SALGA Gauteng to host annual Provincial Members Assembly to address municipal challenges and advance service delivery

Posted: 02 December 2024

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Gauteng Province will convene its Annual Provincial Members Assembly (PMA) on 4 December 2024 at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park.
Gauteng municipalities, like many others in South Africa, continue to grapple with complex and interrelated challenges. These include high levels of debt, insufficient revenue collection, mismanagement of funds, irregular expenditure, service delivery shortcomings, inconsistent water and electricity supply, and poor maintenance of infrastructure such as roads, sewerage systems, and public facilities. The province also faces increased pressure on resources due to migration and urban sprawl, among other issues.

These challenges demand that Organised Local Government develop targeted strategies to support member municipalities in addressing them effectively. The PMA serves as a platform for representatives from all Gauteng municipalities to engage, drive the strategic agenda of local government, and collaborate on solutions to the key challenges facing the sector in the province.

"This year's PMA will be an important opportunity for municipal leaders and stakeholders to come together, share insights, and work towards sustainable solutions that improve the lives of our citizens," says SALGA Gauteng Chairperson, Jongizizwe Dlabathi.

"It is a critical SALGA constitutional meeting of all municipalities, convened between Provincial Conferences. It provides an opportunity to share knowledge, explore innovative solutions, and shape the future of local government in Gauteng," Dlabathi adds.

The one-day PMA programme will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, including:

• Cllr. Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni, who will deliver the welcome message as the Host City.
• Hon. Jacob Mamabolo, MEC for Infrastructure, Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs, who will offer a message of support.
• Hon. Panyaza Lesufi, Premier of Gauteng, who will provide the keynote address.

The assembly will also feature expert panellists addressing critical topics such as:
Infrastructure Mismanagement and Institutional Failures: Highlighting the importance of efficient bulk services and solutions for infrastructure challenges.
Expert Panellists Include:

• Dr Setumo Mohapi, CEO for Impact Tech AI (Pty) Massachutes Institute of Technology
• Mr. Sicelo Xulu, Chairperson of SANEDI
• Minister Mmaloko Kubuyi – Department of Human Settlement
• Hon. David Mahlobo, Deputy Minister of the Department of Water and Sanitation

The PMA is set to adopt SALGA's programme of action, business plan, and budget, as approved by the PEC, to advance local governance. It will also lay the foundation for discussions addressing critical issues at the heart of local government, with the aim of achieving actionable outcomes that directly impact the people and communities served by SALGA's member municipalities.

Members of the media are invited to be part of the Provincial Members' Assembly.

Kindly confirm your attendance with Ms. Marelda Boshielo on 073 208 0803 or mboshielo@salga.org.za

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