The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, will lead a public engagement session hosted by the uMzinyathi District Municipality in partnership with the uMsinga Local Municipality. The session will be hosted by local leadership: Cllr TH Mchunu of uMzinyathi District and Cllr FJ Skhakhane of uMsinga Local Municipality.

This engagement forms part of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) outreach programme for the 2026/27 financial year. The IDP serves as a key instrument for local governance, guiding municipalities in planning, budgeting, and implementing development initiatives that reflect the needs and priorities of communities. Through the IDP process, residents are actively involved in shaping local government strategies, enhancing transparency, and ensuring that service delivery responds to real community needs.

The engagement will bring together ward councillors, traditional leaders, the business community, community-based organisations, municipal officials, and members of the public on a unified platform to deliberate on and advance local development priorities.

Proceedings will include:

– A keynote address by Minister Hlabisa, emphasizing government initiatives, sustainable community development, and how communities can participate in shaping local governance priorities.

– IDP and 2026/2027 financial year budget presentations

– Interactive discussions where community members can engage directly with municipal representatives, raise concerns, and provide input on service delivery and development strategies.

The engagement provides residents with an opportunity to gain insight into local development progress, contribute to municipal planning, and collaborate with government leadership in advancing accountable and responsive governance.

Event Details:
Date: 10 April 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Venue: Pomoroy Sportsfield, uMsinga Local Municipality

For Media Enquiries:
Ms Pearl Maseko-Binqose – Media Liaison Officer to the Minister of CoGTA
+27 (82) 772 1709

Mr Legadima Leso – Head of Communications, CoGTA
+27 (66) 479 9904

#EveryMunicipalityMustWork

Issued by the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA)