, in his Message of Support wished all the leaders the best of luck in the upcoming 2021 elections and that we continue to move South Africa forward as South Africans elect new leaders.

The second day of the Mpumalanga Provincial Members Assembly kicked off with a Keynote Address from the Mpumalanga MEC of the Department of Co-operative Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr. Mandla Msibi. In his address, the MEC spoke about regulations that must continuously be adhered to by municipalities. "I urge us all as municipalities to stick to regulations in the everyday work that we do", said the MEC. Land invasions and the District Development Model were issues that MEC Msibi also addressed, clearly indicating that those that invade land within the country are breaking the law and it is clear what the law says with this issue. He further said that "the District Development Model allows for proper coordination and planning. Municipal Plans must speak to the Integrated Development Plans (IDPs), with good governance and financial management as a priority in all municipalities".

Presentations received at the PMA were from:

• The Deputy Business Executive from the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA), Ms. M Myeza, who spoke about the 2018/19 Municipal Audit Outcomes;
• Chief Officer: Municipal Finance from SALGA, Ms. K Letsatsi, presented on SALGA's response plan to MFMA Municipal Audit Outcomes;
• The Director of Municipal Administration from the Department of Co-operative Government and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Mr. P Nkosi, presented on the Inter-Governmental Relations Framework;
• Chief of Operations from SALGA, Mr. L Joel, presented on SALGA’s perspectives on Section 139 Interventions as well as gave an Update on the Local Government: Municipal Systems Amendment Bill;
• Manager of Special Programmes within the Office of the Premier, Ms. N Shongwe, presented on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Awareness;
• General Manager: Social Services from Nkangala District Municipality, Dr. Matoane, presented as a Best Practice on the Provision of Health Services during Covid-19 National State of Disaster and National Lockdown;
• Update on the Small Scale Embedded Generation which was presented by Dr. S Mulaudzi, Specialist: Sustainable Energy from SALGA;
• Progress on Eskom Issues which was presented by Mr. N Ngidi, Head: Energy and Electricity Distribution from SALGA;
• Debt owed to municipalities and Revenue Enhancement was presented by Ms. K Letsatsi, Chief Officer: Municipal Finance from SALGA;
• The preparations and readiness for the 2021 Local Government Elections, which was presented by Mr. M Sheburi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer: Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC);
• Ward delimitation, which was presented by Mr. M Sigidi Chief Executive Officer: Municipal Demarcation Board;
• Land Invasion which was presented by Dr B.C Ntiwane, Acting Chief Director: Development and Planning – COGTA;
• State of Pension Fund which was presented by Mr. E Modige Action Principal Officer: Municipal Councillors Pension Fund (MCPF).