Turning around the decaying state of Local Government in the North West province came to the fore when municipal managers across the province convened for South African Local Government Association’s (SALGA) Provincial Municipal Manager’s Forum held recently at Kwa Maritane Lodge near Mogwase.
Speaking on how his department intends to assist in changing the situation, Head of Department of Local Government and Human Settlements, Monnapula Motlogelwa reflected on Premier Supra Mahumapelo’s State Of The Province address where he outlined his intentions with regard to totally overhauling the state of Local Government in the province.
He echoed Premier’s sentiments and said that the implementation of the Clean Audit target and Auditor-General recommendations will be incorporated into performance management contracts of Municipal Managers and Senior Managers.
“We need to start improving on the speed at which we response to issues of service delivery, improve on our expenditure on municipal infrastructure grants (MIG) and improve on the quality of the annual financial statements that we submit to the Auditor-General.”
“Together let us move local government forward by making sure that through platforms such as this Provincial Municipal Manager’s Forum, we share best practices. Let us remember that the conduct of municipal employees forms the base upon which the integrity of local government is judged and therefore their behavior and conduct at work is important,” he said.
Moses Kotane Mayor, Cllr. Tlhalefang Mokati-Thebe said that such platforms should be used for knowledge sharing and exchanging of good practices. “It is thus imperative to note that this forum plays a critical nexus in the intergovernmental relations paradigm within the province and the country. The importance of such forums, particularly within the local government sphere, cannot be over emphasized”.
“It is of critical importance that the system of co-operative governance continuously operates in ways that result in better coordination and integrated planning, budgeting and service delivery within and across spheres of government, not only to promote sustainable community development but also to create a better life for all the citizens of our country”, she concluded.
Contact:
Dineo Lolokwane
Spokesperson
Cell: 072 542 8444
Tel: 018 388 2081
