SALGA 2016 National Conference kick-offs smoothly with Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa pointing the way
The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) is satisfied that its 2016 National Conference got off to a smooth start this morning at Sandton Convention Centre, the official opening address was delivered by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.
SALGA concurs with the Deputy President that leaders in local government have the opportunity and the responsibility to transform communities.
The Deputy President said to Local Government leaders: “… You are our leaders in the sphere of government closest to the people and closest to their challenges, their dreams, their hopes, their aspirations, societal well-being, and their futures”.
The people of South Africa have confidence in the ability of local government to lead and to transform their communities and their lives. They also have confidence that local government will use the assets and resources at its disposal prudently. As local government, we promise the Deputy President that we will prioritise development and will work tirelessly to advance their interests according to the wishes he expressed this morning.
Concretising Vision 2017-22 to build a sustainable local government
The SALGA 2016 National Conference is a major opportunity to put forward new ideas and a clear plan for closing the gap between the current reality and sustainability we want, by:
- Locating Local Government at the centre of a rapidly changing world
- As implementers and shapers of the future, how do we reinvent ourselves to adapt and be responsive to fast-changing environment?
- How can we pioneer development & transformation models that are more sustainable and just?
- Positioning Local Government at the centre of our cooperative governance system, by:
- Institutionalising the Strategic Agenda 2017-22 – by taking the opportunity to strengthen the hand of the sector in the IGR system and the levers of change within our control; and
- Constructively disrupting the status quo which is putting serious pressure and limitations on local government’s ability to execute the developmental mandate.
- Professionalising SALGA’s role as an advocate for local government through:
- Inspiring Thought Leadership; and
- Supporting local government to respond (being empowered) to complex and rapid changes of the 21st century.
SALGA is confident that the collective wisdom of the conference will be drawn from all corners of the world, will inspire new thinking and help us to build a formidable and dynamic local government sector.
