SALGA conference kicks off on high note

The South African Local Government Association (Salga) Limpopo’s flagship event of the year, the Limpopo Provincial Conference took place at Protea Hotel Ranch Resort on Tuesday and Wednesday (yesterday).
The theme of the conference was ‘Ushering in the 4th term of democratic and people-centered local government’ and the key note address was delivered by the Premier Stanley Mathabatha.
On the first day a round table discussion with ‘Planning paradigm: Key considerations for the next five year horizon’ and ‘Capacity building and support to the Local Sphere’ as topics, took place. The participants were Nkaro Mateta, Provincial Electoral Officer of the Independent Electoral Commission Limpopo, Yvonne Mashele, acting Chief Director of Statistics South Africa, Muhammed Essa, Deputy Business Executive at the Office of the Auditor-General SA, Jane Thupana, Chairperson of the Municipal Demarcation Board, Ben Mphahlele, Managing Director of Limpopo Development Agency, Sylvia Ravhutulu, Business Development Director of Spectrum Utility Management, Simon Mpamonyane, Head of Communications and Marketing of Lepelle Northern Water and Bongwe Khorommbi, Chief Director of the Department of Energy.
Seana Nkhahle, Executive Manager at the Office of Salga facilitated a discussion on Salga’s Draft Strategic Framework.
In the afternoon, delegates joined four commissions that addressed the topics of ‘Promoting sustainable, inclusive economic growth and spatial transformation’, ‘Sound and enabling policy, fiscal and institutional framework for integrated development’, ‘Strengthening the pillars of good governance and building resilient municipal institutions’ and ‘Inspiring revenue enhancement and sound financial management’. The facilitators were members of Salga Limpopo’s Provincial Executive Committee Nakedi Sibanda, Orginia Mafefe, Kgaretja Lekalakala and Sizwe Ramaremela.
The day ended with a gala dinner at the Bush Willow at the conference venue where Rob Tooley, MEC for the Provincial Treasury was the key note speaker.
A plenary session wherein commissions were called upon to report back, was scheduled for Wednesday (yesterday), followed by the election of the new Provincial Executive Committee and its inauguration and taking of an oath of office. The newly elected Provincial Chairperson was scheduled to present Salga Limpopo’s five year vision in conclusion.
See next week’s edition of Polokwane Observer for extensive coverage of the conference.

Story and photos: BARRY VILJOEN
>>barryv.observer@gmail.com

Featured photo: Stan Mathabatha, Limpopo Premier delivers the key note address at the South African Local Government Association (Salga) Limpopo’ Provincial Conference.