Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Deputy Minister Namane Dickson Masemola has called for stronger support from national and provincial government, together with decisive intervention where failures persist, to restore institutional stability, improve performance and rebuild public confidence.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile during the 8th Social Justice Summit at Stellenbosch University in the Western Cape on Monday, Masemola said financial distress, weak governance, poor planning and capacity constraints continues to undermine service delivery in many municipalities.
“The impact is felt directly by communities through unreliable water and electricity supply, deteriorating infrastructure, delayed housing projects and limited economic opportunities. When local government falters, it is ordinary citizens who bear the greatest burden.
“Communities have a right to expect ethical, accountable and capable local government. Our task is therefore not simply to rescue struggling institutions, but to build municipalities that are sustainable, well-managed and responsive to the needs of the people,” Masemola said.
The recently approved Revised White Paper on Local Government provides a framework for reform, with an emphasis on professional and merit-based administration, financial sustainability, infrastructure management and stronger accountability.
Masemola said the reforms must move from policy to implementation as the country prepares for a new local government term.
“Public office must remain a vehicle for service, while professional administrators must be empowered to perform their duties without undue interference and with full accountability to communities and the law,” Masemola said.
Proposal to accelerate development towards 2030
With four years remaining until the 2030 deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Masemola called for a shift from planning and commitments towards implementation.
“Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals will require coordinated action across government, business, labour and civil society,” he said.
Masemola presented five proposals to the summit, including ensuring that every reviewed district One Plan is supported by a clear project pipeline and aligned budget, with defined responsibilities, funding and completion dates.
He also called for district plans to be assessed through a social justice lens, and prioritise people most in need, particularly women, young people, persons with disabilities and rural communities.
Other proposals include publishing district delivery scorecards to track targets and progress, prioritising infrastructure maintenance same as new projects, and strengthening partnerships between government, business, labour, civil society, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations and communities to drive development and monitor progress.
“If we are serious about advancing social justice, we must move beyond consultation to collaboration, and beyond commitments to implementation. Together, we have the opportunity to ensure that development reaches every community and that no one is left behind,” Masemola said.
Masemola also emphasised the importance of using credible data to get a clear understanding of where needs are greatest, who is being left behind, and what interventions will make the greatest difference.
Shaping local development
The Deputy Minister also highlighted the need to address persistent inequalities rooted in apartheid and ensure that development reaches communities historically excluded from economic opportunities and essential services.
While acknowledging progress since 1994 in expanding access to services and strengthening democratic institutions, Masemola said poverty, unemployment and inequality continue to affect many South Africans.
He noted the official unemployment rate, which stood at 33.6% in mid-2026, with women disproportionately affected.
As the country prepares for the local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026, Masemola challenged newly elected municipal councils to govern effectively, deliver services and restore public trust.
“Government must also listen carefully to the concerns and frustrations of communities and respond meaningfully.”
He also warned against the destruction of public infrastructure, including schools, clinics, libraries, roads and water facilities, as these harm the very communities that rely on them.
“Our collective challenge is to ensure that people have trusted and effective channels through which their voices can be heard, concerns addressed and solutions found before frustration gives way to unrest,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
