MIL Africa Engine

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) is calling on the public to actively participate in the process of redefining the next phase of local governance by submitting inputs into the Reviewed Draft White Paper on Local Government. 

The call follows the publishing of the draft document for public comment by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa giving stakeholders three-weeks until 28 May to submit their views. 

The publication of the white paper follows an extensive nationwide consultation process that commenced with the release of a discussion document in April 2025.

READ | Draft White Paper on Local Government out for public comment

SALGA, with the support of the Dullah Omar Institute at the University of the Western Cape, submitted comprehensive proposals to shape the review. 

The Reviewed Draft White Paper is available on: https://tinyurl.com/ycyran3p  

“We support the reviewing the 1998 White Paper on Local Government, which has served South Africa for nearly three decades. While the current system of local government has laid a solid foundation and delivered important gains, it has not consistently worked as intended,” SALGA President Bheke Stofile said on Sunday.
  
Stofile said the association’s focus during the review period has been on on practical, implementable reforms to build on existing strengths while addressing persistent challenges. 

“SALGA’s proposals are designed to transform the system without losing the gains already achieved and to usher in a new era of effective, responsive and accountable local governance,” Stofile said.

Stofile emphasised on the importance of members of the public, civil society organisations, state institutions, traditional leadership structures, business formations, labour, and all interested stakeholders participating in this “defining and historical process which will determine the kind of local governance communities experience in the next decades”. 

The local government association said it is encouraged that a significant number of its proposals have been incorporated in the gazetted draft. 

Key SALGA proposals reflected in the draft White Paper include: 
•    Fit-for-purpose municipal structures – by advocating for the simplification of local government structures, retaining district municipalities mainly in areas with limited capacity and strengthening metropolitan and urban municipalities.
•    Differentiated powers and functions – moving away from a one-size-fits-all model to a system that assigns powers based on municipal capacity, performance and local developmental needs. 
•    Strengthening governance and accountability – through clear role definition between councillors and administration, improved enforcement of ethical standards, and strengthened oversight mechanisms. 
•    Professionalisation of municipal administration – by prioritising competency-based recruitment, reducing political interference, and strengthening performance management systems. 
•    Enhanced community participation and partnerships – by revitalising ward committees, improving transparency, and promoting meaningful engagement with communities and stakeholders. 
•    Improved fiscal sustainability – reinforcing the principle that “funding follows functions”, protecting municipal revenue sources, and strengthening financial management systems. 

Submissions may be sent via email to: WPLG26@cogta.gov.za, RichardP@cogta.gov.za; MaphutiL@cogta.gov.za. 

Alternatively, submissions may be sent by posted to: The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Attention: Mr. Thabiso Richard Plank (White Paper Review), Private Bag X802, Pretoria 0001.   

Submissions can also be delivered in person to:  The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Attention: Mr. Thabiso Richard Plank (White Paper Review), 87 Hamilton Street, Arcadia, Pretoria 0001.

– SAnews.gov.za

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, says the transformation of the South African economy is critical and that there is no room for apology in pursuing it. 

Tau made these remarks during a meeting with the Royal Chancellor of the Zulu Nation, Inkosi Malusi Zondi and the Royal Economic Council in Richards Bay on Friday. 

The meeting discussed, amongst other matters, government s interventions on Tongaat Hullet, ArcelorMittal, developments in the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s (dtic) Incentive Schemes, with a particular focus on the Transformation Fund and the Black Industrialists Programme.

The Transformation Fund is expected to mobilise R100 billion that will be aggregated over the five-year term of the current administration through a joint effort between government and the private sector. 

READ | Transformation Fund to drive inclusive economic growth

It will serve as a funding platform wherein inclusive growth is engineered through data, innovation, and partnership, ultimately unleashing the country’s full potential. The Black Industrialists Programme is designed to accelerate the participation of black-owned businesses in the industrial economy.

Tau highlighted government’s commitment to efforts to save Tongaat Hulett (THL) operations. He said the operations needed to continue or else it would collapse the strategic agro-processing asset, and liquidation, unfortunately, threatens the entire downstream and upstream value chain, which would cause devastating economic impact.

