CELEBRATING YOUTH MONTH

LEZ Voice_Cover_Final2.indd 1 6/28/19 7:39 PM _ToCheck_fcp.indd 2 2019/06/27 3:57 PM ISSUE 29 CONTENTS

1822 17

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 14 38

UPFRONT CELEBRATING YOUTH 2 EDITORIAL DELIVERY 17 OPINION: CONNECTING TO 34 MUNICIPALITIES UNDER Celebrating SA’s youth THE NEEDS OF THE YOUTH ADMINISTRATION Government needs to create What is the role of provincial 5 CEO’S FOREWORD infrastructure projects to address youth government? Exciting and interesting times ahead unemployment 36 PUBLIC AUDIT AMENDMENT LEADERSHIP CORNER 18 YOUTH EXPRESS UNCERTAINTY Giving the AGSA more teeth 6 4IR COMMISSION ABOUT THE FUTURE SALGA CEO Xolile George is appointed to The biggest challenges and SPECIAL FOCUS the President’s 4IR commission opportunities facing South African youth 38 A SPOTLIGHT ON WATER today Scientifi c services in our municipalites; 10 WILL SA’S NEW CABINET State of the art lab for Cape Town; BE EFFECTIVE? SPECIAL REPORT Conservation; and Researching water South Africans weigh in on SAs new 22 FOURTH INDUSTRIAL security in SA reduced cabinet and what it means for REVOLUTION the future Embracing 4IR technologies for asset 42 MAKING HEADLINES management will enable the realisable Joint eff orts to salvage the Vaal River 12 A NEW CROP OF LEADERS value from assets Showcasing some of SAs newest political REPORTBACK leaders 30 UPGRADING INFORMAL 44 SALGA EVENTS SETTLEMENTS Informal Economy Metro Engagement; 14 NEW COGTA LEADERSHIP The explosion of informal settlements Municipal Audit Support Programme; Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma set to head up in SA has posed daunting challenges to ECD Conference; Big M Programme the Ministry of Cooperative Governance service delivery and governance and Traditional Aff airs MUNICIPALITY SPOTLIGHT 32 ALEAXANDRA RENEWAL 50 KNOW YOUR TOWN: WEST 15 NEW SALGA PRESIDENT PROJECT COST DISTRICT Thembisile Nkadimeng ushered in as the Has the renewal programmes yielded The municipality; attractions; and newly appointed president of SALGA positive results? business

ISSUE 29 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT 1

SALGA28_Contants_28.indd 1 2019/06/28 5:24 PM EDITORIAL DELIVERY

A NEW DAWN FOR

SALGA EDITORIAL TEAM General Manager: Marketing, Communications and Stakeholder Relations: Tebogo Mosala outh transformation, or rather the new technologies requiring businesses to Marketing Manager: Buhle Ngwenya Marketing Officer: Valerie Setshedi lack of youth in high positions adopt new ways of operating and people to Media Relations Officer: Sivuyile Mbambato Yin parliament, has been the reskill. Many industries, including farming Communicatons Assistant: Refilwe Esau topic of discussion among most South and agriculture, manufacturing, banking, PICASSO EDITORIAL AND PRODUCTION TEAM Africans. President and more have felt the impact of 4IR (read Content Manager: Raina Julies has carefully considered and made pages 22–24). Copy Editor: Brenda Bryden Senior Designer: Mfundo Archie Ndzo exceptional choices in assembling As the effects of global warming hit the Advert Designer: Bulelwa Sotashe his cabinet to represent the country, world, quality of life and access to basic Digital Editor: Stacey Visser appointing qualifying youth leaders resources is being compromised. In South Sales Project Manager: Jerome van der Merwe [email protected] in ministry portfolios (read pages Africa, the issue of continual water supply Sales Consultants: Jacqueline Bezuidenhout, 10–11). While we’re on the topic of has been debated for the past three to four Yoliswa Stivin, Frank Simons Production Editor: Shamiela Brenner transformation, Thembi Nkandimeng, years. Many regions of South Africa have Advertising Co-ordinator: Merle Baatjes mayor of Polokwane, is the new experienced taps running dry, forcing the Subscriptions and Distribution: president of the South African Local government to develop different strategies Shumiera Fredericks, [email protected], Tel: +27 21 469 2400 Government Association, replacing Mr to resolve the water shortage and ensure Business Manager: Lodewyk van der Walt . There’s also a new minister at supply to communities (read further on [email protected] the helm of Cooperative Governance and pages 36–39). Meanwhile, the bad state of Senior Bookkeeper: Deidre Musha General Manager, Magazines: Jocelyne Bayer Traditional Affairs (CoGTA). Nkosazana the Vaal River is becoming a large problem

Dlamini-Zuma was appointed to the that could impact on the economic growth Published by Picasso Headline position, taking over from Dr Zweli of the area, which attracts many tourists. a Tiso Blackstar Group business Mkhize (read more on pages 6 and 12). Concerned parties have joined hands to South African industries are being salvage the deteriorating water quality and affected by the fourth industrial preserve supply ( nd out more about this 13th Floor, 2 Long Street, Cape Town 8001 Tel: +27 21 469 2400 Fax: +27 86 6822 926 revolution (4IR), which is introducing initiative on page 40). ▪ www.businessmediamags.co.za

PRINTED BY ABOUT SALGA AUDIT BUREAU OF CIRCULATION The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) is an autonomous association of municipalities, with its mandate derived from the 1996 Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. This mandate defines SALGA as the voice and the officially recognised Follow and like us to keep up to date with SALGA news. representative of local government. SALGA interfaces with Parliament, the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and the Cabinet, as well as provincial legislatures. The association is a unitary body with a membership of 257 municipalities. Its national office is based in the City of Tshwane, with Copyright: Picasso Headline and SALGA. No portion of this offices in all nine provinces. magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible SALGA’s strength lies in the intellectual capital it has acquired through its people over the for unsolicited material. Voice of Local Government is years, and in its values to be responsive, innovative, dynamic and excellent. published quarterly by Picasso Headline. The opinions SALGA’s mission of being consultative, informed, mandated, credible and accountable expressed are not necessarily those of SALGA or Picasso Headline. All advertisements/advertorials and promotions ensures that it remains relevant to its members and provides value, as it continuously strives have been paid for and therefore do not carry any to remain at the cutting edge of quality and sustainable services. endorsement by SALGA or the publisher.

SALGA National Offi ce SALGA Eastern Cape SALGA Free State SALGA SALGA KwaZulu-Natal SALGA Limpopo SALGA Mpumalanga SALGA North West SALGA SALGA Western Cape Menlyn Corporate Park Berea Terrace Offi ce SALGA House 3rd Floor Braampark 4th Floor Clifton Place 127 Marshall Street SALGA House Jade Square, Suite 400 Block Two, Montrio 7th Floor Block B Building 36 McGregor Street Forum 2, Hurst Grove Polokwane 11 Van Rensburg Street Cnr OR Tambo and Corporate Park, 44 Strand Street 175 Corobay Avenue First Floor, Suite 3 East End 33 Hoofd Street Musgrave 0699 Nelspruit Margaretha Prinsloo 10 Oliver Road, Cape Town Cnr Garsfontein and Berea Bloemfontein Braamfontein Durban Tel: 015-291-1400 1200 Streets Monument Heights, 8000 Corobay East London 9300 2017 4001 Fax: 015-291-1414 Tel: 013-752-1200 Klerksdorp Kimberley Tel: 021-446-9800 Waterkloof Glen, Ext 11 5214 Tel: 051-447-1960 Tel: 011-276-1150 Tel: 031-817-0000 Fax: 013-752-5595 2570 8301 Fax: 021-418-2709 Pretoria Tel: 043-727-1150 Fax: 051-430-8250 Fax: 011-276-3636 Fax: 031-817-0034 Tel: 018-462-5290 Tel: 053-836-7900/8 0001 Fax: 043-727-1156/67 Fax: 018-462-4662 Fax: 053-833-3828 Tel: 012-369-8000 Fax: 012-369-8001

2 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISSUE 29

SALGA_Eds Note_1.indd 2 2019/06/28 3:58 PM _ToCheck_fcp.indd 2 2019/06/28 1:39 PM Caseware Africa_fcp.indd 2 2019/04/30 9:01 AM CEO’S FOREWORD

THESE ARE INTERESTING AND EXCITING TIMES SALGA CEO Xolile George discusses the organisation’s important role in national and provincial government and the part it has played in grooming ocials who now serve at these levels he 2019 general election once So if you have had again showed the growing resilience and exciting such an opportunity robustness of our country’s to lead and now serve T25-year-old democracy. There is the reasonable belief that at 25 you are now able on a national portfolio to make informed decisions, consistent with your life experience, and have reached a committee, you know stage where if you were offered three paths, how policy impacts SALGA CEO you would know which one to take. Local Xolile George government is also fairly young — it is nearly the lives of citizens. 20 years since the rst municipal elections reasonable, it may well be impractical for a were held on 5 December 2000 — and much It is an exciting space mayor in the Northern Cape who needs to experience has been garnered by those who for SALGA to become travel 200 kilometres to attend a meeting have gone through local government and are between 6pm and 9pm, when no public deployed by their parties to provincial and the key supplier and transport or municipal vehicles are available national government . trainer of ocials at that time. In Kwazulu-Natal, such SALGA is con dent that its presence will measures could present a very real threat to enrich the policy- and law-making process to the national and the safety and lives of mayors. of government. Of cials who have served So, as we implement these measures at local government level undoubtedly have provincial leadership. we have to take into account the realities. greater experience than those who have We will encourage municpalities to adopt only served at national level. There is real for local government and help illuminate the them, but at the same time, we will make bene t from having come through the ranks path of policy- and law-making and enrich the necessary representations as SALGA to as a mayor leading a municipality. Very few the capacity to govern better. It will bene t say that certain measures are not practical to people appreciate that if, for example, you the entire intergovernmental system. implement for these reasons. are a mayor of Cape Town, you lead its safety, water and sanitation and human settlement COST-CUTTING MEASURES INTERNATIONAL INVOLVEMENT departments, and you lead a full mayoral Regarding the cost-cutting measures SALGA continues to make inroads cabinet. In fact, you are the “local president” announced by the Ministers of Finance internationally and is preparing to host the in that jurisdiction. and CoGTA, we appreciate, welcome and United City and Local Government (UCLG) So if you have had such an opportunity to support any measures to ensure we are all Congress, in partnership with the City of lead and now serve on a national portfolio more prudent in managing each rand of the Ethekwini, in Durban from November 11 committee, you know how policy impacts public purse. to 15. This is the largest, most inuential the lives of citizens. It is an exciting space However, we caution that their gathering of mayors, councillors and local for SALGA to become the key supplier implementation must always take into governments from over 100 countries. and trainer of of cials to the national and account the practicalities. In the quest to In September, SALGA will take a provincial leadership. achieve greater ef ciencies and optimal number of mayors and local government For instance, the former mayor of Cape usage of resources, we must be mindful that managers to the United States for leadership Town is now a cabinet minister, the former they do not burden local government with training in California with the Berkeley mayor of Tshwane is a MEC in Gauteng impracticalities that stie its ability to make Institute for Leadership Development. and a senior leader of SALGA is now a quick decisions on certain matters. This is part of SALGA’s leadership role deputy minister of Cooperative Governance For example, if there are instances of to strengthen the executive leadership of and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA). Those saying “let mayors make use of public municipalities and is an exciting partnership

IMAGE: HENRY ISAACS HENRY IMAGE: appointments can only deepen the respect transport”, while it may sound and we are very proud of. ▪

