The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) is calling on the public to comment on the reviewed Draft White Paper on Local Government before the May 28 deadline.
According to the organisation, the review aims to improve local governance through practical reforms designed to strengthen accountability, professionalise municipal administration, enhance community participation, and improve financial sustainability.
The draft—published by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa on Thursday—includes several proposals submitted by SALGA. Key recommendations include simplifying municipal structures and granting municipalities powers commensurate with their specific capacities and local needs.
SALGA spokesperson Motalatale Modiba emphasised the importance of public engagement during this process.
"Collectively, we have a window of opportunity to shape the next phase of local governance. This is even more critical as we approach the local government elections towards the end of this year. We, therefore, call on everyone who is able to make an input—the various stakeholders who have been on this journey of reviewing the 1998 White Paper," said Modiba.
This article was originally posted by EWN
