MIL Africa Engine

By More Matshediso 

With the 2026 Local Government Elections approaching, the President of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Bheke Stofile envisages that there will be an increase in coalition governments across municipalities. 

Speaking to Public Sector Manager (PSM) magazine, Stofile said the country must prepare for an increase in coalition governments.

He highlighted that although coalitions are not a new phenomenon, prevalence in municipalities has grown significantly over the years. Stofile added that, through a coalition framework developed by SALGA in collaboration with the Dullah Omar Institute and the University of the Western Cape, the association is well prepared to navigate coalition governments.

The framework offers practical, implementable guidelines for political parties and independent councillors in coalition governments to resolve challenges of instability and encourage cooperation in coalitions. 

It outlines clear mechanisms to help structure and manage coalitions effectively in practice, covering the formation of coalitions and their ongoing governance. 

The framework also acknowledges that instability within local coalition can have serious consequences. It may hinder a municipality’s ability to adopt policies and by-laws, make senior management appointments or pass a budget. Ultimately, such instability undermines the municipal administration’s capacity to deliver essential services to local communities.

Collaborating for smooth elections

To help ensure the smooth running of the upcoming local government elections, Stofile said SALGA’s role includes advocating for and encouraging its member municipalities to work closely with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). He explained that municipalities provide key support to the electoral process, including voting facilities and certain materials such as ballot papers. 

“Through this, we believe that we are contributing to entrenching democracy in our country,” said Stofile. 

Voter turnout 

He urged South Africans to turn out in large numbers to register and to exercise their constitutional right to choose their leaders.

The IEC has announced that voter registration will take place on 20 and 21 June 2026.

Amid a steady decline in voter turnout in South Africa over the years, Stofile acknowledged the public’s waning interest and growing mistrust of government institutions.

He noted that declining voter participation directly undermines democracy and the selection of representatives. He cautioned that if the trend persists, it could place significant strain on all spheres of government, leaving many citizens without a voice in choosing leaders tasked with driving transformation in their communities and enhancing living conditions. 

Serving the people

To address this, he urged local government officials to serve the public diligently and responsibly.

“We must work hard to address the service delivery challenges that are facing our communities. If you do not serve our people with credibility and integrity, the purse that pays for those services and your salary is going to dwindle,” he said. 

 “All of us are in government for one purpose: changing the lives of citizens for the better. We believe that we can achieve this with the collaborative efforts from all spheres of government. We wish for those who work in municipalities to take their jobs as a call to serve,” he added. 

Fighting corruption

At the heart of service delivery challenges in municipalities, Stofile said, is persistent corruption, which has wide-ranging effects on government performance and the country’s development.

“The issue of fighting corruption in municipalities also needs a multi-disciplinary approach that involves SALGA, various spheres of government and political parties because that is where elected leaders come from,” he said. 

One way SALGA supports municipalities in combating corruption is through its collaboration with the Ethics Institute, an independent public organisation that provides original thought leadership, services and products focused on organisational ethics.

The collaboration is designed to promote ethical behaviour among public representatives and municipal officials, while also encouraging political parties to implement programmes that foster ethical conduct.

“If this succeeds, I believe we can turn a tide regarding municipalities that are embroiled in corrupt activities,” he said. 

Overcoming local government challenges

Stofile emphasised that municipalities cannot overcome their challenges alone and reiterated the importance of collaboration across all spheres of government. He highlighted that municipalities can be empowered through several key mechanisms, including:

• reforming the funding model to ensure municipalities receive a fair share of resources and have access to innovative financing;
• professionalising local government by protecting technical roles from political interference, investing in skills development and promoting ethical leadership;
• building genuine partnerships with banks, insurers and the South African Revenue Service to support revenue collection and financial sustainability; and
• aligning national, provincial and local plans to eliminate duplication and ensure that every rand spent delivers maximum impact.

SALGA has a constitutional mandate to transform local government, enabling it to fulfil its developmental role. Representing all 257 municipalities, its core responsibilities include lobbying for and protecting the interests of local government in intergovernmental relations, acting as an employer organisation, and building capacity within municipalities.

*This article first appeared in Public Sector Magazine

3 views

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System, commonly known as the Madlanga Commission, has moved to clarify that arrests made as a result of revelations during proceedings are carried out by the police and not the commission itself.

Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels explained that the commission was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

This while the task team appointed to investigate matters arising from the commission’s first interim report was established by Police National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.

“The commission is making this clarification because, recently, there have been media reports to the effect that the ‘Madlanga Task Team’ or ‘Madlanga Commission Task Team’ has arrested certain people.