“It is in everyone’s best interest to intervene and find sustainable solutions. We believe that Tongaat can be saved, and we must do everything within our means to ensure its recovery, while also safeguarding public funds. Our investments must be deliberate and purposeful. Above all, we remain committed to putting our people first in every effort we undertake,” said Tau.

In addition, Tau said a R200 million financial support package, facilitated through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), has been provided as a lifeline intervention. 

The funding is intended to sustain operations and prevent immediate collapse, enabling THL to continue operating until at least the end of June 2026. This intervention is aimed at preserving value in the business while a longer-term solution is pursued.

“The date set by the courts provides an opportunity for all parties to come together and find common ground, guided by a commitment to putting people first. 

“On the same note, government is committed to the efforts of saving ArcelorMittal in Newcastle. The view is that it is possible to find partners, and the offer has been made to buy back the operation,” Tau said.

Tau said his department was committed to working with the Zulu Nation and other stakeholders to make sure the province fully participate in the economic activities across all sectors. He added that continuous engagements would take place to make this a reality.

The Royal Chancellor of the Zulu Nation, Inkosi Malusi Zondi, welcomed Tau’s commitment and underscored the importance of saving both Tongaat Hullet and ArcelorMittal.

“We are fully committed to the empowerment as Kings, and to participate fully in the economy. We remain committed to support efforts that will bring new investors and retaining the current ones for the benefit of our people,” he said.

Additionally, Nkosi Zondi welcomed and supported efforts to stop the liquidation of Tongaat, as it will affect small-scale growers.

Furthermore, he said there was a need for further engagement on the way forward, should the court rule in favour of the liquidation, as this would destabilise more than one million rural livelihoods and trigger immediate non-payment to growers and suppliers.

Tau was accompanied by senior officials of the dtic, including Director-General Simphiwe Hamilton, Acting Deputy Director-General of Sectors, Dr Tebogo Makube and the Acting Deputy Director-General of Incentives, Justice Ngwenya.
– SAnews.gov.za

Public Service and Administration Minister, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, has noted the recent announcements by the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) and organised labour regarding the adjustment of the 2026 contribution increase. 

The Minister said that the period leading up to this outcome was characterised by intensive engagements and, at times, a clear impasse between the scheme and organised labour. 

“On the one hand, GEMS was required to uphold its fiduciary responsibility to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the scheme. On the other hand, organised labour raised legitimate and urgent concerns regarding affordability and the immediate financial pressures facing public servants,” the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) said in a statement on Friday.

The department said these positions, while valid, resulted in a deadlock that required deliberate and structured intervention. Recognising the potential impact on public servants and the broader stability of the scheme, the Minister, in his capacity as the employer representative, undertook a series of facilitated engagements with GEMS and organised labour. 

“These engagements were aimed at ensuring that neither sustainability considerations nor affordability concerns were pursued in isolation, but rather balanced in a manner that protects both the scheme and its members.   

“Through this process, the Ministry worked to create a platform for constructive and solution-oriented dialogue, ensure that the concerns of workers were meaningfully ventilated and considered, and encourage the scheme to re-examine its position within a broader socio-economic context,” the DPSA said. 

The Minister was encouraged that the engagements had culminated in a revised weighted contribution increase of 7.5%, reflecting movement from the initial position of 9.5% and providing measurable relief to members. 

“It is important to underscore that this outcome was not the result of a single process or perspective prevailing over another, but rather the product of facilitated convergence between parties whose positions had, at one point, significantly diverged. 

“The Ministry believes that this outcome demonstrates the value of active employer involvement in complex socio-economic matters, particularly where the interests of public servants, institutional sustainability, and public confidence intersect. 

“At the same time, the Minister acknowledges that the issues raised during this period, including affordability, governance, cost drivers, and transparency, remain matters requiring ongoing engagement and careful oversight,” the department said. 

