Municipalities urged to strengthen governance systems, maintain public trust Discussions on improving the status of service delivery and sustainability, sharing best practices and developing joint strategies to enhance municipal performance, took centre stage during a Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) engagement session with mayors of metropolitan municipalities. CoGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa convened a ministerial engagement with the executive mayors of metropolitan municipalities, as part of government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperative governance, stabilise metropolitan municipalities and enhance service delivery outcomes. With Local Government Elections expected between late 2026 and early 2027, Hlabisa urged municipalities to strengthen governance systems and maintain public trust. “As municipalities prepare for these elections, as part of our democratic journey, they need to strengthen governance systems, ensure transparent processes and maintain public trust in local government institutions,” the Minister said on Friday. Hlabisa reiterated the Ministry of CoGTA’s commitment to continue providing municipalities with the necessary support during this transitional period. “Let us reaffirm our dedication to democratic principles by ensuring a peaceful, stable environment that guarantees free and fair elections.” Commitment to collaboration Hlabisa also reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting municipalities through policy reforms, including the review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government, which is nearing completion, and ongoing work on municipal funding models and staffing frameworks. “Your invaluable input will help shape the metros into centres of improved service delivery and sustained development that attract investment. CoGTA, working together with the National Treasury and SALGA, will have a meeting in April 2026 to finalise the funding model discussion,” the Minister said. He also emphasised that the success of metros is critical to the country’s overall stability, urging all spheres of government to work together to rebuild capable, accountable and responsive municipalities. “We are three spheres of government but one country. We will successfully overcome the obstacles that our metropolitan municipalities are currently facing by working together,” he said. The voter registration weekend for Local Government Elections will take place on 20 and 21 June 2026. – SAnews.gov.za GabiK Fri, 03/20/2026 - 15:50 57 views