ISSUE 29 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT 5

SALGA_CEO's foreword.indd 5 2019/06/28 3:58 PM SINK OR SWIM South Africa needs to adapt to the changes the fourth industrial revolution is bringing if it is to survive and prosper, says Jermaine Craig

ike a tsunami, the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) is sweeping the globe and South Africa has been reeling from its devastating impact Las much as any other country. Now, the choice is simple: be swept away by the raging currents and sink, or adapt and try to swim with the tide. The World Economic Forum (WEF) has predicted that ve million jobs will be lost in South Africa by 2050, owing to robotics and automation, and that the 4IR will have a signi cant impact on the future skills South Africa will require. How the country responds to this sobering reality and how it prepares to meet the skills demand through retraining people for future jobs is absolutely critical. In his State of the Nation Address on 7 February 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa has chosen to be a country of the future at a time when the world was SALGA CEO changing at great pace and in a manner Xolile George unprecedented in human history. He said revolutionary advances in technology were reshaping the way people work and live. Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub, former central to driving the commission’s work. “Unless we adapt, unless we understand director of the acclaimed Square Kilometre George concurs with President the nature of the profound change that is Array (SKA) project Dr Bernard Fanaroff, Ramaphosa’s optimism that, even in the reshaping our world and unless we readily and young entrepreneur Nomsa Kana, wake of the job losses sure to emanate from embrace the opportunities it presents, the founder of the Sun n Shield 84 Technologies the 4IR, there are considerable opportunities promise of our nation’s birth will forever start-up, which specialises in bre optic if the country prepares well. remain unful lled,” said the president. cable manufacturing. “If we are proactive, we will be able to The task of the commission, chaired identify and direct those interventions. PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION by President Ramaphosa, is to identify The Presidential Commission is tasked APPOINTED relevant policies, strategies and action with doing just that: to produce a strategy To respond to this global change, President plans that will position South Africa as a aimed at directing the actions of the state, Ramaphosa announced the appointment competitive global player in the wake of the government, private sector and society of a 30-member Presidential Commission 4IR. The deputy chair of the commission to maximise the socioeconomic bene ts on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which is University of Professor presented by the 4IR for the wellbeing and “will assist government in taking advantage Tshilidzi Marwala, whose expertise spans bene t of South Africans,” says George. of the opportunities presented by the digital the theory and application of arti cial “The commission draws experts from a industrial revolution”. intelligence to engineering, computer wide cross-section of society — from SALGA CEO Xolile George is among science, nance, social science and the telecoms sector, nuclear, biomedical, those appointed to this all-important medicine. Communications Minister Stella researchers and renowned ICT players commission, along with the likes of Ndabeni-Abrahams, the co-ordinator of the in this space. There can be no better

Multichoice CEO Calvo Mawela, government’s 4IR programme, will also be composition to advise the president on ISAACS HENRY IMAGE:

6 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISSUE 29

SALGA_CEO_Appointment.indd 6 2019/06/28 3:59 PM 4IR COMMISSION

what I regard as a giant leap forward for the inherent potential to restructure our person realise their dreams, as opposed to the country. economy in line with what’s needed for the us only doing our work better to maximise “South Africa must take a bold, measured 4IR,” he says. revenue,” says George. step to position itself to bene t from He adds that South Africans are seeing “In line with our own slogan of what is unfolding. It must look at the new the impact of arti cial intelligence on a daily ‘inspiring service delivery’, we must inspire opportunities in industrialisation, the new basis, where people are no longer required municipalities to embrace the 4IR in more tools of work and the technologies needed. for industries to sustain themselves, citing proactive way and identify opportunity “There are always bene ts and risks Standard Bank’s recent closure of over 100 sectors that local government can associated with these processes, but the branches, affecting thousands of jobs as the immediately bene t from. positives far outweigh the negatives,” bank moves to a more multi-cloud approach “I am quite excited that we are poised George adds. less reliant on physical branches. as a country to launch ourselves into an unprecedented scale of disruption, which A FUTURE-FIT WORKFORCE THE LINK TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT? if we enter it in a smart way will reform the With constantly evolving technology rapidly “At local government level, there are some economy of South Africa to be far more rendering entire industries obsolete, the traditionally municipal functions. For responsive to the demands of the future and world is currently engaged in identifying and example, municipalities’ billing systems also reskill our workforce to be a productive training the worker of the future, who needs require people to manually read a meter and multiskilled and ensure we create new to be increasingly “future t”. and load your account with the revenue industries that our workforce is ready for,” “If this is co-ordinated in a strategic department. Smart metering is not the George adds in conclusion. ▪ manner, it is likely to better position South future, it’s here; you can now autoread Africa to contribute to economic growth, meters and link it to the billing system, and improve the country’s GDP and restructure pick up anomalies. the economy in such a way to ensure that Municipalities are struggling with billing MEMBERS OF THE industries that were previously not there now systems, so why can’t all municipalities have PRESIDENTIAL become the new industries of the future. It one billing system connecting them all. We COMMISSION ON THE will also facilitate a more rapid transition of will do the cross-checking and veri cation FOURTH INDUSTRIAL current industries into the industries of the and manage it as one system. Will there be REVOLUTION future and also identify the kind of labour technologies for that, can the 4IR can help • Prof Tshilidzi Marwala (Deputy and skills we need,” says George. us around this area? Chair) South Africa is also currently battling with The risk is not only the degree to which • Prof Chris Adendor unskilled labour and unemployment that you can displace workers, it is also about the • Beth Arendse sees 9.9 million people out of work, more ease with which we can service a customer, • Thulani Dlamini than the entire populations of neighbouring so as local government we must embrace the • Abdul Esakjee countries such as Mozambique, Swaziland, 4IR,” says George. • Dr Bernard Fanaro • Michael Gastrow Lesotho or Namibia. SALGA is looking forward to positively • Xolile George “With the advent of the 4IR, part of me is inuencing the work of the presidential • Charmaine Houvet thinking that there is an opportunity to skill commission to ensure that making the life of • Dr Prince Jaca, people that were unskilled, but on a much South Africans easier is at the centre of its • Tervern Jaftha more targeted basis in areas that would work, as well as to ensure that systems • Mohamed Joosub • Marinda Kellerman potentially grow exponentially in the 4IR. of the future are designed to service • Nomso Kana Secondly, we can re-skill those that are residents in an easier, more reliable and more • Baxolile Mabinya already skilled to be better positioned and accurate manner. • Rendani Mamphiswana more adaptable to the economies of the 4IR “As SALGA we stand poised to better • Lindiwe Matlali and the new industries that are emerging. direct services at local government level to • Calvo Mawela There is a great opportunity for us to do those in cities and remote rural areas and to • Busisiwe Mbuyisa • Nomvula Mkhonza that,” he says. manage resources far more optimally than • Vukani Mngxati There is also the country’s large swathes currently. I think our presence on that body • Joseph Ndaba of unemployed youth, who are restless about must be to inuence the strategic design • Andile Ngcaba the future, but who carry dreams interventions to place our citizens rst in • Dr Nompumelelo Obokoh and aspirations. “How do we tap into that the most customer-centric way. To design • Rendani Ramabulana • Leon Rolls positive energy that is lying latent and systems in such a way as to make it easier • Dr Sibongiseni Thotsejane direct it in such a way that it is productively for entrepreneurs at a local level to plug • Gerhard van Deventer channeled to the new skill sets that will themselves into the economic ecosystem • Ben Venter assist us in future. That is the opportunity for of the country and to ensure that local • S’onqoba Vuba.

IMAGE: HENRY ISAACS HENRY IMAGE: us. The risk is sitting idle and not embracing government is the vehicle that makes that

ISSUE 29 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT 7

SALGA_CEO_Appointment.indd 7 2019/06/28 6:36 PM _To Check_DPS.indd 2 2019/06/24 12:33 PM _To Check_DPS.indd 3 2019/06/24 12:34 PM IS THE PRESIDENT’S NEW CABINET GOOD ENOUGH? Ryland Fisher asked several NGOs their opinion on President Ramaphosa’s new, reduced cabinet and what it meant for the future

hile most South Africans welcomed the reduction in the number of cabinet members to serve in PresidentW Cyril Ramaphosa’s sixth administration, there are still doubts about whether the president has gone far enough, not only in who he has appointed, but how he has appointed them. Nongovernment organisations (NGOs) feel that the president should have asked people outside the ANC alliance for their views before making the nal decision. Most NGOs seemed to support the views of SA’s new leadership (from left), President Cyril Ramaphosa, Chief Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba who Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, Deputy President , and welcomed the appointment of a cabinet Speaker of the National Assembly . including women and young leaders, but urged parliament to play its proper role in holding the executive to account. “missed the opportunity to carry through with President Ramaphosa’s selection of “The new administration has kicked off with a much leaner cabinet. He could cabinet members, he believed that there on a hopeful note, and I commend the have drastically reduced the number of were “more interactive ways to get broader president for appointing a cabinet re ecting deputy ministers and implemented a input on the criteria for ministers. the values of inclusiveness and gender more systematic and thought-through Civil society organisations have used parity. Now we citizens must hold politicians amalgamation of ministries”. traditional means, such as open letters, press accountable. The new executive needs to put Equal Education general secretary statements or pickets, to call for the type of ethical leadership and serving the poorest Noncedo Madubedube wonders whether the cabinet they would expect to be leading of the poor at the centre of its efforts,” appointment of so many deputy ministers the country. “Perhaps in future, the Makgoba says. was “not part of long-term succession” in presidency could consider a formalised the ANC. process, where members of the public, TOO FEW OR TOO MUCH? “Most ANC MPs are close to or including civil society organisations, could Neeshan Balton, executive director of the over the retirement age, but carry huge engage about the calibre of individuals we’d Ahmed Kathrada Foundation (AKF), says “it responsibilities. The larger cabinet has been like to see serving the public. is good that some streamlining occurred and lled with ANC members and professionals, That being said, cabinet decisions that several departments are now integrated. who have the capacity to, with time, lead ultimately rest with the president, or head However, our cabinet still remains among these various departments. One hopes that of state, which is the case in democracies the largest compared to other democracies this is part of a deliberate attempt to upskill around the world.” that have far bigger population ratios”. and build capable leadership capacity.” Mtabane says that it appears that the Busi Mtabane, of the Right2Know Balton says that while it appears that the president’s consultation had been carried Campaign, claims that the president ANC and its alliance partners were satis ed out within the ANC and its alliance partners

10 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISSUE 29

SALGA29_New Cabinet.indd 10 2019/06/28 4:02 PM REPORTAGE: NEW CABINET

“and possibly also with corporate capital, but is just as important that there is age, ethnic, which is re ective of South Africa’s vibrant most certainly not with key organisations of religious and racial diversity as well.” multi-party system, will be better able to progressive civil society”. “As a society, we need to see more represent all the people of our country. “If the president was truly interested women participating in key decision-making One hopes this will translate to service in participatory democracy and a cabinet positions, not only in politics, but also in the delivery, progressive policies that encourage that could better re ect the interests of the economic sphere,” Mtabane states. equity and dignity, and a publicly transparent majority, then he would have broken the “We hope that they deliver and are more and accountable government at all levels”. insider and elitist ‘consultation’ mould.” people-centred and responsive to the nation’s “The ANC typically refers to its needs than their male counterparts.” CALLS FOR GREATER consultation practices as a platform that Madubedube comments that “it is ACCOUNTABILITY represents the entire country, but this is important for this so-called ‘New Dawn’ “Our history — not just during apartheid, but simply not true. to strongly factor in the experiences of also in our democratic era — shows that civil It is clear that consultation is simply women and other marginalised groups while society can play an important role in holding inside the ANC and does not allow for embarking on improving the socioeconomic government and the executive to account. the entire country’s needs to be heard,” conditions of our communities. Civil society must keep up the pressure. claims Madubedube. “ Take for example, the call from artists and active citizens, who drew up a petition “What is needed for building a more calling for the Minister of Arts and Culture to be appointed from civil society. Similar inclusive society is for cabinet to be the demands have come from pro-women and primary driving force of an economic feminist organisations with regards to the CODESA, where we deal head-on with Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities. tackling inequality and related problems. These types of campaigns are indicative We need to rethink our economic plans, of a section of the population who feels left out of decisions that affect their wellbeing as policies and strategies.” – Neeshan Balton citizens and professionals. “The South African government needs to stop viewing consultation as a mere However, we must remain sceptical We cannot allow our country to regress to compliance mechanism and start ensuring of whether the women in cabinet will be that period when state-owned entities were that it is a meaningful exercise that allows given the space and the budget to foster consistently looted,” states Balton. “We South Africans from all walks of life an programmes that promote gender equity and need to start thinking about ways in which opportunity to in uence decisions, such as justice. Representation does not equate to ordinary people can hold their leaders to the appointment of cabinet.” participation”. account. This may involve reviewing electoral Balton is sceptical about whether the new systems and mechanisms of accountability. HOPE FOR AN INCLUSIVE SOCIETY cabinet will be able to help Ramaphosa build We hope that the performance agreements Balton says that it is commendable that an inclusive economy, as he has often said he the ministers sign with the president will be Ramaphosa has appointed an equal number wanted to do. “What is needed for building made public so that the electorate itself can of women and men as ministers. “It is a start a more inclusive society is for cabinet to be hold ministers accountable.” towards building a more gender the primary driving force of an economic “The best way to hold ministers to equal society. CODESA, where we deal head-on with account,” says Mtabane, “is by joining hands However, I’m not sure how it will tackling inequality and related problems. and uniting in campaigning for ethical materially impact the condition of women We need to rethink our economic plans, leadership, accountability and a corruption- on the ground. We have yet to see if, across policies and strategies.” free nation.” society, similar action will follow. Mtabane says it would take more than the Madubedube says the government had to “Even if we had a cabinet that was president and cabinet to build an inclusive become “more deliberate in creating spaces comprised 100 per cent of women, economy. “An inclusive economy needs for meaningful public engagement with would these representatives all have the to meaningfully address the needs of the citizens and place a greater emphasis on the consciousness and political will to champion majority of poor and workers. Macro (social responsibility of MPs and MPLs to adhere to women’s issues — such as effectively and economic) policy drives and informs ‘public participation’ as per their oath.” challenging gender-based violence — and this work and this is where there needs to be She says Ramaphosa should make public ensuring that such matters remain a priority fundamental change.” the performance contracts of all ministers, so on the national agenda? While we speak According to Madubedube, “we can only that “civil society and communities can hold about women’s representation in cabinet, it be hopeful that the incoming government, them to account”. ▪

