The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, is today leading a strategic engagement with Mayors of South Africa’s Metropolitan Municipalities. He is joined by the Deputy Minister of CoGTA, Dr Namane Masemola; the President of SALGA, Cllr Stofile; and MECs for CoGTA in Gauteng, Free State and the Eastern Cape, Mr Jacob Mamabolo, Mr Teboho Mokoena and Mr Zolile Williams.

The engagement provides a critical platform for open and constructive dialogue on key challenges and opportunities facing metropolitan municipalities. Its primary objectives are to:

– Strengthen cooperative governance and intergovernmental coordination across all spheres, aligned to the District Development Model (DDM).

– Co-design practical solutions to improve service delivery, governance stability and long-term sustainability in metros.

– Reinforce leadership, shared accountability and consistent messaging to build public confidence ahead of the 2026/2027 Local Government Elections.

– Enhance focus on financial sustainability and reliable service provision, including infrastructure renewal and revenue performance.

– Proactively manage reputational risk through clear communication of outcomes and realistic, phased expectations.

#EveryMunicipalityMustWork