Sihle Zikalala, Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, says there is strong evidence that when local government addresses the needs of communities adequately and efficiently, there is more social cohesion, stable societies, and more opportunities for growth.
Speaking at the Local Government Indaba in Durban, Zikalala stated that citizens who have delegated power to their various political representatives look to them to create a capable local governmental State that is human-centered, embodies the principles of ‘Batho-Pele,’ and is ultimately capable of contributing to the vision of a truly united, non-racial, non-sexist, equal, and prosperous South Africa.
The Indaba was held not long after Tsakani Maluleke, the Auditor-General, published a report on the state of South African municipalities that showed that local government is characterised by bad governance, a lack of institutional capability, and instability.
Maluleke also expressed worry about the necessity to protect and preserve municipal infrastructure as well as the discipline of financial management in order to avoid mismanagement and financial loss.
Despite the fact that three municipalities in KZN had clean audits, the Auditor General’s report also reveals that the three municipalities that were disclaimed, all of which were under administration, had poor opinions due to political instability, inexperienced officials, and system-related issues.
The Indaba, with the theme ‘Turning the Corner in KZN Municipalities: Fostering Peaceful and Sustainable Communities Through the Delivery of Basic Services,’ according to Zikalala, should not be just another talk shop, but should go a long way toward helping government regain and restore trust with the electorate.
Disclaimers have been issued for the municipalities of Inkosi Langalibalele, uMkhanyakude, Nquthu Amajuba, and uMzinyathi.
“It should help us craft programmes to enthuse the public to get involved again in the democratic process not only during voting time, but throughout to hold councillors and government officials accountable.
“The theme is a crucial reminder of our resolve to build a capable developmental state which can tackle the root causes of the multiple challenges emanating from underdevelopment, inequality, poverty, unemployment, and the tragic scourge of gender-based violence,” Zikalala said.
He noted that in July, which is a sad reminder of the destructive violence that struck KwaZulu-Natal and portions of Gauteng last year, stakeholders must ensure that the conversations enable local governments better manage conflicts and respond effectively to them while preventing loss of life, economic destruction, and job loss.
“The White Paper on Local Government, the National Development Plan, the KZN Growth and Development Strategy, and the District Development Model (DDM) all contain a vision of local government becoming centres of economic development and engines of job creation.
“We are honoured as the Provincial Government of KwaZulu-Natal that gathered here are all the stakeholders tasked with the crucial task of transforming local government and making it efficient so that it can indeed deliver a better life to all,” the Premier said.