ISSUE 29 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT 11

SALGA29_New Cabinet.indd 11 2019/06/28 4:02 PM THE CREAM OF THE CROP TAKE THEIR SEATS Now that the national elections are over, the focus is on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s “New Dawn” and those who will lead it, writes Lwando Njamela

he recently concluded national STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS elections have heralded a new dawn Pre-2019 for many, none more so than the Thembisile Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams (41) was born in Sakhela, a village near political leaders who started their Mthatha, in 1978. She is the rst-born of six children in her family and her Tjourneys as young leaders and who are now parents were pastors. She completed her secondary school education at the right in the middle of leading the nation. The Holy Cross Senior Secondary School in Mthatha. Ndabeni-Abrahams holds Voice of Local Government takes a look at some an Advanced Certi cate in Project Management, Rhodes University; of the newly elected members of parliament. a Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation Diploma in Telecommunications and Management Systems; a Certi cate in Telecommunications and Policy and Regulation Management, Wits Pre-2019 University; and a Project Management Diploma from Crane elds College. The son of a farmworker, Ronald In 2019: Minister of Communications, Telecommunications and Ozzy Lamola (35) Postal Services grew up on a farm Ndabeni-Abrahams is dubbed as “simply the best in in Mpumalanga. He communications”, as for years she has been deputising for the joined the ANC Youth likes of , Thandi Mahambehlala and Hlengiwe League (ANCYL) in Mkhize. She was recently sworn in as the Minister of Ronald Ozzy 1996 at the young age Communications, Telecommunications and Postal Services. Lamola of 14 and rose up the With the world moving into the fourth industrial revolution, ranks becoming deputy she is a key asset to this portfolio. Ndabeni-Abrahams not president to then ANCYL president Julius Sello only has experience and capability, but also a string of Malema. At the University of Venda, Lamola quali cations, which make her a master of communications. was elected SRC president and later became Thembisile Stella IMAGES: SUPPLIED IMAGES: provincial chairperson of the South African Ndabeni-Abrahams Students Congress in Limpopo. He served as the Young Communist League’s secretary for the Gert Sibande region between 2008 and 2009 before joining the youth league’s provincial executive committee. Pre-2019 Khumbudzo Phophi Silence Ntshavheni (42), was In 2019: Minister of Justice and born in 1977 in Sibasa, Vhembe district municipality. Correctional Services She completed high school at one of South Africa’s Lamola was recently sworn in as Minister of top 100 schools Mbilwi Secondary, putting her on Justice and Correctional Services. A lawyer by the path to greatness. trade, his deployment made sense to everyone. She is one of the great examples of how hard work The once troublesome Lamola in the Youth yields great success. Her humble beginnings are in League structure is by far the youngest minister Limpopo, where she has a background in farming and in the cabinet. In 2018, Lamola received his has run a number of small businesses. Khumbudzo second master’s degree in extractive law in Phophi Silence Ntshavheni (42), born in 1977 in Africa from the University of Pretoria. His Sibasa, Vhembe district municipality. She always was research focused on corporate social investment destined for greatness as she completed her high school in by the mining and energy sector. It suggests the top 100 schools in South Africa, Mbilwi Secondary. that the Department of Minerals and Energy In her blossoming career, Ntshavheni served as the municipal enforcement unit is inadequately resourced to manager of Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality in Limpopo, a position ensure compliance with the social labour plans that she held from April 2008 until November 2010. Her Khumbudzo of companies in the sector. Ntshavheni

12 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISSUE 29

SALGA29_Young leaders.indd 12 2019/06/28 5:25 PM NEW LEADERSHIP

Dr Zamani Saul SOME OF THE APPOINTED DEPUTIES

the Young Communist League (2003), part Dr Zamani Saul, the Northern Cape , is doing some things di erently in the of the South African Communist Party. He Northern Cape. The no-nonsense Saul set has been an ANC Member of Parliament a precedent when he elected to purchase since 2009. 63 ambulances instead of luxurious cars for his department in a move that has Njabulo endeared him to the community. Nzuza is one of the surprise THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DR ZAMANI SAUL appointments. He has been given the role • He became the ANC provincial of Deputy Minister of Home Affairs to an chairperson in the Northern Cape astute Dr . The former in 2017. ANC YLC spokesperson has been referred Zizi • He completed his Grade 12 at Umso to as “an emerging leader” by the president. Kodwa High School, Colesburg. • His most recent academic achievement is a Doctorate in ZiZi Kodwa, who hails from KwaLanga Laws (LLD), Constitutional Law and Township in the Cape Flats, is currently Jurisprudence, completed in 2016 at serving as the Deputy Minister of State the University of the Western Cape. Security. He previously served as the • He is currently studying towards spokesperson for the African National a Doctorate of Philosophy in Congress from 2014 until 2017. Multidisciplinary Studies through the Buti He participated in Student Representative University of South Africa. Manamela • He served as municipal manager Councils and in more militant organisations in the Pixley ka Seme District Buti Kgwaridi Manamela was sworn in such as the Congress of South African Municipality from December 2000 to as the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Students, which was banned and later September 2008. Science and Technology. He previously reincarnated as the Township Student • He also served as ANC deputy provincial secretary from March 2004 served as the Deputy Minister for Planning Congress. At university, Kodwa became to September 2008. and Monitoring in the Presidency since 26 a member of the South African Students • From September 2008 to June 2012, May 2014. He held the position of SASCO Congress and also served as an SRC he served as ANC Northern Cape deputy president (2001) while reading for president. As a member of the ANC Youth provincial secretary. his National Certi cate, N5 (1998–2001) in League, Kodwa worked in various capacities From September 2008 to June 2012, he Electronic Engineering. He also read for an in the league’s Western Cape branch and served as ANC Northern Cape provincial honours programme in Public Administration was later elected to the organisation’s

IMAGES: SUPPLIED IMAGES: secretary. (2008). Manamela was national secretary of national executive committee.

NEW ADDITIONS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2019 previous professional responsibilities Sipho Hlomuka is the Kwazulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional include tourism manager: Trade A airs (CoGTA) MEC. and Investment Limpopo and In his new portfolio, he sent CoGTA managers in the KZN region packing. chief information of cer for the Hlomuka has met with the senior management in Pietermaritzburg where he outlined his vision for the department and what he expects from the various Department of Local Government and managers. In his address, the MEC emphasised the importance of accountability Housing (Limpopo), spokesperson for and transparency. the and lecturer at the University of South Africa. THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SIPHO HLUMEKO In 2019: Minister of Small Business He is focused on: • Quality service delivery Enterprises • Stability in municipalities Ntshavheni was sworn into parliament • Timeous interventions as the Minister of Small Business • Strengthening disaster management Development on 21 May 2019, taking • Sustainable drought intervention programmes over the ropes from , • Strengthening relations with traditional leaders Hlomuka is 38 years old, grew up near Ladysmith who has been the subject of much and holds a post-graduate degree in public criticism for failing to assist small administration. He is an only child, but has two of his businesses. own. Hlomuka is deputy provincial secretary of the ANC. Sipho Hlomuka

ISSUE 29 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT 13

SALGA29_Young leaders.indd 13 2019/06/28 5:25 PM REPORTAGE: COGTA

NEW COGTA LEADERSHIP Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma set to head up the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional A airs. Ryland Fisher reports

resident Cyril Ramaphosa’s CoGTA has been a dif cult portfolio for appointment of Nkosazana the ANC government. It has baf ed some Dlamini-Zuma, arguably his most of the most senior and competent ministers senior and experienced Minister in government. P(especially now that has left Ramaphosa’s brief to Dlamini-Zuma government), to head up the Ministry of would have been simple: sort this Cooperative Governance and Traditional department out sooner rather than later, at Minister Nkosazana Affairs (CoGTA) is a carefully considered least before the local government elections. Dlamini-Zuma and well-planned move. He has strengthened her hand by making Dlamini-Zuma has a reputation for being Parks Tau one of her deputies. Tau was one someone who gets a job done. She has done of the most effective mayors of Johannesburg reasonably well in all portfolios where she and has vast experience of working in local has served in government, including health, government, nationally and internationally. home affairs and foreign affairs. The second half of CoGTA’s The ANC realises that it needs the The only areas where she appeared to responsibilities is equally important in a support of traditional leaders if it wants struggle was as chair of the African Union country where traditional leaders still hold to hold on to the rural vote. Commission and, more recently, as Minister sway, especially in rural areas. provides the deputy support in this regard. ▪ in the Presidency responsible for Monitoring, Planning and Evaluation. Maybe the tasks, in both cases, were not as clear as in her previous responsibilities. Dlamini-Zuma is exceedingly loyal to A TRIAD OF WOMEN MINISTERS the ANC. She has served under all South Anthea Houston, president of the National Association of Social Housing Organisations (NASHO) and CEO of Communicare, a provider of social housing Africa’s democratic-era former presidents and rentals, feels it is important that there is now a triad of women ministers who willingly served in Ramaphosa’s government are responsible for housing delivery, one of the key areas where municipalities despite their tight battle for the presidency of have struggled. the ANC. Houston said that newly appointed Human Settlements, Water and Part of CoGTA’s mandate is to work with Sanitation Minister ’s “energy and depth of understanding of the complex housing issues is essential to tackle the country’s housing crisis”. the 278 municipalities in South Africa, many She said that the role of the new Public Works Minister, , would of which are dysfunctional and could lose also be important in housing delivery. the ANC support in the 2021 municipal “She has a keen grasp of housing issues and is aware that the speedy release elections if the situation does not improve. of state-owned land across the country is a bottleneck in housing delivery Last year, of the 257 municipalities audited requiring her urgent attention. The social housing sector will be watching by the Auditor-General, 45 had regressed and with keen interest to see if De Lille uses her new platform to fast track housing delivery.” only 16 improved. Houston said it was “encouraging to see that the Ministry of Cooperative Municipalities deal with service delivery Governance and Traditional A‹ airs has been retained in the smaller cabinet”. at the coalface and have been bedevilled by The Ministry has a vital role to play in fast tracking housing delivery and protests over the years. Already the ANC has facilitating the co-operation needed between the various departments involved lost four of the eight metros in Cape Town in the approval process before developments can proceed. The portfolio, under the leadership of Minister Dlamini-Zuma, a veteran (controlled by the DA), Pretoria (DA and politician with a clean track record, completes a triad of women in powerful EFF alliance), Johannesburg (DA and EFF) positions who will have to work in close co-operation to deliver decent housing and Nelson Mandela Bay (alliance of smaller for all South Africans. parties excluding the DA).

