Local Government leaders gather at the Ranch Resort for a strategic confrontation with reality

Show Voice Options Unscrewing the cap for a solution-driven engagement is the Provincial Chairperson of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and Executive Mayor of Polokwane, Cllr John Mpe delivering an opening message at the SALGA Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) Lekgotla on the 20th of June 2025. In his thought-provoking address, Cllr Mpe acknowledged that not only is the Lekgotla a bold step towards addressing the priorities of local government, but a deliberate session intended to craft practical solutions for the on-going challenges in water, sanitation, electricity, and infrastructure in the province. He said that the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and District Development Plan (DDM) must be utilised as a tool to dismantle the chains of poverty and underdevelopment, and that this PEC Lekgotla must come up with plans that will be implemented and not just spoken. Hence, Cllr John Mpe remarked: “A plan without a budget is hallucination, and a project without implementation is just paperwork. So, let us revert our planning framework into bankable projects so that they do not remain desktop dreams. Let us not allow dry taps, sewage spills, and decaying infrastructure decrease our legitimacy as the local government.” Echoing his sentiments is MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), Mr Basikopo Makamu who pleaded for the gathering to not only be a convergence of great minds and inter-governmental solidarity, but serve as a tool to transform the scope of local government for the people of the province. Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba ascended the podium by reiterating that Councillors need to be more visible and involved within their communities so that crucial matters such as audit outcomes, service provision and the pressing need for skilled professionals in key positions can be seamlessly confronted. Admittedly, she explained: “We face significant challenges in managing contracts, as evidenced by the collapse of projects shortly after their commissioning. This therefore highlights a serious gap in our managerial capacity.” While Premier Ramathuba commended some municipalities for making strides in improving access to basic services like water and electricity, she also brought to light that other municipalities are still struggling with inadequate infrastructure, financial mismanagement, and gross skills shortages. She concluded: “Let us collectively ensure that our towns and cities resonate with a song of progress. It is time to recommit towards uplifting our 27 municipalities, empowering them to deliver their best for the people of this province. We can and must do more together.” PM