By Phenyo Selinda
KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the financial model that supports the province’s municipalities. Addressing delegates at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) KZN Sustainable Governance and Accountability Symposium in Durban last week, Buthelezi stressed the urgent need for local government leaders to be more responsive to community needs or risk facing the consequences from the electorate.
Buthelezi’s remarks highlighted the pressing challenges confronting municipalities across KwaZulu-Natal, including the impacts of climate change, financial constraints, and the critical need for improved service delivery. He advocated for a unified approach to governance, one that is deeply rooted in sustainability and accountability, which he believes are crucial for the long-term development and resilience of the province.
The Call for Sustainable Governance
“Our municipalities are the cornerstone of our communities, and their effectiveness in service delivery is vital for the welfare of our citizens. The current challenges necessitate a re-evaluation of our governance methods and the adoption of new strategies,” Buthelezi said. His call to action comes at a time when municipalities are grappling with the dual pressures of delivering essential services while managing limited financial resources.
Buthelezi pointed to the recent veld fires in KwaZulu-Natal, which claimed 15 lives last month, as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities facing municipalities. These tragedies, he argued, underscore the urgent need for municipalities to be better equipped to handle such disasters, and for the financial support structures to be revisited to ensure readiness for future challenges.
Revisiting the Financial Model
The MEC’s emphasis on reassessing the financial model for municipal funding reflects a growing concern that the current system may no longer be adequate to meet the evolving demands of local governance. He underscored the importance of revising these structures to bolster the capacity of municipalities, enabling them to respond more effectively to both immediate and long-term challenges.
Buthelezi also praised the ongoing efforts of various stakeholders in promoting accountability and transparency within municipal governance. He urged mayors and senior officials to continue these efforts, noting that sustainable governance is an ongoing process that requires consistent dedication.
Collaboration and Innovation Key to Success
Buthelezi’s speech at the symposium was a rallying call for collaboration and innovation in governance. “The prosperity of our municipalities relies on our collective capacity to collaborate, innovate, and maintain accountability. Our primary objective is to forge a brighter future for the people of KwaZulu-Natal,” he stated.
The SALGA KZN Sustainable Governance and Accountability Symposium brought together key local government stakeholders to deliberate on ways to enhance governance practices, with a particular focus on sustainability and accountability. The event served as a platform for leaders to share insights and strategies aimed at addressing the complex challenges facing municipalities across the province.
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