14 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISSUE 29

SALGA29_CoGTA.indd 14 2019/06/28 5:29 PM NEW LEADERSHIP

SALGA APPOINTS NEW PRESIDENT Cllr Thembisile Nkadimeng ushered in as the newly appointed president of the South African Local Government Association.

ollowing the 2019 Provincial and as the rst woman Executive Mayor National elections, the South under the democratic dispensation. African Local Government She holds similar records at SALGA, Association (SALGA) President having been elected the rst female FParks Tau was appointed as a SALGA Limpopo Chairperson Deputy Minister for Cooperative and now only the second female Governance resulting in a vacancy to lead SALGA nationally, of the SALGA President. following in the footsteps of Duly authorised by the former Minister of Human SALGA Constitution, the Settlement, Hon Nomaindia SALGA National Executive Mfeketo, who was the rst Committee (NEC) exercised its female SALGA leader. constitutional prerogative to ll The appointment of the vacancy, having considered Cllr Nkadimeng, as a a number of factors including representative from a local continuity, gender and generational municipality, also the rst Thembi mix, provincial representation and Nkadimeng SALGA President that does categories of municipalities represented not come from a metropolitan in the SALGA NEC. municipality, will immensely In lling the vacancy of SALGA contribute to advancing the vision of President, the SALGA NEC gave due the Integrated Urban Development consideration to the current Deputy Framework (IDUF). The IUDF aims to Presidents and unanimously appointed create “liveable, safe, resource-ef cient Cllr Thembisile Nkadimeng as its new The appointment of cities and towns that are socially President. Cllr Nkadimeng, who hails Cllr Nkadimeng, as a integrated, economically inclusive and from the Limpopo province previously representative from a globally competitive, where residents held the position of SALGA Limpopo actively participate in urban life”. Provincial Chairperson. local municipality, also The SALGA NEC wishes to A product of the University of the the first SALGA President congratulate and extend well wishes North, Cllr Nkadimeng holds a Higher that does not come fro a to President Nkadimeng in her new Education Diploma, a Bachelor of Arts responsibilities. The NEC further (Honours) degree as well as a BPhil metropolitan municipality, wishes to congratulate Deputy Minister (Political Studies), which she obtained will immensely contribute Parks Tau, who as a result of his from the University of Stellenbosch. In to advancing the vision dedication and commitment towards preparation for her numerous leadership inuencing the international agenda, has roles, she also completed the Advanced of the Integrated Urban placed local government on the global Program in Management at Wits Development Framework map. SALGA NEC sincerely hopes that Business School. (IDUF). his new responsibilities will allow him Cllr Nkadimeng joined the City of to continue with his contribution to Polokwane as Executive Mayor in July transforming local government not only 2014, where she is currently serving locally but globally. ▪

ISSUE 29 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT 15

SALGA29_Thembi Nkadimeng_1.indd 15 2019/06/28 5:32 PM ADVERTORIAL

MASTER’S DEGREE FOCUSING ON STRATEGIC AND PUBLIC LEADERSHIP

The University of Cape Town’s Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance (previously the Graduate School of Development Policy and Practice) o ers a part-time professional master’s degree with a focus on strategic and public leadership in Africa.

he professional master’s degree combination of research and practical course is a unique opportunity for experience at senior levels of policy mid-career African professionals, making to the classroom. Participants as it is offered in two fortnight- are also encouraged to undertake Tlong tuition blocks annually over two years. applied research in public policy design This means that the applicants do not and implementation. have to reside in Cape Town. Overall, the degree will strengthen The Mandela School strongly students’ capacity to analyse policy encourages applications from across the outcomes, increase leadership skills and continent and commits to ensuring equal undertake rigorous research. representation between South African and Entrance requirements: an honour’s For more information see: broader continental participation. degree and ve years’ professional www.mandelaschool.uct.ac.za or The coursework component addresses the experience, with an orientation towards contact the project co-ordinator challenge of designing and implementing public service. Preference will be given Zikhona Sikota on zikhona.sikota@uct. ac.za. Apply online via www.uct.ac.za new programmes, with the globally- to senior public of cials, civil society recognised faculty bringing a rich and nonpro t sector leaders. ▪

14 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISSUE 29

UCT.indd 14 2019/06/27 10:14 AM OPINION: YOUTH

Government needs to create infrastructure projects to address youth unemployment in South Africa, writes Ryland Fisher

herever one drives in most South African townships, whether it is in areas previously meant for Wcoloureds or Africans, one is greeted by the same sight: hundreds of able-bodied young men standing idly on street corners. In most CONNECTING TO poor townships, one can see young women carrying small babies, presumably their own. In many ways, this is the biggest challenge facing our government, at national, provincial THE NEEDS OF or local level: how does one create enough jobs so that millions of hopeless young people will at least be able to have a realistic THE YOUTH expectation that they would be able to put their labour — and sometimes their brains — Lack of education or skills does not seem when they remembered, they would talk to good use to earn money so that they can to be the problem. The problem is simply about the economy. help to feed their families? that the government and the economy are But the talk about the economy would not creating enough jobs to absorb new always be vague — “We must grow the UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES entrants into the job market. economy”, but without saying how. ON THE RISE There are too many stories about graduates The ANC government proudly points out In 25 years of democracy, unemployment who are struggling to nd work. What then that there are now more than 17 million is probably the government’s single biggest happens to the young person who might not social grant recipients in South Africa, more failure. It has not been able to reduce have had the nances or the required matric than the number of people who have jobs. unemployment gures. In fact, the gures results to further his/her studies? While the ANC should be lauded for have been consistently increasing, as can We can huff and puff as much as we looking after the most vulnerable in society, be seen by the most recent jobless gures like about a supposed “New Dawn”, social grants do not make enough of an released by Statistics South Africa, which which is how President Cyril Ramaphosa’s impact on the economy. The creation of showed that unemployment has increased presidency has been described by his many jobs does. Jobs give people dignity. It makes to 27.6 compared to 27.1 in the last quarter. supporters, but this will mean nothing to people feel worthwhile. Social grants could The number of unemployed people in South young people who do not see tangible proof be seen as just another government handout Africa is of cially more than 6.2 million. Just of this “New Dawn”. for poor communities. over 16 million people are employed in South This could in part explain why so many In 2010, the government spent its way Africa, according to Statistics South Africa. young people did not bother to vote in the out of a possible recession by investing in More worrying is the gure for youth last elections. huge infrastructure projects, mainly related unemployment. It now stands at 55.2 per The sad thing is that none of the political to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. We might not cent, up from 54.7 in the last quarter. Close parties campaigned for the creation of have a World Cup coming up any time soon, to 40 per cent of the unemployed have given jobs, especially for young people. They but we do need government to create huge up trying to nd work. campaigned around land and racism, and, infrastructure projects that could employ thousands if not millions of people. Lack of education or skills does not seem If it is spread out to municipalities throughout the country, it could provide to be the problem. The problem is simply the incentive for young people to feel that the government and the economy are positive about the future once again. They would also be able to engage with our not creating enough jobs to absorb new democracy with dignity and might decide entrants into the job market. to vote next time. ▪

ISSUE 29 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT 17

SALGA29_Opinion-ed Youth.indd 17 2019/06/28 5:38 PM YOUTH EXPRESS UNCERTAINTY ABOUT The biggest challenges and opportunities facing South African youth today SA’S FUTURE to change the landscape of SA are education NO ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL SOLUTION and entrepreneurship, However, it is widely believed that more than a singular volunteering, and technology approach is needed. Some strongly feel that either and innovation, writes education and entrepreneurship, and volunteering are just as effective, or in some cases not. Business and Masibulele Lunika Gustavo political analyst Gustavo Gulleguillos says it is up to local Gulleguillos government to learn the unique needs of communities because all are different and there is no silver bullet method. “Local government is the sphere of government closest to the people. Many basic services are delivered by local municipalities, and local ward councillors are the politicians closest to communities. The biggest asset of a local government is its people Ralph and its local talent. It is important that youth organisations come to Mathekga understand how local government works and how to in uence it,” says Gulleguillos. According to him, the youth need  rst, to be motivated, to discover, and to be allowed room to create within their own communities, which they understand well. “Technology, previously dif cult to get hold of, is gradually becoming easily available and thus boosting creativity and innovation even further.” olitical analysts say much needs to be done at local government NOT ENOUGH YOUTH PARTICIPATION level to address the challenges and Galleguillos also believes that the youth are not given enough room to opportunities, although there’s no participate in the local government decision-making process. “The challenge to Pone-size- ts-all solution. the current young generation is how to combine all their efforts and invigorate Ralph Mathekga, a leading South African sustainable development in our communities and in our country. political analyst says that the youth generally “Our youth have very limited participation in national politics, or decision- relate well to technology and appreciate making or country policy, however at local government level there are a innovative ideas through which problems are number of pressing issues right there, daily, in front of the eyes of our youth,” explains Galleguillos. solved. “Therefore, the youth should inspire This is perhaps where volunteering becomes more effective, he says. innovative information by adapting their use “Volunteering starts early at home and naturally expands into involvement in of technology to address some of service the community. Basic education should enhance those values of commitment delivery challenges experienced at local to your community and the motivation to grow and improve your immediate government level.” environment, your village, your township or your city.” SUPPLIED IMAGES: Mathekga says when it comes to the From a business perspective, this is also how the right entrepreneurship gathering and sharing of information, the youth values are born, and the understanding of technology and innovation helps a can use their experience with technology, lot in that endeavour, today. “Entrepreneurship is born from an intense desire particularly social media and other networking to solve a problem, to create something new (innovate) or to  nd a solution to platforms, to share more information a community need. about local government and also bridge the “History shows that the most successful businesses started from a deep information gap. “Peer education among the involvement and from an understanding of how the youth can venture into youth about their rights and responsibilities creating monetary value by providing a practical and useful product or service should enhance the conditions of young people to their community. This is something the youth know well.” across the local government sphere.”

18 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISSUE 29

SALGA29_YOUTH reportage _1.indd 18 2019/06/28 5:40 PM SALGA29_YOUTH reportage _1.indd 19

IMAGES: SUPPLIED decision-making or country policy, however at local government “Our youth have very limited participation innational politics, or us youngpeopleoff. sort ofencouragementreallyputalot sorts. Volunteering andnotgettingany need encouragementandastipendof but alsowhileyougetexperience, people. “Ithinkexperienceisimportant, a wasteoftimeformanytoday’s young without encouragementandmentoringis at aplaceandcomeoutwithnothing.” subjective becauseyoucanvolunteer don’t, theydrown.It’s somewhat they havetoswim,andif someone inthedeepend, and skills,ifyouthrow much asyougetexperience existing problems.“As addition toheralready For her, ithasbeenan campus radiostation. Voice ofWits , the volunteering atthe University, hasbeen lm studentatWits waste oftimeandmoney. work, whileothersaremerelya a fewarequiteconvincedthatsomecan dif cult formanyyoungpeople,although These threechallengesproverather YOUTH PERCEPTIONS level thereareanumber of pressingissues right there,daily, in Sibiya says the idea of doing something Sibiya saystheideaofdoingsomething Zenande Sibiya,a front of the eyes of our youth.” —Gustavo Galleguillos. Anthony Teixeira Zenande Sibiya we can’t evengetthebasicsdown”. grassroots levelwon’t solvemuch“when of havinginnovationandtechnologyata an entrepreneur,” hesays. And, theidea Teixeira. “Not everyoneismeanttobe single-handedly isproblematic,claims so I nd thatproblematic.” eventually becomeyourworkingidentity, when you’revolunteeringiswhatwill into theworkspace.Whatyou’relearning work ethic,whichtheyaregoingtobring okay toslip-up.Thisthencreatesabad start tocreateanenvironmentwhereit’s something thatIcan’t attain,andthat’s are beingwasted—spendingtimeon the moneyisnotthere,myresources Approaching all three challenges Approaching allthreechallenges “We wanttospendmoney, butif how mostofusfeel.” they become lacklustre, so they they becomelacklustre,so value from volunteering, value fromvolunteering, Anthony Teixeira, volunteer drive show volunteer driveshow aren’t getting monetary aren’t gettingmonetary host atVoice ofWits, that, because people that, becausepeople says: “The problem says: “Theproblem people volunteer, is lot in places where lot inplaceswhere and youseethisa with volunteering, more seriously.” ▪ in amuchbettersituationandbetaken mentioned [technology]andwewouldbe I thinkwewouldhavewhatjust ourselves outasacountry, successful insorting But shouldwebe with otherissues. sort outalong still tryingto government is I thinkthe of years,which in thepastcouple experienced hiccups quite abitand currently thereisnoneatthislevel, placed intechnology, ashebelievesthat thinks moreinvestmentneedstobe of mediajournalismstudiesatWits, likely todeclineatsomepoint.” not goodbecausetheeconomyisalso entrepreneurial businessside,andthat’s too brightformewhenitcomestothe businesses becomesaproblem. but tochangethoseintolucrative ideas withtheirownbusinessmodels, people whohaveverygoodbusiness have peoplewhoareourage,young is donetogroomentrepreneurs.“You dif cult duetothefactthatnotenough country’s futureasonethatwillbevery host atVoice ofWits , saidheviewsthe Siyabonga “We havedeveloped Kutlwano Serame,technicalproducer “If Ilookatthefuture,itdoesn’t look Motha VOICE OFISSUE 29 LOCAL GOVERNMENT REPORTAGE: YOUTHMONTH producer andpoliticaltalkshow Siyabonga Motha,content current administration. in thehandsof country liesstrongly WHAT THE the futureof FUTURE LOOKS Teixeira believethat Both Sibiyaand LIKE Kutlwano Serame 2019/06/28 5:40 PM 19 _To Check_DPS.indd 2 2019/06/24 9:07 AM _To Check_DPS.indd 3 2019/06/24 9:07 AM 4IR AND ITS IMPACT ON ASSET MANAGEMENT AND SERVICE DELIVERY Embracing fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technologies for asset management will enable the realisable value from assets, helping to create sustained value and better service delivery, writes Rodney Weideman

he fourth industrial revolution According to delegate Stephen Hove, an ordinates the nancial, operational, (4IR) will transform the global international asset management expert and maintenance, risk and other asset-related economy by enabling organisations owner and principal consultant of specialist activities of a business, involving the to rapidly automate and digitise public asset investment and management balancing of costs, opportunities and risks Ttraditional business processes to create more consultancy rm InfrAfrica, the event was against the desired performance of assets, to intelligent products and services. all about developing a better understanding achieve speci c enterprise objectives.” Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are of the relationship between the 4IR and Hove points out that an asset at the heart of this transition as it is the IoT asset management.“Like-minded local management system is, therefore, not that enables the connected solutions that government asset management stewards a software system so much as it is a ultimately make the 4IR possible. came together with the goal of learning, management system for asset management. SALGA recently held a panel discussion sharing and connecting on how best to adopt Information technology and software on the subject as part of its second Annual and adapt to the 4IR.These discussions systems are simply enablers of asset Local Government Asset Management reiterated that asset management is an management. “The asset management Indaba held in KwaZulu-Natal. organisation’s co-ordinated activity aimed system is data-driven and seeks to balance The main objective was to focus on the at realising value from assets and creating level of service, cost of service and risk. impact that the 4IR will have on asset sustained value through better management The dif culty of striking such a balance management and the opportunities this, of these assets,” he explains. is the reason for the need to adopt new in turn, presents to local government. “Ultimately, asset management co- technologies as expounded by the 4IR.” IMAGES: SUPPLIED IMAGES:

