Staff Reporter
02 December 2016
The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) 2016 National Conference that election and confirmed its National Office Bearers and the National Executive Committee which will preside and lead the sector guided by SALGA’s Strategic Framework 2017 – 2022.
SALGA Newly Elected Office Bearers/Presidency are Mr Parks Tau of the City of Joburg was elected President, Ms Zandile Gumede of Ethekwini Metro Municipality was elected Deputy President, Sebenzile Ngangelizwe of Lejweleputswa District Municipality, Deputy President, Lindiwe Ntshalintshali of Emalahleni Local Municipality, Deputy President.
In his address to conference, the newly elected President of SALGA, Mr Parks Tau, said during the term of his office, focus will be on the role of SALGA as protector to enforce the rights of local government much more robustly, and constructively by removing obstacles in legislation, fiscal, policy and institutional that makes it impossible for local government to deliver on its mandate.
“To do so, we will strengthen SALGA’s role as an advocate for local government, by positioning local government at the centre of our cooperative governance system, through progressive policy, legislative and regulatory reforms to ensure a more conducive framework for local government to execute the developmental mandate,” he said.
He said emphasis will also be on greater fiscal equity, revenue enhancement and financial sustainability of municipalities and defending the discretion and right of municipalities to govern the affairs of their communities on their own initiative, within the ambit of norms and standards parameters.
SALGA Communications Manager, Mr Tahir Sema, said the conference has been a tremendous success and should be seen as proof that organised local government in South Africa is indeed functional. He said SALGA is proud to announce that it has successfully ushered in the 4th democratic local government term.
He said while it is true that a number of serious and complex challenges persist in some municipalities, by and large local government has delivered quality services and a better life for the majority of our people over the last 20 years. “This is a challenge that the newly elected SALGA Leadership is ready to confront towards “Building a Sustainable, Responsive and People Centred Local Government” as per the conference theme.
The SALGA National Conference also oversaw the re-launching of the Alliance of Mayors’ Initiative for Community Action on AIDS at the Local Level (AMICAALL) South Africa Chapter. SALGA World AIDS Day Commemoration brought together dignitaries who are playing a significant role in the fight against the epidemic. SALGA is honoured to have had the participation of Patrick Mdletshe – National Deputy Chairperson of the Treatment Action Campaign, South Africa’s First Lady, Ms Thobeka Madiba-Zuma from the TMZ Foundation Support, Mark Heywood from Section27, His Worship Alfred Martin Aruo – Chairperson of AMICAALL Uganda, Professor Sheila Tlou – Regional Director, UNAIDS and Dr José Zuniga – President, CEO of the International Association of Providers of Aids Care (IAPAC).
Mr Sema said the Conference also acknowledged the outgoing National Executive Committee for their strong and admirable leadership they have demonstrated for the term 2011 – 2016. “They are leaving behind a well-run local government machinery which is known to be a key site of service delivery and development. “The role of Organised Local Government has become more critical in the developmental state in which government’s programme of action is largely driven and implemented by 257 municipalities covering 55.9 million inha
