The 10th of October 2024 marks 100 days since the retired Chief Justice Raymond Zondo presided over the swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet of the Government of National Unity (GNU). The swearing ushered the leadership led by Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa alongside Deputy Ministers Dr Namane Dickson Masemola and Prince Burns Ncamashe.

COGTA remains committed to serving the people of South Africa as part of the 7th Administration under the departmental theme – “Every Municipality Must Work”. Following the tabling of both the Budget Speech and the Annual Performance Plan for the current financial year, it is not by chance that our 100 days coincide with an all-inclusive COGTA strategic session that will consider and finalise the 2024/25 Annual Performance Plans (APP’s) which will inform our work going forward.

The first order of business of the new leadership was to thoroughly review reports from our predecessors and engage a broad range of key stakeholders, including parliamentary committees, the CoGTA executive, MINMEC, political JEXCO, and important interdepartmental bodies like the Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management. These engagements have driven the sector closer to delivering on its mandates.

On the 16th of July 2024, the Departments of CoGTA presented its budget vote led by Minister Hlabisa under the theme, “All Municipalities Must Work”. The Budget spoke to our mandate which enjoins us to improve coordination across the three spheres of government in aid of integrated planning, implementation and monitoring which underpins the principles of a capable and developmental state. This mandate, we believe, is the cornerstone that will drive the country to a developmental, efficient and ethical local government that can impact the lives of citizens positively. Key priorities include stabilizing local government, strengthening cooperative governance, and aligning responsibilities across all spheres of government. Additionally, the traditional leadership’s role in governance is under active review, with a focus on deepening their integration into the national framework

Minister Hlabisa reflected, “In our first 100 days, we have engaged with officials, local government and traditional leaders to enhance coordination across all levels, in line with the District Development Model (DDM).”

Guided by our theme “Every Municipality must work”, COGTA has made the following progress in 100 days:

1. Stabilizing municipalities: Minister Hlabisa facilitated in the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) debt matter and starting Thursday, 3 October 2024, ELM resumed and normalized operations after the Minister’s swift action resolved the attachment of its bank accounts due to Eskom’s claim of R8.7 billion. This intervention ensured that staff, who had missed their September salaries, will be paid.

2. Establishment of Councillor Formula: On October 2, 2024, Minister Hlabisa published the formula for determining the number of councillors in municipalities, as required by the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act. This milestone prepares for Local Government Elections (LGE) by enabling the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) to begin ward delimitation, leading to final ward boundaries for the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). The formula is designed to 4. Strengthening Accountability: Minister Hlabisa is driving accountability in local government by reviewing the Independent Municipal Demarcation Authority (IMDA) Bill and rolling out the Code ofmaintain stability across municipalities.

3. Engaging Stakeholders for Better Governance: In response to various requests from stakeholders, the Minister extended the public comment deadline on the Municipal Coalitions Bill and the General Laws Amendment Bill (GLAB) to August 31, 2024. These bills aim to streamline coalition governance and promote best practices in local government, improving service delivery.

4. Strengthening Accountability: Minister Hlabisa is driving accountability in local government by reviewing the Independent Municipal Demarcation Authority (IMDA) Bill and rolling out the Code of Conduct Regulations in four provinces (Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Free State) to enhance municipal council stability.

5. Reviewing the Local Government White Paper: The Minister is leading a comprehensive review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government to address challenges faced over the past 20 years. A discussion document is expected by March 2025, with a revised White Paper by December 2025, aimed at strengthening local governance post-2026 Local Government Elections.