22 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISSUE 29

SALGA29_RIR.indd 22 2019/06/28 4:38 PM SALGA29_RIR.indd 23

IMAGES: SUPPLIED blockchain in governance. Furthermore, blockchain ingovernance.Furthermore, the useofarti cial intelligence (AI)and range oftechnologicaldomains,including of internalgovernmentcapabilitiesacrossa government toprovideservicedelivery. harnessed tostrengthenthecapacityof the panelthat4IRtechnologiescouldbe Business SchoolandMDof Alfresco told challenges mentioned. and sustainablesolutiontoallofthe systems orfunctionsasitprovidesaholistic for theintegrationofmultipleorganisational of serviceandmorerisk-taking. training forstaff,andthepushlowercost components, theneedforspecialised data gaps,complicatedassetdesignsand is furthercompoundedbythehistoric overwhelmed bydata,somethingthat and knowledgeloss. change adaptation,regulatorycompliance responses, nancial constraints,climate ageing assets,securityandemergency include customer/citizendemand,growth, government assetstewardsandowners Some ofthemajorchallengesforlocal HARNESSING THE4IR (SDGs).” –ChrisAdendor in theSustainable Development Goals Development Plan(NDP), andasexpressed goals, asarticulated intheNational must bealigned with its developmental “To steerthe4IRcorrectly, SA’s policies “This would naturally require the building “This wouldnaturallyrequirethebuilding Professor Chris Adendorff oftheNMMU Asset managementisagreatcandidate Asset stewardsandownersare The DeputyChairpersonofSALGA KZN,CllrPhumlileZulu. related todataprivacy, responsibilityfor number ofethicalquestions,mostlythose need tobetransformativeandinclusive.” process andtheoutcomesofstrategy between departmentalpoliciesasboththe (SDGs). Theremustalsobealignment in theSustainableDevelopmentGoals Development Plan(NDP),andasexpressed goals, asarticulatedintheNational must bealignedwithitsdevelopmental service delivery,” hesays. education toensureproperandsustainable protection, economicdevelopment,and security, sanitation,housing,environmental to deliverservicesasdiversehealth, 4IR technologieswouldneedtobeused system drivers, namely, strategy, people, process, systemsanddata. “Smart Cities”. The 4IR,therefore, hasanimpact on thekey assetmanagement This concept is now beingextendedtopublic infrastructure intheform of cognitive computing (artificial intelligence) • virtual and augmented reality • cloud computing • theInternet of Things • cyber-physical systems • manufacturing technologies andincludes: 4IR isanamegiven tothecurrent trendof automation anddata exchange in WHAT IS THE4IR? Adendorff suggests that the 4IR raises a Adendorff suggeststhatthe4IRraisesa “To steerthe 4IR correctly, SA’s policies REPORTAGE: FOURTH INDUSTRIALREVOLUTION the 4IR. the societalanddevelopmentalimpactsof autonomous transportandvehicles legal frameworks.” the strengtheningofstandards,norms,and education system;theorgansofstate;and include SA’s systemsofinnovation; developmental aims.Keyareasofcapability effectively harnessthe4IRtowardsour need to rst buildnationalcapabilitiesto policy landscape. should befocalareasinthecontemporary genetic medicine,roboticsand3Dprinting, disruption, suchas AI, theindustrialIoT, “Technologies currentlycausingwidespread technological change,” Adendorff says. social dynamics. context ofrapidlychangingtechnologiesand that needtofunctioneffectivelyinthe as acharacteristicofpolicymechanisms policy objectiveinavarietyofdomainsand responsiveness andadaptability, bothasa concept. We, therefore, needtofocuson change isacentralpropositionofthe4IR government spheres. might bestbeframedinSouth African local Finally, tobuild4IRcapabilities,wewill “We simplyhave toalsoleverage “Rapid andacceleratingtechnological Adendorff VOICE OFISSUE 29 LOCAL GOVERNMENT Chris language of the 4IR and how it language ofthe4IRandhowit Each of these issues requires Each oftheseissuesrequires ongoing engagement among ongoing engagementamong ongoing dialogue over the ongoing dialogueoverthe stakeholders, he adds, not stakeholders, headds,not be preceded by and include be precededbyandinclude policy framework should policy frameworkshould to mentionaresearch response, toinform an ethicalmanner. development processin the localpolicy

National and local National andlocal 2019/06/28 4:38 PM 23 REPORTAGE: FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

The Mayor of eThekwini Municipality, Zandile Gumede.

“It has been observed that there are a lot of LOW-HANGING FRUIT industry disruptions going on, so as asset Hove adds that local governments certainly need to take advantage of 4IR opportunities. management stewards and owners, we need He suggests that elected of cials and to ask ourselves: are we embracing change administrators need to critically evaluate their organisations using a number of or reacting to change?” – Stephen Hove critical questions: • How can we better understand digital disruption and adjust strategies for the acceptable level of risk to the organisation, assets, however, the 4IR is a means to an future? with the ultimate goal of delivering optimal end and not an end in itself. Therefore, local • How can we better design and digitise services through infrastructure assets. government asset management stewards new assets and existing assets? Public sector entities can leverage the 4IR should focus on asset management and not • How can we innovate using digital to become more triple bottom line service- managing assets. technologies to better balance cost of focused, through service to the economy, “True asset management is not about service, level of service and risk? the customer and the environment.“The the asset — instead, it is all about service • How can we prepare our workforce for 4IR can help in sustaining infrastructure delivery,” he concludes. ▪ the advances in AI, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) and robotics? “Once the above evaluation has been Embracing 4IR conducted, local governments can Local government could embrace 4IR by ensuring that asset management commence the adoption of 4IR concepts, systems are 4IR-ready by: beginning with the low-hanging fruits, such • Digitising the asset through 4IR-ready designs, smart materials, machine as expanding on their existing technology learning and retrofi tting existing assets. • Developing processes that ensure the right activities at the right time and systems and available data. reason such as fully-automated workfl ows, mobility/work simulation, However, the low-hanging fruits should be machine self-diagnostics and health tracking and automated operations implemented with the overall organisational robotics. strategic plan de ned by the four questions • Ensuring that people have a digital mindset: self-awareness and learning, above, while local government context is agility and adaptability, good governance and inquisitiveness and being set mainly via the Integrated Development co-creative. • Creating fully-integrated and enterprise systems through cloud-based Plan (IDP), Municipal Regulation on solutions, enterprise systems, systems integration and analytics/ Standard Chart of Accounts Regulation intelligence. (MSCOA) and other national government • Ensuring that the right data is available at the right time by digitising requirements.” existing assets, avoiding future data gaps, analysing and aggregating data Hove points out that local government is at source and simple dashboards. in business to deliver levels of service at an

24 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISSUE 29

SALGA29_RIR.indd 24 2019/06/28 5:42 PM ADVERTORIAL

CITY LEADS WITH SERVICE DELIVERY: CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF DEMOCRACY The fi rst 25 years since the advent of democracy and freedom in South Africa have brought about drastic changes for the people. They are now far better o than when they were entangled in the chains of the apartheid regime.

he City of uMhlathuze has been the driving force in improving the quality of life, delivering better services Tand bringing about noticeable changes in the landscape of the city. The city continues to be a beacon of hope for the people under very strenuous global economic conditions — which the city is not immune to — and the continued demand for services against the reversal of the damage caused by the previous regime, which ravaged the chain of life of black people. The triple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality is still our enemy, but one that we will defeat if we all work together to grow South Africa and the City of uMhlathuze. In our close proximity, we have witnessed tangible service delivery achievements that impact directly on the lives of our people. We are also very vigorous in engaging with the

ISSUE 29 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT 25

City of Mahlathuze3.indd 25 2019/06/28 2:29 PM people we serve to solicit their inputs the local government elections in August on service delivery as per the local 2016, we inherited three large wards from government prescripts. the former Ntambanana Municipality, We are also cognisant of basic service which aggravated our gures. delivery shortfall and all its causes, We have now nished all master plans mainly the migration of people from other for what is required to service these areas to seek better opportunities in our wards and are preparing for the city, thus straining our systems. implementation phase. “We want to assure Human settlement patterns mainly in We are con dent that with the the people who semi-urban and rural areas thus prompt R63-million budget to install water the city to deliver services after the connections at these wards, we will push elected us to serve houses are built, instead of laying services back the frontiers of underdevelopment; rst then top structures. and with a 2 500 housing project them that we are a Ageing water and electricity currently underway in the area, caring government infrastructure, illegal connections of Ntambanana’s people will have a taste of water, sanitation and electricity (which freedom for the rst time in their history. and all we do constrains our lines of connections) In other city areas, we are now dealing is towards their and many other challenges still face with in lls since we are seeing new our people, not only in the City of settlement trends where people are emancipation.” uMhlathuze, but also in the country growing the city outside of traditional at large. townships and also expanding to traditional authorities. BASIC SERVICE The people we serve can bear DELIVERY ACHIEVEMENTS testimony to the speed with which we The city continues to consistently have accelerated basic service delivery provide effective basic services, as per its to them in the last few years under constitutional mandate, to its people with serious constraints of a nonpayment for diligence and speed at all times. Before services culture, illegal connections and 2016, we were sitting at between 80 and ageing infrastructure, all of which we are 95 per cent of service connections such earnestly overcoming. as water, refuse removal, electricity and tarred roads within the urban part of the WATER AND SANITATION city, exacerbated by the fact that after The persistent drought that has ravaged

26 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISSUE 29

City of Mahlathuze3.indd 26 2019/06/28 2:30 PM ADVERTORIAL

AREA-BASED MANAGEMENT (ABM) The City of uMhlathuze has, for the past months, been working on a new, e ective and integrated model of addressing basic service failures and breakdowns, which is in its pilot phase of the adoption of the ABM Approach & System. The model had been working well in other cities in the country and internationally. It has been put to test with multidisciplinary team leaders so as to achieve a smart and integrated approach to service delivery and daily accountability by team leaders. Some of the objectives of the ABM are to: • improve co-ordination between sectoral departments of the municipality and also generally, between government and other agencies, possibly by simplifying bureaucracy and integrating our landscape continues to be a burden ELECTRICITY AND funding streams to the City of uMhlathuze and, as a water ENERGY SERVICES • enhance opportunities for service authority, we are obliged to supply The bulk of our budget in all nancial years participation in decision-making by water to our customers at a reasonable goes toward securing electricity from the sole local stakeholders rate, regardless of the hefty costs we generator, Eskom, which we then distribute • enable local government to identify endure in sourcing, purifying and piping to our customers. local needs and priorities and water to households. Some of our areas are supplied directly develop appropriate responses, Regarding water supply, the city is now by Eskom. where necessary adapting service focused on replacing the old asbestos Our industries are our major bulk delivery to suit local conditions pipes with new plastic material that is customers and it is worth noting that we • improve day-to-day management longer lasting and will ensure consistent ensure at all times that they are powered and maintenance of the urban supply. Water connectivity is sitting at up, knowing they need to be continuously environment including addressing service delivery failures 95 per cent, the remainder being the productive to maintain our economy. Ntambanana wards. To permanently stabilise the power supply, • improve bylaw enforcement as part of creating a clean, safe and We are also proud to be one of the very the City has approved the construction of a functional urban environment few municipalities in the country to have 132KV grid, which will eliminate any power installed a desalination plant that is able hiccups. This will ensure that the supply to • integrated implementation of nodal projects for greater impact. to supplement our system during crisis all old and new customers, including heavy periods. The quality of desalinated water industries, is not interrupted. The City is The ABM approach is guided is as good as natural water. sitting on 100 per cent power supply in its by four pillars: This is critical to the city as we also licenced jurisdiction. • Urban Management and supply our industries with water for maintenance of services their production. We are now embarking SANITATION AND WASTE REMOVAL (grass cutting, road markings, street lights, potholes, bylaw on a prepaid water meter system that We know that providing sanitation equals enforcement etc.) will ensure that customers honour the to bringing dignity to human life. To • Public Environment Upgrade municipal services timeously. Another date, we are sitting at 79 per cent. In the (aesthetic guidelines) groundbreaking initiative for the City of urban areas, we are at 100 per cent with • Integrated Infrastructure uMhlathuze is the process of studying waterborne sewerage and in other areas, Development (area/nodal the possibilities of recycling water and we provide VIP units, some of which development – Waterfront) sending it to industrial customers that do need to be changed in areas such • Civic Education (consumer not require potable water. This will save as Ntambanana. education, water-saving, anti- loads of clear water for future supply to Waste collection coverage is at 68 per littering, illegal connections). our communities. cent within the city and rural areas.

