Pretoria - With municipal elections fast approaching, municipal managers have been urged to gain public trust.
Ekurhuleni City Manager Khaya Ngema says the current generation of municipal managers has a challenge to restore public confidence back into the third sphere of government.
"This sphere of government has been undermined and has lost respect but it is up to us to chart a new way forward and earn the necessary respect from the public," Ngema told the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) National Meeting of Municipal Managers on Monday.
Responsible for service delivery at grass roots, municipal mangers are seen as the direct link between government and the people.
With the fourth local government elections set to happen before the end of May, municipal managers are under pressure to win the hearts of voters.
Recently, angry protesters barricaded some townships across the country with burning tyres and stones in demand of basic services.
The meeting brought together the administrative heads of municipalities to discuss the transitional period ahead of the municipal elections, reflect on progress made by local government and identify challenges that remain to be addressed in the next term of office.
SALGA CEO Xolile George said a good and seamless transition in leadership and management is critical to ensure consistent delivery of services and minimal negative impact on communities.
"We also need to explore which provincial and national government departments are considered most critical in terms of guidance, support and oversight as we confront challenges that need to be addressed in the next five-years."
George further pointed out that human capital management was critical in ensuring that municipalities are professionalised. "We cannot expect good service and delivery if we do not have the right people in place."
The meeting also looked at the municipal financial management and viability in terms of unfunded mandates, revenue management, billing systems, escalating costs charged by bulk service providers and the cost of compliance.
