Every Municipality Must Work
Hon Chairperson and Honourable members.
Allow me to begin by expressing our sincere appreciation to all Honourable Members who have participated in this debate.
The debate has been constructive, thoughtful, and reflective of the seriousness with which this House approaches the challenges facing local government and traditional leadership.
I agree with Hon Mtolo, Ubuntu is about providing our people with basic services. The challenges our communities face can only be resolved through this budget. I also agree with Hon Mkhaliphi, this budget is about giving life to municipalities, which are the heartbeat of the economy and service delivery.
Honourable Members,
Across the House, Members have correctly raised concerns relating to:
These are real concerns.
And they are precisely the issues this Budget Vote seeks to address systematically and in a reform-oriented manner. I want to assure the honourable members that these concerns will continue to strengthen our interventions, deepen oversight, Ensure Professionalism, transparency, accountability, and measurable outcomes.
The WPLG review will indeed yield recommendations that will impact various legislations, including the constitution, as well as the roles, powers and functions of our traditional and Khoisan leaders.
The direction is clear:
We are moving from diagnosis to delivery. Our intervention is timely but guided by the legislation.
Honourable Speaker,
I wish to extend my appreciation to Members and parties who have expressed their support for this Budget Vote.
Your support reflects a commitment to:
Let me be clear:
The government will not hesitate to act where municipalities fail to meet their obligations.
At the same time, we must ensure that interventions are:
Honourable Speaker,
The debate has also highlighted the critical importance of traditional leadership in our governance system.
We remain committed to:
Colleagues,
We must also recognise that the context within which local government operates is becoming more complex.
The increasing frequency of disasters, infrastructure pressures, and fiscal constraints all place additional demands on municipalities.
This requires a state that is:
In conclusion,
This Budget Vote reflects a clear and deliberate effort to:
Guided by the principle:
“Every Municipality Must Work,”
Allow me also to thank the Deputy Ministers and the entire Administrative leadership within the Ministry.
We remain committed to building a local government system that delivers for all South Africans.
I therefore once again thank you.