ISSUE 29 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT 27

Gillion Bosman City of Mahlathuze3.indd 27 2019/06/28 2:32 PM Mayor Cllr MG Mhlongo

In outskirt areas, the waste skips system R134-million, women with The business park is utilised and EPWP workers are 86 per cent translating to earmarked for eSikhaleni in the employed to assist in this area. The city more than R85-million and near future, as approved by the Council, has recently completed a waste transfer disabled persons with just over will be a game-changer towards boosting station in Ntambanana, where waste will 2 per cent, which the City is local businesses and township economy be collected, separated, some recycled, addressing. Some projects are set at large. and the rest transported to the nearest aside for the disabled sector to address Part of further activating economic re ll site. these targets. More than R322-million activities in the eSikhaleni precinct is the was set aside to bene t the previously expansion of the main intersection, for ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT disadvantaged communities. which we have budgeted a further R30- AND SMME Moreover, as part of supporting the million to ease traf c congestion during The City has established itself as the SMMEs, we have established a One- peak hours. economic hub of the northern coast of Stop-Shop at Empangeni CBD with KwaZulu-Natal and is gradually moving NYDA of ces. This covers the whole SMART CITY AND FREE towards being the second largest GDP King Cetshwayo region, Zululand and PUBLIC WI-FI contributor to the provincial economy. some parts of uMkhanyakude districts. As part of moving with the technological Our aim is to create and maintain These of ces are proving to be trends and keeping up with the needs an environment wherein business and effective in assisting mainly youth to and requirements of the fourth industrial investors will thrive, thus creating further establish their small businesses and revolution, our city has adopted a move opportunities and employment for the access NYDA services on their doorstep. towards being a Smart City through people we serve. To date, more than 80 young people have piloting technologically-advanced means Our new supply chain management bene tted through this facility, more than of operations. policy, aimed at addressing the 186 have been trained in various skills, We are currently investigating the imbalances of the past, is gradually 10 co-operatives have been established establishment of a City App that will bene tting local businesses. with assistance from NDA and 25 easily connect our customers and The policy sets aside 40 per cent of its businesses opened. citizens with our services without them capital budget for women, 40 per cent for Working with Transnet, we recently having to carry any costs for travelling the youth and 20 per cent for disabled opened another SMME centre to further to our of ces. The city is now almost persons. To date, youth have bene tted assist small businesses with business covered with bandwidth, which will not with 105 per cent totalling more than opportunities and skills. only aid internet connectivity, but also

28A VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISSUE 29

City of Mahlathuze3.indd 28 2019/06/28 2:32 PM ADVERTORIAL

expand the Zulti South Mine towards CLEAN GOVERNANCE Port Dunford at eSikhaleni is just one of The City of uMhlathuze continues to be many good stories to tell regarding the the epitome of clean governance, having con dence investors have in our city. obtained  ve consecutive clean audits. Other companies are already operating Investors want to know how the government in RBIDZ Phase 1A and Phase 1F in of the area they intend investing in is run, Alton with billions being investing. theremore, our credibility is crucial to their Processes are also underway to decision-making processes. establish the LNG plant worth more than This means taxpayers’ money is directed R50-billion for our city. We will continue where it is meant to go: into service delivery to visit other countries and lure them to projects within the prescribed period. invest in our shores, thereby bene tting The city’s self-funded budget is also an our local businesses and creating indication that its revenue collection base employment for our people. remains healthy although it can be The R1-billion investment towards the improved, thus reducing reliance on establishment of LPG Gas in our city is government grants. another milestone and bears testimony to that fact that our geographical positioning SELF-SUSTAINABLE BUDGET is excellent for both onshore and offshore The City of uMhlathuze continues to investment projects. realise a steadily increasing sustainable budget characterised by self-sustainability CATALYTIC PROJECTS over the years. The 2019/2020 budget has The establishment of The Ridge Estate grown to R3.6-billion and is supported by overlooking the ocean and the deepest a revenue collection rate averaging at harbour on the African continent is in 96 per cent. Recent efforts where connect security surveillance cameras in the pipeline and earthworks will begin we have embarked on an aggressive the near future. later this year. consumer awareness drive have assisted One of our agship projects on the This high-class estate will consist of a great deal in revenue collection and technology side is the roll out of FREE an upmarket hotel and residential units. a drastic increase in collection rate is PUBLIC WI-FI in eight zones where Coupled with the beach development being noticed. everyone, mainly young people, who precinct and the future plan to revamp We want to assure the people who want to access the internet can do so the Tuzi Gazi Waterfront, the face and elected us to serve them that we are for free and source information for the landscape of the City of uMhlathuze a caring government and all we do is personal development or job-seeking or will completely change for the better. towards their emancipation. business development. Underground infrastructure has been We are aware of the challenges they are We have also set aside a further laid in Empangeni opposite Qalakabusha facing and are tackling them head-on. It R2.2-million to roll it out to other areas Prison where the city, together with the may take time, but by working together including rural spaces. This smart move is provincial and national government, is with them, we shall conquer. ▪ really changing people’s lives for the better. building 10 000 mixed-use houses including stand-alone, ats and subsidised units. For more information: Switchboard: 035-907 5000 INVESTMENTS This is a new suburb that will include Fax: 035-907 5444 Despite the global economic decline that all amenities such as schools, healthcare Call Centre: 0800 222 827 is also affecting our city, working with the and recreational facilities. Email: [email protected] Department of Economic Development, The relocation of the city’s airport www.umhlathuze.gov.za Facebook: uMhlathuze Municipality Tourism and Environmental Affairs and is also underway with recent studies Twitter: @uMhlathuzeM the Richards Bay Industrial Development conducted showing positive projections. Instagram: umhlathuze_municipality Zone, plus the good working relationship An airport city will be developed we have with Transnet, we have managed including shopping centres and to convince investors to consider the other amenities. City of uMhlathuze as their next Visiting the Tuzi Gazi Waterfront, investment destination. you will soon observe the new steel This has, and will continue to, yield bridge that will be an icon of our city. positive and tangible results. Construction will commence on this The recent announcement of project shortly, part of the aim to steadily R6.5-billion approved by Rio Tinto to build a world-class city.

ISSUE 29 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT 29

Gillion Bosman City of Mahlathuze3.indd 29 2019/06/28 12:20 PM SOLUTIONS FOR UPGRADING INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS The explosion of informal settlements around South Africa has posed daunting challenges to service delivery and governance. The Eastern Cape SALGA o ce recently held a municipal dialogue, which o ered insights into informal settlements and resulted in solutions for improving and upgrading these areas. Dale Hes reports

ALGA Eastern Cape recently delivery (water, sanitation, electricity). DIALOGUE DISCUSSIONS organised a municipal dialogue As millions of people moved away from Against this complex background of informal under the theme “Understanding rural areas and into the cities, rapid settlements, SALGA Eastern Cape sought Informal Settlements Better”. urbanisation resulted in the growth of to engage a variety of stakeholders for the SIt was attended by academics, human informal housing on a large scale. Informal dialogue. Pinkie Ngqolisi, SALGA Eastern settlements experts and members of settlements, consisting of hundreds of Cape advisor for built environment and government and SALGA and had ve shacks, lacked access to basic services, planning, explains: key objectives: thereby creating a new set of daunting “SALGA, as an advocacy voice for local • to share knowledge on human settlement’s challenges for municipalities. government, sought to engage strategic matters and gain a better understanding of With informal settlements expanding to institutions and academics to facilitate how to improve planning and delivery of accommodate thousands, and sometimes a narrative dialogue on the incremental sustainable human settlements millions, of people, government realised upgrade of informal settlements looking at • to clarify gaps and challenges in the that a shift in policy was needed. Instead of simpli ed planning frameworks for upgrading human settlements implementation its previous focus on eradicating informal existing settlements. These included new programme settlements, government accepted that • to make inputs and recommendations upgrading informal settlements was the most towards the improvement of the process viable way of handling the challenges. INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS • to share research on best practices This resulted in the Upgrading of IN SOUTH AFRICA explored to gradually transform Informal Settlements Programme (UISP), Following the repeal of oppressive pass laws in the late 1980s, urbanisation informal settlements implemented in 2010. The UISP has three escalated, and by 1994 an estimated • the role informal settlements dwellers can main objectives: securing land rights for 150 000 new informal dwellings were play in co-creating their settlements. residents; providing basic services; and constructed each year. According involving the community to ensure that the to Census 2011, 19 per cent of South THE CONTEXT most pressing needs are met. Africa’s total population moved between provinces during 2001 and After 1994, the South African government In his 2019 budget speech, Finance 2011, and 63 per cent of the population faced the challenge of realising citizens’ Minister announced that lives in urban areas. The majority of rights to adequate housing, as well as R14.7-billion had been invested in two these moves occurred from rural to addressing the devastatingly poor living conditional grants for the upgrading of more urban provinces, for example, conditions related to basic services informal settlements over two years. Eastern Cape or Limpopo to Gauteng or the Western Cape. The number of informal settlements has grown from about 300 in 1994 to 2 700 in 2015. A comparison between national census data of 2001 and 2011 reveals a decrease in informal settlements (in absolute terms) from Community involvement is crucial for 1.4 million households (or 12 per cent the upgrading of informal settlements. of the total population) in 2001 to 1.2 million households (or 9 per cent of the total population) in 2011. Backyard shacks, on the other hand, have increased by 4.5 per cent over this period from 460 000 households in 2001 to 710 000 in 2011.

30 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISSUE 29

SALGA29_Informal Settlements.indd 30 2019/06/28 4:49 PM REPORTAGE: INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS

developmental approaches that THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL could be tested to comply with INFORMAL SETTLEMENT current planning legislation. UPGRADES For example, integrated The South African arm of Slum Dwellers transport planning approaches that International (SDI), says there is no put the interest of people rst, with singular universal approach to upgrading municipalities considered as being informal settlements. at the forefront when speaking of “There is not, and never will be, a one- service delivery.” size- ts-all approach to upgrading informal The event saw seven experts, settlements. Each settlement is unique in its including university professors, challenges, but there are common themes,” developmental specialists and government the South African SDI Alliance says in its A of cials, delivering presentations that In his 2019 budget People’s Led Approach to Informal Settlements spoke to the unique challenges of informal speech, Finance Upgrading report. settlements and the way forward. According to the report, “informal Ngqolisi said that various fruitful Minister Tito settlement upgrading is not simply outcomes emerged from the discussions. Mboweni announced ‘site and service’ or the provision of a “The dialogue helped foster a better that R14.7-billion had ‘top structure’ house. Upgrading is any understanding of the state of informal intervention that improves the physical settlements and speci c programmes with been invested in two conditions of a settlement, which, in turn, available budgets to transform informal conditional grants enhances the lives of its inhabitants. The settlements. This includes the funding most critical emphasis is that this process conditions, requirements and submission for the upgrading of should happen in situ, where communities of nal business plans by municipalities, informal settlements already exist. Relocations should always be as well as the prioritisation of informal seen as a last resort.” settlements in municipal Integrated over two years. The South African SDI Alliance has Development Plans.” entered into partnerships with several municipalities around the country, where it BUFFALO CITY’S POLICY A “The Buffalo City Metropolitan is successfully assisting with the upgrade of GOOD MODEL Municipality policy approach is a good informal settlements. In its upgrading informal settlements policy, example to illustrate (in the ideal scenario) One method it has drawn on is that of BCMM has approved upgrading plans for how municipalities plan (or should plan) “re-blocking”, a unique way of recon guring 32 informal settlements. According to Afesis- for informal settlement upgrading. As and repositioning shacks in very densely corplan, a nongovernmental organisation always, signi cant challenges arise in the populated settlements. that works to improve community-driven implementation and nancing.” “Re-blocking is done in clusters development and good governance in the BCMM has identi ed a combination identi ed by the community and, during Eastern Cape, Buffalo City faces a number of on-site upgrading and relocations of implementation, ‘courtyards’ are created to of challenges in effectively upgrading residents as the solution to the informal ensure a safer environment for women and informal settlements. settlement problem. children via neighbourhood watches (all shacks face the courtyard). There are also productive places such as washing lines and food gardens. This generally provides space for local government to install better public services and infrastructure,” the Alliance explains. In the City of Cape Town, the Alliance has partnered with the municipality to identify 23 settlements for upgrading, while six settlements have already been re-blocked. In the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape, the Alliance and the municipality has signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding Reconfi guring informal settlements is a (MoU), through which 42 informal key strategy being employed. settlements will be pro led. ▪