“This is likely to lead to the wrong perception that Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, or the commission he chairs, is arresting people. 

“The truth is that it is a SAPS task team that has been arresting people. Justice Madlanga is concerned by this possible perception, not least because the function of arresting people is at odds with the judicial function.

“Following interactions between the commission and SAPS, the latter has agreed that the name of the task team will be changed. The SAPS will issue further communications in this regard,” Michaels said.

The commission’s public hearings continue today at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Tshwane where the city’s Chief Financial Officer Gareth Mnisi is the witness on the stand. – SAnews.gov.za

 

96 views

Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has partnered with the Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans to host a Ministerial Career Expo and Outreach Programme at Masameni Sports Field in Ixopo, KwaZulu-Natal.

The Deputy Minister is joining the Department of Defence and Military Veterans at the Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Municipality for the initiative, which is aimed at equipping young people with information about career pathways within the defence and military environment.

The career expo is designed to expose youth to a wide range of opportunities within the defence and military environment, such as technical trades, engineering, aviation, maritime services and security. It also seeks to promote values of discipline, patriotism, and national service, while aligning these opportunities with education and training pathways that respond to the needs of the economy.

Through the Deputy Minister’s leadership, the Department of Higher Education and Training will showcase relevant courses, qualifications, and institutions. The programme will further highlight skills development initiatives aligned to industry demand and provide guidance on post-school education and training opportunities.

According to the department, the strategic objectives of the expo include bridging the gap between education, skills development, and economic opportunities. The initiative also aims to strengthen collaboration between the defence sector, higher education institutions, and provincial government, while positioning the defence sector as a career pathway of choice, contributing to youth empowerment and national development.

“At heart of the career expo is also the aim to promote social cohesion and patriotism,” the department said in a statement,” the department said in a statement. –  SAnews.gov.za

67 views

Suspended Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi and his co-accused, Ekurhuleni Municipal Manager Kagiso Lerutla, have appeared in the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court to face charges of corruption, fraud and defeating the ends of justice.

The two appeared in court on Monday, following their arrests over the weekend.

“The State alleges that in March 2019, the accused acted with a common purpose to unlawfully evade court proceedings. Following Lerutla’s arrest for speeding and his subsequent obligation to appear before the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court, the accused allegedly recruited and paid a third party to impersonate Lerutla in court, while he attended a job interview.

“It is further alleged that the third party appeared in court under false pretences and completed diversion documentation using Lerutla’s personal details. The State contends that the accused shared gratification of approximately R400 000 for facilitating this scheme,” National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said.

The matter has been postponed to Thursday for formal bail applications.

Meanwhile, the case against alleged criminal mastermind Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and 15 others has been postponed to next month.

“The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court postponed the case… for the finalisation of consultations and for him to give instructions to his attorney.

“The court granted the State its request to have Matlala detained at Kgosi Mampuru until consultations are completed,” Investigating Directorate against Corruption spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, explained.

The accused face charges of corruption, fraud and Contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

“The charges relate to the alleged irregular awarding of a contract to Medicare 24, a company owned by Matlala, valued at approximately R228 million,” Mamothame said. – SAnews.gov.za

63 views

The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has reported steady progress in the implementation and expenditure of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), with notable gains in infrastructure delivery across the province.

In a statement issued on Monday, the department said the province received a total MIG allocation of R2.19 billion for the 2025/26 financial year, with the total annual allocation transferred to municipalities.

MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs Gaoage Oageng Molapisi said municipalities had collectively spent R1.3 billion by the end of March, translating to 64% of the total allocation.

Molapisi welcomed the expenditure performance, noting that it reflects continued investment in critical infrastructure such as water and sanitation, roads, stormwater systems, waste management and community facilities, which remain central to improving service delivery and the quality of life for residents across the province.

“The progress recorded demonstrates that municipalities are increasingly improving their capacity to deliver critical infrastructure. We remain on course to ensure 100% expenditure of funds allocated after achieving 99% last financial year,” Molapisi said.

Several municipalities have demonstrated strong performance in infrastructure spending and project implementation, particularly in districts including Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, where expenditure reached 82% of allocated funds, signalling improved planning and execution capacity.

To accelerate infrastructure projects in their localities, additional funding has been allocated to six municipalities, including Kgetleng Rivier (R15 million), Maquassi Hills (R16 million), Ditsobotla (R37 million), Ratlou (R17 million), Lekwa Teemane (R12 million), Greater Taung (R19 million) and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District (R50 million).

However, Molapisi noted that some municipalities have lost portions of their allocations to other municipalities due to slow spending and implementation challenges.

