Deputy President Paul Mashatile has emphasised the importance of the ongoing 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children and the critical role that communities play in eliminating the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
“Let us continue to advance gender equity. Through this annual 16 Days of Activism Campaign, let us create communities where women and children are safe, empowered, and free from violence. Let us ensure that collective responsibility becomes a lived reality,” he said on Thursday.
The Deputy President delivered a keynote address on the second day of the South African Local Government Association’s (SALGA) National Members Assembly.
The event, hosted at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, brought together notable figures from various sectors to discuss the future of local governance in South Africa.
This assembly, which concluded on Thursday, took place during the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, which was launched two days ago.
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The Deputy President called for a united effort to ensure women’s and children’s safety, urging attendees to create “communities where women and children are safe, empowered, and free from violence.”
The country’s second-in-command said this commitment to gender equity aligns with SALGA’s goals, illustrating the organisation’s dedication to fostering safe and inclusive spaces at the local level.
SALGA anniversary
He also took a moment to reflect on the significance of SALGA’s anniversary, noting that November marks the 29th anniversary of the formation of a unified SALGA.
The Deputy President recounted how SALGA’s journey began in 1996 at the National Summit for Organised Local Government and highlighted its evolution into the “unified voice of South Africa’s 257 municipalities.”
He also took the time to praise SALGA for its role in advocating for community needs and enhancing service delivery across the nation.
The Deputy President also acknowledged SALGA’s involvement in significant legislative advancements, mentioning key acts such as the Electoral Laws Amendment Act of 2021 and the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act of 2013.
He said SALGA’s steadfast dedication has enabled them successfully to push for these improvements, ensuring that the legal framework supports municipalities in carrying out their service delivery mandates.
National Dialogue on Coalition Governments
Deputy President Mashatile also touched on the National Dialogue on Coalition Governments, a critical discussion aimed at developing frameworks that guide coalition arrangements at the local level.
“The recommendations and final declaration of the Dialogue on Coalition Government have paved the way for the development of an overarching framework that will guide coalition arrangements at the local government level.”
Professionalising the public service and reforms
He stressed government’s commitment to establishing a capable, ethical, and developmental state.
“Parliament is currently processing the Public Service Commission Amendment Act to extend the mandate of the Public Service Commission (PSC) to include local government and public entities.”
Deputy President Mashatile said this move is aimed at professionalising the public service across all government levels.
Through initiatives like Phase 2 of Operation Vulindlela, the Deputy President outlined the government’s strategy to address economic challenges and support local governments.
Phase 2 focuses on accelerating economic reforms to achieve faster and more inclusive growth by addressing structural constraints in key sectors like energy, water, and local government.
He also underscored the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in supporting government efforts to implement necessary reforms.
The country’s second-in-command called to action members of organised local government, encouraging them to rally behind transformative initiatives.
Deputy President Mashatile reminded leaders of the challenges faced by municipalities while also calling for collaborative efforts for a stronger, more equitable future for South Africa.
He urged the prioritisation of economic resilience, investment in infrastructure and services, and embracing new technologies and approaches to service delivery.
“By doing so, we can create an environment where businesses thrive, communities prosper, and each individual can realise their full potential.
“As I have stated, we all agree that local government is the sphere of government that is closest to our people. It is through municipalities that democracy connects with daily life, through the provision of water, energy, sanitation, roads, and public order, among other things.”
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa’s, address emphasised the urgent need for local government reform to enhance service delivery and tackle challenges such as GBV, youth unemployment, and infrastructure decay.
He highlighted the importance of aligning Integrated Development Plans with global priorities, particularly following South Africa’s leadership role in the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit.
The Minister also spoke about the review of the White Paper on Local Government, which presents a critical opportunity to strengthen governance and financial controls, ensuring municipalities can effectively address community needs.
He highlighted the importance of aligning municipal plans with global initiatives and fostering stable governance to enhance community trust and development. – SAnews.gov.za