ISSUE 29 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT 31

SALGA29_Informal Settlements.indd 31 2019/06/28 4:49 PM THE ALEXANDRA RENEWAL PROJECT Following years of neglect and bad apartheid spatial planning, billions were injected into Alexandra to develop the area. But did people’s living conditions improve? Tiisetso Tlelima fi nds out

upporting a population of about According to Nthatisi Modingoane, The project was one of eight urban 350 000 people, the township spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg, nodes of the Integrated Sustainable of Alexandra has suffered from the project’s aim was to develop Rural Development and Urban Renewal congestion, overcrowding, engineering services infrastructure to Programme announced by former Shousing shortages, and abject poverty — a sustain the present population; provide an president Thabo Mbeki during his State of stark contrast to its neighbouring leafy improved housing environment including the Nation Address on February 9, 2001. suburb Sandton where the most af uent the eradication of the housing backlog; R1.6-billion was poured into the ARP to live. It is for this reason that the Alexandra and develop social infrastructure such realise the project’s objectives, which was Renewal Project (ARP) was introduced as building schools, clinics, sport and meant to be achieved within a seven-year in 2001 to address inequality and uplift recreational facilities. Another ARP period from 2001 to 2008. the Alexandra (Alex) community socially, objective was to improve transportation “Generally, the engineering services spatially and economically. and develop the arts, cultural and heritage infrastructure has been developed to the The ARP is a multidisciplinary facilities in Alex. extent that the population now enjoys approach to address what was deemed a the bene ts. dysfunctional urban environment caused Bulk water, sanitation and electricity by decades of neglect and a historical upgrades, improved road infrastructure, problem created by apartheid’s terrible electri cation of households, and an spatial planning. effective waste management system have

32 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISSUE 29

SALGA29_Alexandra Renewal.indd 32 2019/06/28 4:49 PM REPORTAGE: THE ALEXANDRA RENEWAL PROJECT

been provided to the community,” explains “This has resulted in housing delivery Modingoane. falling behind schedule including the He adds that new housing opportunities upgrading of the existing housing stock in have been provided to approved Old Alexandra,” says Modingoane. “The bene ciaries. “In addition, three schools problem is exacerbated by the fact that the have been rebuilt; the Pan Africa Taxi and land ownership in Alexandra had not been Retail Mall has been developed; parks and resolved due to a legal interdict.” open spaces have been established; the However, Modingoane admitted that a Edenvale Hospital was upgraded; clinics full forensic investigation into the ARP was Nthatisi Modingoane were constructed; and cemeteries were also underway and that an interministerial upgraded,” says Modingoane. committee announced by President Cyril “The engineering Edenvale Hospital’s acting CEO Dr Ramaphosa had been formed and should services infrastructure Claude Mondzanga echoes Modingoane’s assist with mapping out the way forward words saying about R5-million was on the project. ▪ has been developed pumped into the hospital to upgrade its to the extent that casualty, OPD and Helped units as well as the population now building the Tsakane Centre for HIV and NUMBER OF PEOPLE AIDS. The upgrades were started in 2001 EMPLOYED DURING THE enjoys the benefi ts. and completed within three years. IMPLEMENTATION OF ARP Bulk water, sanitation Despite its success, the ARP has been and electricity under re recently with reports that About 17 000 construction residents are complaining that they have nonpermanent jobs were created upgrades, improved yet to see its bene ts as a result of rife during the lifespan of the project. road infrastructure, corruption in the project. In March 2008 alone, 1 506 people worked on construction projects, electrifi cation of However, Modingoane says that 785 of which were people from although he agrees that some objectives of Alex. Women made up 12 per cent households, and the project have fallen behind, insuf cient of the workforce. an e„ ective waste budget provision in later years has caused Source: www.treasury.gov.za management system project delays. have been provided to the community.” – Nthatisi Modingoane.

ISSUE 29 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT 33

SALGA29_Alexandra Renewal.indd 33 2019/06/28 4:50 PM PLACED UNDER ADMINISTRATION A number of municipalities have been placed under administration since the year began. But just what is the role and responsibility of provincial government in this regard? asks Masibulele Lunika

rovincial government’s legislative North West MEC Gordon Kegakilwe, mandate to regularly monitor Cooperate Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs. the performance and status of The provincial municipalities, provide support, government Pbuild capacity, and intervene where it is necessary is outlined in the Constitution. intervenes when a Spokesperson for the Gauteng provincial government Thabo Masebe says the municipality cannot provincial government intervenes when a or does not fulfil its municipality cannot or does not ful l its obligations in terms of the constitution or obligations in terms legislation. “The intervention is done in of the constitution terms of section 139 of the Constitution, which reads: ‘When a municipality cannot or legislation. or does not ful l its obligations in terms of the Construction or legislation, the relevant provincial executive may intervene by taking any appropriate steps to ensure ful lment of A GROWING NUMBER that obligation.’” Last year, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs LEVELS OF INTERVENTION (CoGTA), provided an update of In terms of whether or not provincial municipalities placed under administration, government assumes full control over the number was 24 since October 2016. municipalities, Masebe says there are This has since grown by at least ve since different levels of constitutionally-driven The members are elected in terms of the start of the year. intervention. “There are various options proportional representation. Last month, the South African Municipal provided for by section 139. One option is Ben Bole, departmental spokesperson Workers’ Union (SAMWU) welcomed for the provincial government to intervene at the North West Department of Local a decision by the North West provincial while the council remains in place. If this Government and Human Settlements, government to place seven municipalities option is chosen, the provincial government says eight municipalities were placed under administration due to concerns about and the council have to agree on a recovery under administration in August 2018 by dysfunctionalities and mismanagement of plan that is implemented for 180 days.” the Provincial Executive Council with these councils, bringing the number He adds that if the recovery plan does not an invocation of section 139(1)(b) of of municipalities under administration in the yield results then the provincial government the Constitution and section 137 of the province alone to 15, as reported by may dissolve the council and take over the Municipal Finance Management Act the SABC. running of the municipality. (MFMA) with effect from 1 September JB Marks Municipality in the North West In accordance with the Constitution, each 2018. “This action was necessitated by was one of those municipalities recently province has its own legislature, consisting of the fact that said municipalities could not placed under administration. Spokesperson between 30 and 80 members. The number provide basic services to the communities, for the North West premier’s of ce Vuyisile of members is determined according to a while others could not produce credible Ngesi says these were all done under

formula set out in national legislation. nancial statements,” he said. constitutional guidelines. SUPPLIED IMAGES:

34 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISSUE 29

SALGA29_provincialAdmin.indd 34 2019/06/28 6:05 PM SALGA29_provincialAdmin.indd 35

IMAGES: SUPPLIED one toilethadbeenbuilt. upgrading asportsstadiuminthearea,butonly reported thatR45-millionhadbeenspenton of protests.InOctoberlastyear, TheCitizen municipality shutdownlatelastyearbecause of adevelopmentprojectinVentersdorp sawthe according toitsDecember2018annualreport. General inthe2016/2017 nancialyear, a disclaimerofopinionfromthe Auditor- corruption. TheJBMarksmunicipalityreceived said Kegakilwe. your intentions,thatperiodisover,” done ornot;thisisnotthetimetoreportabout ourselves astowhetherindeedworkhasbeen we mustreceiveprogressreportstoascertainfor present progress reports. “Our expectation is that the meetingismeantformunicipalitiesto registered thusfar. for municipalitiestoaccountonprogress Gordon Kegakilwewhohascreatedaplatform serious scrutiny. municipalities placedunderadministrationto in theNorthWest provincehassubjected Human SettlementsandTraditional Affairs the DepartmentofCooperativeGovernance, administration. A a closereyeonthemunicipalitiesplacedunder provincial governmentsaiditwouldbekeeping these pooradministrations. has beenhighlightedasthemaincausefor Ray Ngcobodenieditatthetime. salaries. However, themunicipalmanagerDr to coveroperationalexpensesincludingpay had beenaccusedofusingconditionalgrants under administration. strain withincreasingcallsforittobeplaced Durban hasalsorecentlybeenunder nancial U CLOSER EYEONCORRUPTION of MFMA, nancial controls have been put of MFMA, nancialcontrolshave beenput municipal nancesintermsofsection 137 the beginningofintervention on the under administration,reportedthatsince Municipality intheNorthWest, while N WORKING? ARE mgungundlovu District Municipality in mgungundlovu DistrictMunicipalityin gaka Modiri Molema District gaka ModiriMolemaDistrict A T I T I T The Mercuryreportedthatthemunicipality n his address, Kegakilwe emphasised that n hisaddress,Kegakilweemphasisedthat n astatementrecently, theNorthWest here have also been mounting allegations of here havealsobeenmountingallegationsof his followsameetingconvenedbyMEC his isjustanothercasewherecorruption , the stalling s reportedbyMail&Guardian,thestalling THEINTERVENTIONS ccording to the statement, ccording tothestatement,

manager position. The implementation of manager position.Theimplementationof been lled,whichincludesthemunicipal says: progress, accordingtothestatement.He in theNorthWest registeredsigni cant intervention. needs tobedevelopedsustainthepost- must bestrengthenedandexistingstrategy in place.However, thebudgettreasuryof ce under administration. municipalities havebeenplaced More thanhalfofNorthWest R amotshere Moiloa Local Municipality amotshere MoiloaLocalMunicipality Bole Ben “All senior management positions have “All seniormanagementpositionshave awaiting labour union consultation, this is to awaiting labourunionconsultation,thisisto organisational structureisinits nalstage place toaccelerateservicedelivery. The controls andturnaroundstrategiesarein he said. progress ontheinterventionissustained,” and itsadministrationtomakesurethat be leftbehind,thatistheentirecouncil and wearepleadingwiththosewhowill its ownaffairswithouttheintervention municipality willbeinapositiontorun on theprogressregistered. Ramotshere Moiloalocalmunicipalitybased expressed hissatisfactionoverthe delivery,” saidSeabelo. remain accountableforacceleratingservice ensure that of cials t in the structure with ensure thatof cials tinthestructurewith administration to ensure that of cials administration toensurethatof cials “Very soonRamotshere Moiloa I n his nal remark, MEC Kegakilwe n his nalremark,MECKegakilwe relevant skills. relevant skills. their oversight role over municipal their oversightroleovermunicipal VOICE OFISSUE 29 LOCAL GOVERNMENT our municipalities must strengthen our municipalitiesmuststrengthen of post-audit action plans is in full of post-auditactionplansisinfull of councillors: “Councillors in all of councillors:“Councillorsinall Seabelo, dealt with the conduct Seabelo, dealtwiththeconduct swing atthemunicipalitytoavoida by its deputy chairperson Oabile by itsdeputychairpersonOabile recurrence ofauditqueries.” “ PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT The continuous implementation The continuousimplementation ▪ S ALGA NorthWest, represented 2019/06/28 6:05 PM 35 SALGA29_provincialAudit.indd 36 36 I VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISSUE29 support nancialstatementsand report records andrelatedtransactions to supreme auditinstitution. organisation servesasthecountry’s K General ofSouth Africa (AGSA) is spendingtaxpayers’ money, the Auditor- c (PAA)Amendment Act. expanded throughthePublic Audit mandate audit year, sector withthepublic changes cameintoeffecton1 April this General withextendedpowers.These — thatprovidetheof ceof Auditor- unanimously votedforbyparliament an auditandreportonhowgovernment imi Makwetupointsoutthatthe “ A Our mainjobistoexamineaccounting s theonlyinstitutionthat,bylaw, into lawandendorsedchanges— President CyrilRamaphosasigned oversight onpublicsector nances, n amoveaimedatimproving greater powers initsdrive to ensure goodgovernance andcleanadministration in The PublicAudit AmendmentAct isdesignedto give theAuditor-General’s oce GIVING THEAGSA “MORE TEETH” the publicsector, writes w thoroughly dealtwithandthefears of theamendments,theseconcernswere around thisandthepresident’s scrutiny both theextensiveparliamentarydebates of cers andaccountingauthorities.” sector administrationsuchasaccounting on theworkofthosechargedwithpublic that thechangesmightsee AGSA infringing its keyconstitutionalmandate.Somefeared possibly resultingin AGSA ‘overreaching’ certain concernsabouttheamendments welcomed therevisions,theyalsoraised AGSA sinceitsinceptionin1911,” This hasbeenthebroadfocusof institutions fundedfromthepublicpurse. managed, handledandreportedonby on themannerinwhich nancesare h ere allayed. e says. H “ While a number of key players While anumberofkeyplayers owever, heisquicktoaddthatduring