6. Strengthening Local Governance: In response to audit outcomes highlighting governance failures and lack of oversight, the Minister has taken proactive steps to address these challenges. The Minister approached Cabinet to seek approval for establishing an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) focused on municipal audit outcomes. This IMC, approved by Cabinet and MINMEC, is a platform for collaboration among various government departments, aimed at developing targeted strategies to tackle the specific challenges identified in the audit reports. Additionally, Deputy Ministers Masemola and Burns-Ncamashe have initiated a Ministerial Outreach Programme to priority municipalities, aiming to address persistent challenges in accountability, service delivery, and cooperative governance as indicated in various reports, including the recently released 2022- 23 Municipal Audit Outcomes and the findings of the State of Local Government Report. The Outreach Programme is convened in accordance with the principles of cooperative governance as enshrined in the Constitution and further articulated through the District Development Model (DDM). The Deputy Ministers have held successful engagements with priority municipalities in three provinces, namely: Eastern Cape (Amathole and the Chris Hani District Municipality); Free State (Thabo Mofutsanyana and Fezile Dabi District Municipalities); Northern Cape (ZF Mgcawu and Pixely ka Seme District Municipalities).

7. Developing international cooperation and enhancing urban development: On September 17, 2024, Minister Hlabisa and Germany’s Federal Minister of Building, Klara Geywitz, signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to strengthen cooperation on urban development and public participation. This renewal deepens collaboration between South Africa and Germany, focusing on inclusive, sustainable urban growth.

8. Recognising the Role of Organised Labour: Recognising the critical role that organized labour plays in local governance and ensuring that the voices of local government workers are heard in the development and implementation of policies that impact their lives and communities, Minister Hlabisa met with the representatives from FEDUSA and IMATU. Matters deliberated revolved around CoGTA’s programme of action for the 7th administration. In the main, the work of the Interministerial Committee (IMC) on the Municipal Performance Turnaround Strategy was discussed, as well as issues relating to professionalisation, categorisation, and collaboration with the government.

9. Transforming Communities through Collaboration: Having reimagined the Community Work Programme, COGTA continues to ensure collaboration and community development through the new Community Work Programme (CWP). The Programme is designed to empower local communities, create job opportunities, and improve essential services. Since the 100 days in office, between August and September, the CoGTA Ministry secured strategic partnerships with the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with key stakeholders, including I. Gauteng CoGTA: This partnership focuses on effective implementation strategies, ensuring that the CWP meets the specific needs of communities in Gauteng. II. Central Energy Fund: COGTA and CEF are partnering to develop municipal solar plants, training 1,000 unemployed youth in solar installation and maintenance while fostering job creation and youth-led solar businesses. Rangi Energy plans to convert municipal solid waste into electricity, training 150 local youth as power plant technicians and supporting youth enterprises in waste supply. III. Acumen Group: COGTA is partnering with the Acumen Group in tackling non-water losses in municipalities with advanced technologies. The group has committed around R412 million to train and create jobs for 500 unemployed youth. IV. North-West CoGTA and Chris Hani District Municipality: These MoUs aim to implement the new CWP policy effectively, fostering development in their respective areas. V. Makana Municipality: The Department is working with Makana Municipality to revamp wastewater treatment plant infrastructure in partnership with Acumen Group, enhancing service delivery and environmental sustainability. VI. Efficiency Staffing Solutions: In a groundbreaking initiative in Ekurhuleni Metro, this MoU focuses on repairing water infrastructure while training young participants to address water leaks, empowering them to form their own small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs). VII. GTAC: This collaboration will provide technical advisory services for CWP programmes, facilitating better project registration, public-private partnerships, and procurement processes. VII. National Treasury: The Department is partnering with National Treasure to support community-based approaches in upgrading informal settlements and enhancing urban development in marginalized communities.
   CWP Roadshow, Engaging Stakeholders: In September, Minister Hlabisa granted approval for the Department to embark on a CWP Roadshow aimed at engaging stakeholders about the new CWP policy. This initiative will ensure that community voices are heard and that the programme reflects their needs and aspirations. In November, the roadshow will take place in the Chris Hani District. This event will provide an opportunity for meaningful dialogue and collaboration with community members and local leaders.
   
