Salga Limpopo hosts 2019 Provincial Members Assembly
T he South African Local Government Association (Salga) in Limpopo hosted its annual Provincial Members Assembly (PMA) in Bela-Bela last Wednesday and Thursday with over 90% of the municipalities in the province being represented by political office bearers and officials. On Wednesday, the programme started with a word of welcome by the Deputy Chairperson of …
T he South African Local Government Association (Salga) in Limpopo hosted its annual Provincial Members Assembly (PMA) in Bela-Bela last Wednesday and Thursday with over 90% of the municipalities in the province being represented by political office bearers and officials.
On Wednesday, the programme started with a word of welcome by the Deputy Chairperson of Salga Limpopo, Morris Mataboge, followed by acting Salga Limpopo Director of Operations, Ledile Sebati who dealt with the assembly credentials to ensure that the programme could proceed with programme director Julia Mathebe on stage.
Chairperson of Salga Limpopo, Pule Shayi delivered the opening address, followed by messages of support by the Chairperson of the Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders, Malesela Dikgale and the Speaker of Limpopo Legislature, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya.
MEC for Coghsta, Basikopo Makamu remarked on the opening address and introduced keynote speaker Stan Mathabatha.
The theme of the conference was ‘Inspiring coordinated municipal support’ and papers relevant to the topic were presented by speakers from Salga as well as other stakeholders later in the day as well as on the last day.
Board member of the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB), Themba Dubazana informed delegates about the status of the ward delimitation process, acting Provincial Executive Officer of the MCPF, Elias Msiza provided an update on pension fund matters and Aarto Operations Manager, Peter Baloyi spoke on the implications of Aarto for municipalities. Chief Operations Officer of the LGSETA, Khulekani Mkhize informed delegates about the strategic agenda in realising a highly skilled and capable local government, while Salga Labour Relations Senior Manager, Zwe Ndlala delivered a presentation on the restructuring of the Municipal Employees Pension Funds and provides an update on the Wage Curve Collective Agreement. The last presentation was by Salga Senior Advisor on LED, Mxolisi Mchunu who presented a paper on Stimulating rural economies through targeted rural densification.
A panel comprising Planning Deputy Director-General in the Office of the Premier, Esme Magwaza, DBSA Head of Local Government Support, Ben Mhlongo and acting Director of Operations of Salga North West, William Moraka with Waterberg District Municipality Economic Development and Planning Director, Desiree Sehlapelo as facilitator deliberated on ‘Supporting the One Plan’.
Delegates took advantage of an opportunity to network and relax during a gala dinner that was hosted on Wednesday evening.
Story, video and photos: BARRY VILJOEN
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