In addition, the DPSA will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that these matters are addressed in a structured and sustainable manner.

The Minister further emphasises that engagement between GEMS and organised labour must continue to evolve towards a more proactive, transparent, and collaborative model to prevent similar situations in the future. 

The department said it remains committed to safeguarding the interests of public servants while ensuring that institutions such as GEMS remain financially sound, responsive, and aligned to their founding mandate. 

The Minister thanked all stakeholders for their participation in the engagements and urged continued cooperation in the interest of public servants and their families. – SAnews.gov.za

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed the arrest of two senior officers and a civilian, allegedly linked to the illegal dealing and unlawful possession of precious metals.

This follows an intensive investigation by the Gauteng Counter-Intelligence Operations (GCI-OPS).
The arrests were effected over the weekend by the team who executed a J50 warrant of arrest.

“The suspects were arrested following investigations into allegations of illicit precious metals transactions, corruption, and related offences. These arrests form part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement to dismantle criminal networks involved in the illicit trade of precious minerals and corruption,” the SAPS said in a statement on Sunday.

The suspects are expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges that may include the unlawful dealing in precious metals, defeating the ends of justice, corruption, and contravention of applicable legislation regulating precious metals. – SAnews.gov.za

As part of ongoing flood relief efforts, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor Babalwa Lobishe has visited displaced families at the Phase 1 Informal Settlement and Anovuyo Shelter in Wells Estate.

“Relief assistance, including blankets and mattresses were provided to affected residents. The municipality continues to work with all spheres of government to support communities impacted by the severe weather conditions,” the municipality said in a statement on Sunday.

The municipality has been hit by adverse weather conditions in recent days.

The Mayor was accompanied by MMC for Human Settlements, Thembinkosi Mafana, Disaster Management officials, and representatives from the provincial government.

READ | Nelson Mandela activates Operations Centre amid rainy weather

Meanwhile, Lobishe expressed  gratitude to all Disaster Management teams, emergency personnel, and municipal technical teams who worked around the clock during the recent flood disaster and severe weather conditions experienced across the metro.

“We acknowledge the outstanding efforts of local and provincial Disaster Management teams, Fire and Emergency Services, Rescue Services, Law Enforcement, Traffic Services, Human Settlements teams, electricity, water, sanitation, roads and stormwater teams, as well as frontline municipal workers who responded under extremely difficult and dangerous conditions,” she said.

The Mayor said the courage, professionalism, sacrifice, and commitment shown by the teams helped save lives, supported displaced residents, and restored critical services to affected communities.

“Your dedication during this challenging time reflects the true spirit of service and compassion that continues to strengthen Nelson Mandela Bay,” Lobishe said.

The municipality continues to work with all spheres of government to support communities impacted by the severe weather conditions. –SAnews.gov.za

Four people have been rescued from the scene of a building collapse in Durban on Saturday, the KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Department said.

“To date, four people have been successfully extricated and have received medical attention. The department wishes all who are affected a speedy recovery,” the provincial department said.

The four were rescued after the provincial Disaster Management Centre dispatched disaster management teams to the scene of the building collapse.

“Further details will be communicated as information becomes available,” said the department.
It further advised the public to steer clear of the affected area in Union Lane. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will deliver a keynote address at the Inaugural King Hintsa Annual Salutation and 191st Anniversary Commemoration of Kumkani Hintsa kaKhawuta.

“The memory of His Majesty King Hintsa, Aah Zanzolo!, will now be commemorated on an annual basis, in a comprehensive programme of memorialisation, bringing together an estimated 5 000 invited guests, including Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, COGTA [Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs] Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, other Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Inter-Faith Leadership, Leaders of Political Parties, members of academia, business, and community as well as media,” the Presidency said on Sunday.

Tuesday’s commemoration will take place at Gcuwa, in the Mnquma Local Municipality, Amathole District, in the Eastern Cape.

His Majesty King Ahlangene Sigcawu of the Xhosa Kingdom, Aah Vulikhaya!, extended the invitation to the Deputy President. – SAnews.gov.za