Boksburg:Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has unveiled the revised White Paper on Local Government. This new policy introduces a differentiated funding approach and emphasizes merit-based appointments to enhance municipal performance and service delivery.
According to South African Government News Agency, Hlabisa announced the policy during the official launch in Boksburg, Gauteng. The revised White Paper aims to establish capable, accountable, financially sustainable, and developmental municipalities, addressing longstanding challenges since the original document's introduction in 1998.
The policy review stems from lessons learned over the past 28 years, particularly the shortcomings of a uniform funding model. Hlabisa highlighted the need for a funding approach that acknowledges the different needs and capacities of metropolitan and smaller rural municipalities. The revised paper proposes a differentiated funding strategy, recognizing distinct responsibilities, resource requirements, and service delivery challenges across various municipalities.
Hlabisa stressed the importance of implementation, warning that without practical action, the White Paper's recommendations could fall short. He also emphasized the shift from career-based deployment to merit-based appointments, ensuring that municipalities are managed by qualified professionals. The revised policy aims to enhance governance and accelerate service delivery through capable municipal administrations and competent political leadership.
The review identifies interconnected challenges such as weak governance, limited administrative capacity, financial constraints, infrastructure backlogs, and fragmented coordination across government. It underscores the need for reforms to address these issues, particularly in strengthening public trust and participation.
With local government elections approaching, Hlabisa noted that the timing of the revised White Paper is opportune. The introduction of the policy alongside the election of new councillors offers a chance to implement reforms and improve municipal performance. The revised White Paper serves as a framework to address systemic challenges and ensure municipalities can meet constitutional obligations and community needs.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to officially launch the revised White Paper, with the event gathering key stakeholders from various sectors. Following the launch, a 90-day Local Government Transition Plan will focus on translating the policy into action, identifying priorities, defining responsibilities, and establishing workstreams for implementation. This transition process will align with the new municipal term and support the induction of newly elected councillors.