Minister of COGTA is urging businesses to contribute to strengthening municipalities

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, has urged KwaZulu-Natal business people to participate in efforts to improve the performance of local government.

Hlabisa was speaking during a dialogue with business people and other stakeholders in Durban on Friday. He urged business people and the public to contribute their views as his department reviews the White Paper on Local Government, 1998.

He said sustainability in the delivery of public services and measures to be taken against underperforming municipalities are among the areas he is focusing on in implementing reforms.

“Local government cannot thrive without a well-functioning local economy, and the economy cannot thrive without stability in service delivery, implementation of laws, and accountability of institutions when they fail to deliver.

“New policies must emerge that will make local government work in a non-discriminatory manner and ensure that future generations will live in a sustainable environment,” said Hlabisa.