Kimberley
Deputy Minister Dr. Namane Dickson Masemola (pictured) presented the Review Discussion Document on the 1998 White Paper on Local Government (WPLG) at a Special MunMEC Consultative Workshop in the Northern Cape, convened by the MEC of COGHSTA, in the Northern Cape, Mr Bentley Vass. The MunMEC was also attended by MEC for Health, Mr Maruping Lekwene.
Welcoming the 29 of the 31 municipalities of the Northern Cape, in attendance, and other stakeholders, like SALGA, the Northern Cape Provincial House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, and other key departments, MEC Vass highlighted the importance of the review process and said ‘’This review process, provides us with an opportunity to introspect, to reflect, and ultimately to reimagine local government that is fit-for-purpose and that addresses the multitude of service delivery challenges confronting our communities’’.
Deputy Minister Masemola highlighted that the assumptions underpinning the 1998 system are outdated due to significant political, demographic, and economic changes. He emphasized the need to assess whether current local government structures and models remain fit for purpose.
He highlighted the inclusive and consultative nature of the review process, being led at both political and administrative levels, with public submissions open until 31 July 2025. The process will then move toward developing a draft policy document, to be refined further through feedback engagements in September 2025 and beyond.
