BIZANA– The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Eastern Cape has made a resounding call for the transformation and revitalisation of municipalities across the province during its annual Provincial Members Assembly, held at the Wild Coast Sun in Bizana on 06-08 October 2025. Hosted in partnership with the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality and Alfred Nzo District Municipality, the assembly brought together key local government officials, councillors, and stakeholders under the banner of ‘Inspiring Service Delivery.’
In his opening address at the launch of the Inaugural Local Government Good Governance Indaba, SALGA Eastern Cape Chairperson, Cllr Mesuli Ngqondwana, did not mince words about the pressing challenges facing municipalities. He highlighted poor governance, weak financial management and service delivery backlogs as major obstacles that need urgent redress.
“We can no longer afford to accept mediocrity in our municipalities. This assembly must mark a turning point where words translate into impactful governance,” said Ngqondwana.
The event also featured a keynote address by Eastern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in the Eastern Cape Zolile Williams, who underscored the critical link between clean governance and investment attraction. “Municipal leaders must ensure that they improve their audit outcomes. Clean governance is not only about compliance it is also a magnet for investors and a foundation for sustainable development,” said MEC Williams.
Adding to the call for transformation, SALGA President Cllr Bheke Stofile urged municipalities to reimagine their roles as engines of development. “Local government must become the architect of a self-sustaining Eastern Cape. We must develop our land, harness our rivers, industrialise our townships and rekindle pride in our communities,” said Stofile.
With Eastern Cape municipalities under growing pressure to improve service delivery, infrastructure and financial accountability, the Provincial Members Assembly served as a strategic platform to re-align priorities and reinforce commitment to public service.
As the province stands at the cusp of growth and economic renewal, SALGA’s leadership is calling on municipal leaders to “translate aspiration into action” and build communities that are not only functional but thriving.
Photographs: SALGA/Supplied