In cases where performance remains weak, Molapisi said swift action is required to protect public funds.

“While reallocation may affect project timelines in underperforming municipalities, the measure is intended to improve overall delivery rather than penalise those affected.

“The lost portions will have an impact on the ongoing infrastructure projects implemented by the affected municipalities. Planned completion dates will now be prolonged into the new financial year,” Molapisi said.

He added that these actions are not intended to penalise municipalities, but rather to improve performance.

“The reallocation is to ensure 100% expenditure of the grant in the province. When funds are reallocated, it is done to maximise impact and ensure that infrastructure delivery continues without delays,” the MEC said.

Implementation plans for next financial year

As part of preparations for the 2026/27 municipal financial year, which begins in July, the department has supported municipalities in assessing draft implementation plans to ensure alignment with grant conditions, infrastructure priorities, and compliance with the Division of Revenue Act.

The process aims to strengthen long-term infrastructure planning, address stalled projects, and improve sustainable service delivery.

Molapisi also announced that the department will convene a provincial MIG workshop ahead of the new financial year to assess municipalities’ readiness for implementation of the MIG funded infrastructure projects.

“The aim is to ensure that municipalities finalise the appointment by end June 2026 so that construction can commence at the beginning of the financial year in July 2026.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

145 views

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) says conditions are favourable for the development of severe storms, potentially leading to minor impacts over the western and eastern parts of the North West, the extreme north eastern parts of the Northern Cape and the western and central Free State, on Tuesday.

This could cause localised damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock.

In addition, there could be localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges and trees could fall, blocking minor roads.

The weather service said there is also a low likelihood of significant impacts due to severe thunderstorms over northern Gauteng, the Lowveld and south-western parts of Limpopo, as well as the extreme north-eastern parts of Mpumalanga on Tuesday.

These storms may result in flooding of susceptible low-lying areas (including bridges and roads) and damage to infrastructure and settlements due to strong, damaging winds and hail.

“A high likelihood of minor impacts due to severe thunderstorms is expected over Mpumalanga and the central parts of Limpopo. 

“Severe thunderstorms may cause localised flooding and damage to infrastructure, settlements, property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock due to heavy downpours and strong damaging winds,” SAWS said.

Meanwhile, the extended weather forecast for Wednesday and Thursday shows partly cloudy and cool with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers, but widespread in the north-east. –SAnews.gov.za

 

52 views

Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Seiso Mohai has led an intergovernmental engagement on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) in Matjhabeng Local Municipality in the Free State.

Addressing the gathering, Mohai described GBVF as one of the most urgent social crises facing the country, saying it has devastating consequences for families, communities and society.

He said rebuilding the family unit requires restoring fatherhood, nurturing stable homes and instilling values of respect and protection, while harmful behaviours and substance abuse must be addressed through community interventions, rehabilitation programmes and zero tolerance for violence.

Mohai was joined by Matjhabeng Executive Mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha and Lejweleputswa District Executive Mayor Veronica Ntakumbana.

The engagement brought together representatives from national, provincial and local government, community leaders, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen efforts against GBVF through a coordinated approach.

Mohai said the impact of GBVF often extends beyond individual victims, leaving children orphaned, deepening trauma and perpetuating poverty and social instability across generations.

He called for stronger prevention measures, greater accountability and more visible action from all sectors of society.

During the programme, Mohai also visited the Goldfields Family Advice Shelter, where he engaged with service providers and assessed support services available to survivors of GBVF.

The visit highlighted the need for stronger support systems that are accessible, responsive and survivor-centred.

Government leaders at the engagement committed to working together to address violence against women and children and strengthen interventions that promote safety, healing and dignity.

Among the key outcomes of the meeting were renewed commitment to a united government response, placing survivor support at the centre of interventions, rebuilding families and communities, encouraging men and boys to reject violence, and recognising the role of institutions such as schools, workplaces, faith communities, civil society, sport, arts and culture in prevention and mobilisation.

The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation said it remains committed to working with partners across government and society to ensure programmes responding to GBVF are monitored, strengthened and implemented to deliver meaningful change in communities. – SAnews.gov.za

 

106 views

A fire was reported on Tuesday morning at Lower Sabie Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park, affecting the shop and restaurant. 

“The Ranger team and other staff members reacted quickly and managed to contain the fire before it could spread to other structures,” the South African National Parks (SANParks) said.

No injuries or fatalities were reported. The cause of the fire is still being investigated at this stage, and an update will be provided in due course. 

The restaurant and reception area are currently inaccessible for safety reasons. –SAnews.gov.za

221 views