POLOKWANE – The meeting aimed to give the different mayors the opportunity to see what challenges they will face in the coming months and how they can prepare for these challenges.
Some of the mayors who attended the meeting include John Makoro Mpe (Capricorn District Municipality), Thembi Nkadimeng (Polokwane Local Municipality), Stan Ramaila (Sekhukhune District Municipality), Morris Mateboge (Waterberg District Municipality), Florence Fulufhelo Radzilani (Vhembe District Municipality), and Nkakareng Rakgoale (Mopani District Municipality).
Makurupetje said it was of cardinal importance that the meeting be attended by these mayors to discuss the issues they will inherit so they are better prepared to respond to them accordingly.
Speaking at the media briefing after the meeting Makurupetje said, “During the meeting, we reflected on the developments within the local municipalities with particular emphasis on the objectives of local government as established in the Constitution,” she said.
The objectives of local government include:
• To provide democratic and accountable government for local communities.
• To ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner.
• To promote social and economic development.
• To promote a safe and healthy environment.
• To encourage the involvement of communities and community organisations in the matters of local government.
Makhurupetje said during the deliberations, it was made clear that the mayors would have to lead from the front in implementing the local government turn-around plan to change the situation in municipalities for the better.
She added the approach to local government is based on five pillars.
The five pillars seek to achieve the following:
• Putting people and their concerns first.
• Creating conditions for decent living by consistently delivering municipal services of the right quality and standard.
• Good governance which entails cutting down on wastage, spending money prudently, hiring competent officials and ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Sound financial management and accounting which include recovery of debt owed to municipalities.
• The building and maintenance of sound institutional and administrative capabilities at all levels.
Makhurupetje closed the media briefing by thanking the media for honouring the invitation. “We look forward to working closely with the media in making local government work better for our people,” she concluded.
riana@nmgroup.co.za
