The Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Dr Namane Dickson Masemola, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to building capable, ethical and developmental municipalities through comprehensive policy reforms, strengthened governance systems and the professionalisation of local government.
Addressing delegates at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Western Cape Provincial Members Assembly, Deputy Minister Masemola emphasised that the country’s ongoing policy reform processes are aimed at fundamentally reimagining local government to ensure municipalities are better equipped to meet the needs and expectations of communities.
He described the gathering as an important platform to deepen sound governance, strengthen government systems and collectively identify practical solutions to improve municipal performance across the country.
Deputy Minister Masemola expressed concern over declining electoral participation, citing research by Statistics South Africa indicating that many eligible citizens are not registering to vote. He stressed that the forthcoming proclamation to gazette the Local Government Elections presents an opportunity to intensify democracy education and civic participation.
Quoting Section 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the Deputy Minister reminded delegates that South Africa is founded on values including human dignity, equality, the advancement of human rights and freedoms, non-racialism, non-sexism, the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law, universal adult suffrage, a national common voters’ roll, regular elections and a multi-party system of democratic government to ensure accountability, responsiveness and openness.
“The responsibility to strengthen our democracy belongs to all of us. As government, we must continue investing in civic education to ensure citizens understand both their rights and responsibilities in shaping democratic governance,” said Deputy Minister Masemola.
He further noted that municipalities cannot afford to be passive participants in addressing national challenges and must continue working collaboratively with all spheres of government and relevant authorities to advance development and improve service delivery.
The Deputy Minister highlighted several significant legislative reforms currently underway, including the Coalition Government Bill, developed by CoGTA in partnership with several provinces. The Bill seeks to provide a legislative framework for coalition governments, promoting greater stability, accountability and predictability in municipalities where no single political party obtains an outright majority. Government remains hopeful that the legislation will be processed by Parliament before the end of the current administration.
He also highlighted progress on the Local Government: General Laws Amendment Bill, which seeks to strengthen municipal governance, improve institutional effectiveness and address legislative gaps affecting local government.
Deputy Minister Masemola announced that government is nearing completion of the revised White Paper on Local Government. Following a recent drafting retreat to finalise the document, government looks forward to its adoption so that newly elected municipalities after the 2026 Local Government Elections will be guided by a modern policy framework that responds to current governance realities and future developmental priorities.
He further welcomed the enactment of the Public Administration Management Amendment legislation, saying it will strengthen the professionalisation of the public service and reinforce ethical governance across the state, including within the local government sphere.
Deputy Minister Masemola also underscored the importance of the Medium-Term Development Plan as government’s roadmap for inclusive economic growth, job creation and improved service delivery, noting the strategic contribution of the Western Cape, which accounts for approximately 14 to 15 per cent of South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product.
He reiterated that the professionalisation of local government remains central to building capable municipalities and improving public confidence in local governance.
The Deputy Minister further highlighted ongoing engagements between CoGTA and SALGA to improve the conditions of service for councillors. Discussions include strengthening support systems, enhancing capacity-building opportunities, improving access to training and considering measures to assist councillors in transitioning to other opportunities after completing their terms of office.
Deputy Minister Masemola concluded by calling on all stakeholders to continue working together to build municipalities that are accountable, capable and responsive to the needs of the people, ensuring that local government remains the sphere of government closest to communities.