S local governance
S local governance Similarly, the count of low-risk municipalities now stands at 54, indicating a significant consolidation of stability in these regions. Most notably, a substantial leap of 30 municipalities now proudly sits in the stable category, signifying a leap forward in effective governance and operations. This progress is due to the collaborative efforts, innovative strategies and dedication of various stakeholders working towards the betterment of local governance. It highlights a promising trajectory for more robust, accountable and responsive local government systems. This positive trend inspires confidence and underscores the potential for continued growth and development in our local communities. CoGTA INTERVENTIONS Hence, following the principles outlined in Section 154 of the Constitution, and as a response to the multifaceted challenges that municipalities face, we have engaged in collaborative efforts with provinces, the National Treasury, SALGA and various partners to introduce substantial legislative and policy reforms. These initiatives aim to empower municipalities in effectively executing their duties and mandates. Key reforms and their implications Municipal Structures Act Review (2021). This comprehensive review established the groundwork for delineating powers between the executive and legislative branches of municipal councils. It reinforced the Code of Conduct for Councillors, recognising the vital role of the Municipal Public Accounts Committees (MPAC), and introduced the position of the council whip in all municipalities. Municipal Systems Act Review (2022). This review reintroduced the amendments made in 2011 under the Municipal Systems Amendment Act, which had been nullified by the Constitutional Court in 2019. Introduction of Municipal Staff Regulations (2021). This initiative laid a robust foundation to professionalise local government by setting essential standards. Additionally, there are ongoing efforts to finalise revised competency assessment batteries, further enhancing the professionalisation initiatives. Circular 88 Introduction (2017). CoGTA, in collaboration with National Treasury, introduced Circular 88 aimed at harmonising planning and reporting tools using specific municipal performance indicators. This circular aligns with the Municipal Systems Act (MSA) and the MFMA requirements, ensuring coherence between planning and reporting instruments such as the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), the Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP) and the Annual Report. The current pilot of Circular 88 encompasses all eight metropolitan municipalities, with plans for broader implementation across all municipalities to streamline reporting procedures. CoGTA has set up the Results Management Office to house experts in various fields (infrastructure, finance, energy and governance) and provide an additional layer of support, particularly in dysfunctional municipalities The minister designated MISA to champion the development of Infrastructure Asset Management Plans, Schedule 6b, the deployment of more experts and trainee artisans as well as supporting the implementation of the CWP programme (particularly the municipal services aspects). These reforms reflect a concerted effort to address the challenges and intricacies faced by local governance structures. They represent a commitment to enhance the capacity, professionalism and effectiveness of municipalities in delivering essential services to our communities. Forthcoming interventions Intergovernmental, Monitoring, Support, and Interventions (IMSI) Bill. This Bill, designed in alignment with constitutional sections 100(3) and 139(8), aims to provide targeted support to provinces and municipalities requiring assistance. The Bill sets the stage for monitoring provinces and municipalities, ensuring their compliance with executive obligations as dictated by the Constitution or legislation. It outlines alternative steps for interventions to induce compliance and grants the power to the national or provincial executive to appoint administrators in cases of intervention. “Coalitions Bill”. Proposed amendments to the Municipal Structures Act are underway. Among the various changes, the amendments seek to transform municipalities with a mayoral executive system, wherein no party secures a majority of seats, into a collective executive system. These changes propose that municipal office-bearers can only be removed from office after a two-year tenure or under prescribed grounds. Another significant inclusion in this Bill is the provision for binding coalition agreements in municipalities where no single party holds a majority of seats. General Laws Amendment Bill. This Bill intends to introduce amendments to multiple pieces of legislation impacting local governance. The aim is to solidify good practices, address any regulatory “vacuums” and eradicate or mitigate detrimental practices. This comprehensive amendment seeks to streamline and fortify the legal framework governing municipalities, promoting more effective and transparent governance. These interventions are strategically designed to address various critical aspects, ensuring compliance, effective administration and stronger collaborations within municipalities. As these Bills progress, we remain committed to engaging stakeholders and refining these initiatives to foster a more resilient and efficient local government system for the benefit of all citizens. NATIONAL INTERVENTIONS Despite all the support programmes by both national and provincial governments, some municipalities remained dysfunctional and this has resulted in them being placed under section 139(7) of the Constitution. Capacity-building programmes MISA is actively investing in the upskilling and re-skilling of municipal officials. Through a comprehensive suite of capacity-building programmes, MISA is actively shaping a futureready cadre of professionals. One of MISA’s initiatives is the implementation of technical short courses in collaboration with the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE). These courses provide invaluable knowledge and skills to municipal officials, equipping them with the technical expertise necessary for effective infrastructure management. By fostering partnerships with industry experts, training programmes remain relevant and of the highest quality. 22 | Service magazine
local governance S More than 6 000 training opportunities have been provided to municipal officials. These opportunities extend beyond traditional classroom settings, emphasising a hands-on, practical approach that aligns with the real-world demands of infrastructure management. MISA does not stop at empowering existing municipal officials; it extends its reach to unemployed youth from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. Bursary opportunities, enable aspiring individuals to pursue technical disciplines and trades. This initiative contributes to creating a diverse and skilled talent pool for the future. The infrastructure-related skills development programmes, such as learnerships and candidacy plans, further exemplify MISA’s commitment to nurturing talent. Over 5 000 opportunities have been provided to unemployed youth, aiming to produce a new cohort of municipal officials with the necessary technical qualifications. Collaborations with the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA), Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges (TVETs) and universities amplify the impact of these initiatives. Infrastructure condition assessments serve as the bedrock for informed decision-making, influencing capital project planning and annual maintenance funding allocations as well as ensuring the structural and functional integrity of assets. To date, MISA has successfully conducted assessments on the bulk water and sanitation infrastructure of 117 out of 144 Water Service Authorities (WSAs). These assessments go beyond being mere evaluations; they serve as blueprints for future action. The comprehensive assessment reports, coupled with actionable recommendations, are not gathering dust on shelves but are actively being implemented. These reports play an important role in project identification and funding prioritisation, shaping the landscape of infrastructure development. Our commitment to empowering municipalities extends beyond traditional funding channels. While own funding is a key component, MISA has successfully engaged the private sector and leveraged conditional grants such as municipal, water services and rural bulk infrastructure grants. CONCLUSION The State of Local Government Report has been instrumental in identifying key issues, ranging from governance failures to outstanding debts and vacancies in critical positions. We are not oblivious to the fact that challenges faced by the local government sector are multifaceted, disproportionate and impactful, but not insurmountable, and we will illustrate the work we are doing as CoGTA to turn the situation around. The commitment to fostering resilient, efficient and accountable local government systems remains solid. We extend our appreciation to all stakeholders, for their continued engagement and support. The path ahead may be challenging, but with sustained collaboration and dedication, we are confident in the potential for continued growth and development within our local communities. A collaborative effort will strengthen our collective ability to address the intricacies of local governance and contribute to the enhancement of service delivery across municipalities. This will ensure that strategic conversations move from isolated, departmental or organisational silos to effective cross-segment collaboration. S Minister of CoGTA, Thembisile Nkadimeng, Parliament, Cape Town. Service magazine | 23
