The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has announced an extension for submissions on the discussion document concerning the Review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government (WPLG).
The new deadline for submissions is now set for 31 July 2025, an extension from the original deadline of 30 June 2025.
“This decision follows heightened interest from stakeholders across the country and numerous requests for additional time to prepare and submit inputs.
“The ministry recognises the importance of inclusive participation in shaping a responsive and effective system of local governance and thus welcomes the active engagement from all sectors of society,” CoGTA said in a statement.
The department said the extension provides an opportunity for broader consultation and deeper reflection.
“We encourage all interested individuals and organisations to take full advantage of the additional time to submit their views.
“Your contributions are essential to strengthening the future of local government in South Africa.”
In April, Hlabisa officially published a discussion document on the Review of the 1998 White Paper on Local Government.
READ | Hlabisa to lead discussions with business on review of White Paper on Local Government
According to the department, the review aims to inspire fresh thinking, facilitate honest reflection, and promote decisive action toward establishing a local government system that effectively serves the people of South Africa.
Adopted in 1998, the White Paper served as a foundational blueprint for building democratic local governance in South Africa.
However, the department believes there is growing recognition that the current model is no longer adequate to meet the evolving developmental and service delivery needs of communities.
In addition, according to the department, persistent governance, financial, structural, and administrative challenges have undermined the ability of municipalities to deliver effectively on their mandates.
Submissions may be sent via email to: WPLG26@cogta.gov.za; RichardP@cogta.gov.za or MaphutiL@cogta.gov.za.
Submissions may also be delivered by post to:
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Attention: Mr Thabiso Richard Plank (Project Manager: WPLG26 Policy Review), Private Bag X802, Pretoria, 0001
Or delivered by hand to:
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Attention: Mr Thabiso Richard Plank (Project Manager: WPLG26 Policy Review)
87 Hamilton Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0001
For further information, please visit the official COGTA website:
https://www.cogta.gov.za/index.php/wplg-page/. – SAnews.gov.za
