DIALOGUE WITH
WOMEN AND YOUTH

Event took place on the 28 July 2025
at 08:30
in Birchwood Conference Centre

Minister Hlabisa Concludes Fourth Roundtable Engagement With Business on the Review of the White Paper on Local Government

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OPENING ADDRESS BY MINISTER VELENKOSINI HLABISA ON THE OCCASION OF THE ENGAGEMENT PROCESS ON THE WHITE PAPER ON THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW FINAL CONSULTATIVE PROCESS

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OPENING ADDRESS BY MINISTER VELENKOSINI HLABISA ON THE OCCASION OF THE ENGAGEMENT PROCESS ON THE WHITE PAPER ON THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW FINAL CONSULTATIVE PROCESS EAST LONDON ICC, EASTERN CAPE Programme Director,The Executive MayorLeaders of business and industry,Representatives of organised commerce,Colleagues from the government,Ladies and gentlemen Good morning. It is both an honour and a

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KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY MINISTER HLABISA AT THE WHITE PAPER ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW (WPLG26) DIALOGUE WITH WOMEN AND YOUTH

July 28, 2025

WHITE PAPER ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW (WPLG26) DIALOGUE WITH WOMEN AND YOUTH Every Municipality must Work – A Call to Collective Action” KEYNOTE ADDRESS Mr. Velinkosini Hlabisa: Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Programme Director, Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike Deputy Minister of COGTA, Dr Namane Dickson

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WHY REVIEW THE 1998 WHITE PAPER?

The Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG) is reviewing the White Paper on Local Government (1998) to evaluate its impact, tackle challenges, and align local governance with modern realities. 

Since 1998, South Africa’s local government has transformed, yet challenges like inadequate infrastructure and financial mismanagement persist, impacting service delivery and job creation. Industries face rising costs and operational disruptions from unreliable electricity, failing water systems, and poor sanitation infrastructure, resulting in declining investor confidence and job losses.

Challenges Identified

Financial instability:

R230.5bn in municipal debt (74% owed by households)

Service failures:

frequent water & electricity disruptions

Shortage of skilled staff:

37 municipalities without managers

Malfeasance:

Over-politicisation, unethical leadership, and poor accountability

Passive Citizenry:

Weak community engagement, rising service delivery protests

Nine Priorities For Change

1. Fiscal and financial reform

2. Combat unethical behaviour and poor accountability

3. Depoliticise municipal governance

4. Restore relationships with communities

5. Integrate traditional governance systems

6. Strengthen oversight at national and provincial level

7. Improve cooperative governance

8. Embrace climate-responsive governance

9. Tackle persistent spatial inequality

New Realities

Climate Change

Massive strain on municipal budgets and infrastructure

Technology

Growing digital divide despite advancements

Urbanisation

Increased pressure on cities

Traditional Leadership

Poor integration into municipal system

PROGRESS SINCE 1998

Expanded access to water, electricity, and sanitation

Established municipal structures and elections

Implemented integrated development planning (IDPs)

For any queries

Email: WPLG26@cogta.gov.za, RichardP@cogta.gov.za or MaphutiL@cogta.gov.za

Alternatively, comments may be submitted by post or hand-delivered:

Postal Address:

Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Attention: Mr Thabiso Richard Plank (WPLG26 Policy Review)

Private Bag X802, Pretoria, 0001

Physical Address: 87 Hamilton Street, Arcadia, Pretoria

© 2026 DCoG. All Rights Reserved.