Pictured - Commissioner Ms. Kwinana, Provincial Manager Mr Adam's, Premier Zamani Saul, Commissioner Boshoff and MEC Vass
Upington
The Premier, Dr. Zamani Saul together with the MEC responsible for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs, Mr. Bentley Vass joined by senior Government officials met with the South African Human Rights Commission represented by Commissioners Ms. Kwinana and Dr. Boshoff, who was the chairperson of the Panel, together with the Provincial Manager, Mr. Adams.
The meeting was convened to brief the Premier on the outcomes of the investigative inquiry into the state of service delivery at local government level in the Northern Cape. The inquiry was conducted by the Commission from the 7-9 October and from the 21-23 October last year. This meeting comes after a provisional report was sent to different stakeholders to make submissions into the report.
During the engagement, the commission presented an analysis of the submissions made by various stakeholders, as well as recommendations from the South African Human Rights Commission. Consensus was reached during the meeting that there is a need to strengthen the capacity of local Municipality to accelerate the pace at which it delivers services to the people of the Northern Cape.
The Provincial Government has adopted the ten-point plan, which will be implemented through the Department of COGHSTA, to ensure optimal functioning of all municipalities. This plan, announced during the State of the Province Address in February 2026, is aimed at strengthening municipal performance and restore confidence in local government. This intervention is practical, time-bound, people-centred, and aimed at fighting the scourge of corruption.
Provincial Government acknowledges the challenges currently faced by local government and assures the People of the Northern Cape that Government has undertaken a process of assisting local government to better respond to these pressures.
As Government, we recognise the impact that these challenges have on service delivery and the well-being of communities. In this regard, Provincial Government commits to strengthening collaboration with the South African Human Rights Commission, to ensure that identified issues are addressed effectively and sustainably. Through coordinated efforts and ongoing engagement, we aim to resolve municipal challenges and safeguard the continued provision of uninterrupted services to all communities.
The report was expected to be released to the public by the SAHRC during the course of the week and will be presented to all municipalities at the MUNMEC meeting of the Department of COGHSTA, chaired by MEC Bentley Vass in Upington.