   
10. Infrastructure development support to municipalities: Minister Hlabisa led the Department, through its implementing agent MISA, to swiftly advance the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) Schedule 6B projects. This is resulting in revitalizing efforts in two municipalities (Emfuleni Local Municipality and uThukela District Municipality), by moving forward with projects that were previously stalled or incomplete for various reasons. Key Achievements in MIG 6B Projects includes:

• Emfuleni Local Municipality: The upgrade of the main outfall sewer is 43% complete, addressing sewer blockages and improving service for residents.
• uThukela District Municipality: Completion of a bulk water pipeline, providing reliable water supply to over 2,500 households in Ekuvukeni.
• Minister Hlabisa has prioritized water access in the Nongoma Local Municipality by leading a process of sitting, drilling, yield testing, water quality testing, equipping and commissioning 6 Solar powered production boreholes and completing the Bokwe/Mnyathi water project in Abaqulusi, ensuring reliable drinking water for Ward 5. On August 19, 2024, he visited uThukela District to resolve delays in the Ekuvukeni bulk water project, which will soon supply water to over 2,500 households.

11. Building a New African Smart City: On October 8, 2024, Minister Hlabisa, along with Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal leaders, held a key meeting in Winnie Madikizela Local Municipality to advance the Eastern Seaboard Development, part of President Ramaphosa’s vision for a New African Smart City. The meeting focused on addressing emerging issues and refining strategies for the programme’s next phase.

12. Strengthening Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership: CoGTA’s new leadership, led by Minister Hlabisa and Deputy Ministers Burns-Ncamashe and Masemola, has prioritized strengthening traditional and Khoi-San leadership in their first 100 days. Key achievements include: I. Engaging with Kings, Principal Traditional Leaders, and provincial houses who represent the highest echelon of traditional leadership in the country. II. Progress on Section 15(2) of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act has advanced, with a draft Leadership Handbook prepared and consultations underway with key stakeholders, including Premiers, MECs, and traditional leaders. Once finalized, the Handbook and Determinations will clarify the tools and resources needed to support traditional leaders effectively. III. Finalization of the Customary Initiation Regulations: These regulations are a crucial step in preserving and formalizing cultural practices. Consultations with key role players, including traditional leadership, have already begun. The regulations will soon be published for public comment, allowing for broader engagement with the public before they are implemented. IV. Additionally, consultations have begun on policies for pension benefits and a once-off gratuity for non-returning members of the Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders. These policies are critical in ensuring that traditional leaders are supported in their roles and responsibilities, both during their service and upon retirement.

13. Reviewing the Disaster Management System: Minister Hlabisa and the Deputy Ministers are leading work to review the Disaster Management System in the country, recognizing that an effective and responsive framework is essential for safeguarding the lives and well-being of all citizens. This initiative comes at a crucial time when the frequency and intensity of natural disasters are on the rise, exacerbated by climate change and other global challenges. This review aims to close gaps in our current system, which were highlighted through a detailed analysis of literature, reports, and international best practices.




The Minister and Deputy Ministers further led the Department in establishing the National Technical Task Team (TTT) on Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Planning. This TTT, established through the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), showcases the Department’s commitment to enhancing the country’s resilience against natural disasters. The Technical Task Team will serve as a vital institutional arrangement, providing a collaborative platform for disaster management practitioners across all levels of government. By promoting consultation and cooperation, this TTT aims to align disaster management activities with legislative frameworks and best practices, bringing together diverse expertise and resources.

The Minister also coordinated the Special Interdepartmental Committee on Disaster Management, which played a key role in managing the response to the recent snowfall that impacted various provinces in the country.

While much progress has been achieved in the first 100 days of office, Minister Hlabisa has emphasized that the work is far from complete. He stressed that the foundation has been laid, but there is still a significant journey ahead to address the deep-rooted challenges facing municipalities, local governance, and service delivery across the country as well as strengthening relations with traditional leaders. The initial milestones achieved in the first 100 days serve as catalysts for the comprehensive reforms that are still to come. Minister Hlabisa is determined to continue driving real, lasting improvements for the future. From improving infrastructure and governance systems to enhancing cooperative governance and ensuring accountability, the Minister continues to drive forward a robust, inclusive agenda to ensure that every municipality works and delivers essential services to its citizens.

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