Gauteng CoGTA outlines plans to improve local government performance
Earlier in May, MEC Jacob Mamabolo met with the Public Service Commission (PSC) commissioner Vusumuzi Mavuso to discuss governance and oversight.
During the meeting, Mavuso confirmed that Parliament approved the Public Service Amendment Bill, and that it would be referred to all provinces for consideration.
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CoGTA has stated that the Constitution and the Batho Pele principles, which promote accountability, openness, and citizen-focused service delivery, guide its approach.
In 2023, the department held a Local Government Turnaround Summit attended by representatives from all 11 Gauteng municipalities, national and provincial governments, traditional leaders, and state-owned entities.
The summit addressed common challenges facing municipalities and discussed potential solutions under the theme 'Building smart and resilient municipalities of the future'.
CoGTA believes municipalities are key to delivering essential services such as water, electricity, and sanitation. The department has identified leadership development, skills training, and ethical governance as areas for improvement.
During recent public emergencies – including the Covid-19 pandemic and floods in parts of the province – municipal workers and emergency personnel assisted in providing aid such as food parcels, water, and shelter.
CoGTA says it continues to roll out training and capacity-building initiatives for municipal staff. The goal is to improve management practices and responsiveness to service delivery issues.
Some municipalities in Gauteng have faced ongoing concerns from residents about infrastructure, service interruptions, and administrative backlogs.
The department has not yet provided detailed timelines for when specific improvements might be visible.
The Public Service Amendment Bill, if passed by all provinces, would give the PSC a broader role in monitoring performance at the municipal level. This change is expected to affect how accountability is managed across all levels of government.
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Eyewitness News
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'The decision Ramaphosa announced last night to grant the police minister leave of absence is welcome, although proper suspension pending investigation would have been more appropriate given the serious allegations of lying to parliament and interfering in police investigations of political assassinations in KwaZulu-Natal. 'The president's appointment of Firoz Cachalia as acting minister does suggest an effort to put someone into the role without political baggage and is welcome. However, it would have been better to see stronger action. 'Just two weeks ago, the president dismissed a deputy minister for the relatively minor infraction of taking an overseas trip without final approval. If we fire officials for procedural violations, how can we treat potential obstruction of justice investigations with less severity?' Inquiry's recommendations must not gather dust again The commission of inquiry offers hope, provided it receives proper resources to support Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyisile Madlanga, who has been appointed to head it, she says. 'The Nugent Commission on Sars and the PIC Commission successfully contributed to restoring those institutions, proving commissions can work when properly structured and supported. 'However, we cannot afford the delays and budget overruns that have plagued other inquiries, nor can we allow recommendations to gather dust like many from the Zondo Commission on state capture. Judge Madlanga will need to be swift and recommend immediate actions to suspend those who pose particular risk to the security services.' ALSO READ: Cameron questions urgency of commission into Mchunu probe Mavuso says this situation strikes at the heart of our criminal justice system. 'Police must have unwavering political backing to investigate crime without fear or favour. Any suggestion of political interference is devastating to public trust and emboldens criminal syndicates that have infiltrated our political systems. 'These networks must be dismantled and the president must lead this charge by ensuring police have his full backing to pursue investigations wherever they lead.'