Rodney Weideman instruments aretwokeypieces oflaw: sector.”“Among these legislative and cleanadministrationinthe public aimed atensuringgoodgovernance support existingpiecesoflegislation, mandate wouldgoalongwaytofurther Republic, whofeltthatexpandingour of ProvincesandthePresident National Assembly, theNationalCouncil auditing andreporting. to expand AGSA’s mandatebeyondjust year. Scoagdecidedtoinitiatetheprocess government tiersreportedby AGSA every and wastefulexpenditureacrossall growing extentofirregular, unauthorised General (Scoag)raisedconcernsaboutthe the StandingCommitteeon Auditor- to theamendmentsbeganin2016when Makwetu explainsthattheprocessleading EXTENDING THEAUDIT MANDATE “ This waslaterfullybackedbythe Kimi Makwetu 2019/06/28 5:49 PM

IMAGES: SUPPLIED GIVING THEAGSA “MORE TEETH” SALGA29_provincialAudit.indd 37

IMAGES: SUPPLIED balances. Thisiscritical,asiteliminates or otherwiseofMIsintransactions or will havetothoroughlyassessthe existence sector institutionorthegeneralpublic. resource, orsubstantialharmtoapublic the misuseorlossofamaterialpublic the lawthatcouldresultinamaterialloss, non-compliance withorcontraventionof fraud, theft,breachofa duciarydutyor and pursued.” risk of nanciallossareidenti ed while activitiesthatputthepublicpurseat errors orde cienciesareisolated, a focusonMIissothatothercommon of thisamendment.Theintroduction irregularity (MI)—thecentralfeature introduces theconceptofamaterial auditing andreporting. it togobeyondthetraditionalmandateof for threekeyadditionalstepsthatenable were beforethelatestamendments,except activities remainmuchthesameasthey According toMakwetu, AGSA’s audit KEY AMENDMENTS Kimi Makwetu of financial loss are identified andpursued.” – while activities that put thepublic purseat risk common errors or deficiencies areisolated, introduction of afocus on MIissothat other the central feature of thisamendment. The the concept of amaterial irregularity (MI)— “ThePublic Audit Amendment Act introduces legislative tools. these andotherextant,goodgovernance be seenasfurtherreinforcementto latest amendmentstothePAA should money duetothestate.Therefore, the responsibilitytoquantifyandrecover of nancialmisconduct.” outlines theconsequencesinevent and accountingauthoritieseven the lawrequiresofaccountingof cers contain extensiveguidanceonwhat Management Act (MFMA).These (PFMA) andtheMunicipalFinance the “This meansthatanyauditconducted He explainsthatanMImeansany Public AuditAmendmentAct “The He pointsoutthatoneoftheseinvolves Public FinanceManagement Act Iftheaccountingof cer/authority fails • Makerecommendationsintheaudit • ReferasuspectedMItopublic • undertake thefollowingactions: the AGSA hasbeengivenpowersto accounting rigour.” irregular expenditureorlackofproper and substanceofmattersleadingto,say, any speculationordoubtaboutthenature of cer orauthority.of cer to recoverthelossfromaccounting council (MEC)oramunicipal council, a minister, amemberoftheexecutive relevant executiveauthority, suchas authority. Itistheresponsibilityof of therelevantaccountingof cer/ issue acerti cateofdebtinthename recover a nancialloss,the AGSA must including adirectivetoquantifyand to implementtheremedialaction, responsible person. quantify andrecoverthelossfrom to theaccountingof cer/authority involves a nancialloss,issuedirective binding remedialactionand,iftheMI stipulated date,the AGSA musttake have notbeenimplementedbythe of time.Iftheserecommendations addressed withinastipulatedperiod report onhowanMIshouldbe action wherenecessary. own legalmandateandtakeappropriate would dealwiththematterwithinits African Police Service.Thepublicbody Investigations UnitandtheSouth include thePublicProtector, Special requisite investigativecapacityandskills irregularity. Authorities withthe the speci csuspectedmaterial that aresuitableforthenatureof body withamandateandpowers Once aMIissuspectedoridenti ed, concludes Makwetu. democracy throughcleangovernance,” latest phaseofthedrivetobolster our are fullybehindusasweembarkonthe the factthatmajorityofSouth Africans developmental journey. punitive, butareagear-shift inthiscritical These amendmentsarenotmeanttobe the countryandlivesofitspeople. responsibly andforthebettermentof these powers.We undertaketousethese immense responsibilitythatcomeswith therefore, thedateofauditreport. extended powersofthe AGSA. Thetestis, the amendmentact,itcanstillattract report issuedafterthecommencementof during anauditthatresultsin MI thatoccurredinthepastisdetected or takeremedialactionwillapply. Ifan MI isdetected,the AGSA’s righttorefer contracts thatarestilloperativewhenthe apply retrospectively,” Makwetusays. them thattheamendmentactdoesnot MIs bythenewamendments?Icantell incurred irregularitiesthatcouldbedeemed what happenstothosewhohadpreviously work.“Some maybetemptedtoquestion be factoredinaspartofthenormalaudit audit scopetoidentifyanMIasthiswill means therewillbenoneedtoincreasethe these breachesduringannualaudits.This management. an accountablesystemof nancial monitors theproperrestorationof and reliablesourceofevidence AGSA, however, providesatransparent is transferredtothe Auditor-General. The No partoftheirstatutoryresponsibilities management oftheauditedinstitution. and actionMIsremainswiththeline the primaryresponsibilitytoidentify extended, Makwetuindicatesthat While the AGSA’s powershavebeen WHAT REMAINS THESAME? charged withgovernancefailtoact. would onlybetakenifandwhenthose issuing ofacerti catedebt.Thataction to xtheproblembeforeitgets department concernedenoughopportunity and balances,givingthepublicentityor “The AGSA’s of ceremainsbuoyedby “AGSA recognisesandappreciatesthe However, inthecaseoflong-term “We expectour auditteamstonote These stepscomewithmanychecks VOICE OFISSUE 29 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ▪ LEGISLATION 2019/06/28 5:49 PM 37 WATER IN THE SPOTLIGHT

THE IMPORTANCE OF SCIENTIFIC SERVICES IN SOUTH AFRICAN MUNICIPALITIES By William Moraka

William Section 27 (b) of the Constitution states launched its new scienti c services Moraka that “everyone has a right to access to laboratory to host state-of-the-art suf cient water”. Municipalities are tasked in technology, which includes, among ful lling this right through section 152 (b) of others, air and water quality testing the Constitution and subordinate legislation. equipment and an auditorium. The water we drink daily is treated The Scienti c Services new building launching the Inaugural Scienti c Services through a number of steps to ensure it will help maintain its laboratory Managers’ Forum in September. This is meets the South African National Standard accreditation (ISO 17025) and extend the aimed at ensuring collaboration among for drinking water (SANS 241). One of the scope of water quality analysis to include managers and sharing scienti c ways of most important steps in the value chain of new test methods. improving water quality testing and related treatment is water quality testing through Capacity is being built for testing matters. Furthermore, it is anticipated that scienti c services. Engineers design contaminants of emerging concern, the forum will tackle capacity constraints treatment processes to ensure a logical emerging water-borne pathogens, within scienti c services and crucially share  ow of water while scientists make sure eco-toxicity, seawater chemistry, approaches to improving such challenges. that the quality of water in the processes classi cation of sludges and classi cation Of importance going forward is the meets set standards. of hazardous waste for solid waste need to ensure a sound network of Over the years, new water treatment and disposal permits through a dedicated scientists who are capacitated to deal quality testing methodologies have been scienti c graduate programme. with any emerging contaminants and to employed as a result of new contaminants It will support community successfully work together in nurturing in both drinking water quality and development and education through upcoming scientists. wastewater ef uent discharge. structured scienti c graduate programmes As SALGA, we urge all municipal water To this end, scientists have been to ensure successful registration with scientists to be part of the forum to be exploring means and ways to ensure our SACNASP. Like any other business, launched in Cape Town. Preparations water quality does not pose any health risks. technology and innovation are readily for launching the forum have already This is undertaken through an accredited available to municipalities, particularly commenced. laboratory that has the necessary equipment given the fourth industrial revolution. to test water quality and conduct analysis. In taking the important role of scienti c Enquiries and details on the forum launch services in municipalities and the water can be obtained from:

STATE-OF-THE-ART LABORATORY sector forward, the City of Cape Town, William Moraka — [email protected] SUPPLIED IMAGES: Recently, the City of Cape Town in collaboration with SALGA, will be Mpharu Hloyi — [email protected]

38 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISSUE 29

SALGA29_WATER.indd 38 2019/06/28 5:51 PM SALGA29_WATER.indd 39

IMAGES: SUPPLIED water resource management and development hadadirectimpact on putting up more money.” water road map andIhope wewill be because aswespeakthecountry hasa over thepastfi ve years. Thisisscary development declinedby45percent years, which ishighly problematic. research declinedover thelastfi ve Makelane saidfundingfor water security does notrefl ect thispicture. on research anddevelopment for water water-scarce country, yet expenditure the conference that South Africa isa Dr Hlamulo Makelane tolddelegates at Mandela Metropolitan University African continent isnoexception. with severe water constraints andthe billion people worldwide incountries Southern Africa. serious drought problems across on water security research amidst concerns over decreasedexpenditure took placeinMay thisyear, raised conference andexhibition, which Utility Week andPOWERGEN Africa Researchers attending theAfrican NOT REFLECTING WATER SCARCITY REALITY EXPENDITURE ONRESEARCH FOR WATER SECURITY, By Alicestine October Alicestine By world averages, yet it is still business as world averages,yetitisstillbusinessas and percapitaconsumptionarebeyond water-ef cient country. Ourwaterlosses basis ofourcollectiveinabilitytobea to regressthesegainspurelyonthe to mostSouth Africans, wearelikely sector inprovingreliablewaterservices that despitegainsmadebythewater responsibilities. Itisbecomingevident rights shouldbecomplementedby enshrined intheBillofRights.However, Africans haveaccesstowaterservicesas have beenhardatworkensuringSouth municipalities andthewatersector and scarceresource.South African Africans toconservethislimited substitute. We calluponallSouth Unlike electricity, waterhasno By William Moraka CONSERVE ITOR FACE THECONSEQUENCES According toher,research and “Funding for research and Research fellow at theNelson There arereportedly more thantwo water security. the SDGscannotbeachieved without Development Goals (SDGs).Shesaid security isintegral totheSustainable facilitate this. policy andscience exchanges tohelp there areinitiatives underway for resources,” shesaid. approaches to the management of water both demandmanagement andnew into sector-wide innovation, covering in water research should betranslated usable information. solutions totranslate research into we have always done. We needcreative so that wedo notendup doing what informed byresearch anddevelopment Government policy on water should be water security. allow for greater progress towards government andtheprivate sector to for inter-sectoral fundingbetween how people andsociety behave.” creative solutions andhelp infl uence building inthesector. It canlead to promotes trainingandcapacity- catalyst forsocioeconomicdevelopment. substitute and,importantly, thatitisa frightening consideringthatwaterhasno water theyuse.Thisstateofaffairsis households donotknowhowmuch indicates thatabout61percentof Water ResearchCommission(WRC) by SALGAincollaborationwiththe research ndings fromastudyconducted approaches aremaintained.Further de cit ifthecurrentwatermanagement Africa couldfacea17percentwater should havebeenagoodwake-upcall. #Day ZeromessagingbytheCityofCape attitude towardswatermanagement.The usual. We mustendeavourtochangeour According toMakelane, water Makelane also tolddelegates that In thisregard,scientific publications “We needtoencouragecollaboration. Makelane also stressedtheneed Building more storage facilities might Building morestoragefacilitiesmight Indications arethatby2030South dams andreservoirs tobuild where.” know how toplananddecidewhat research because thisishow wewill resources that areavailable. more e”ectively tonotlose thefew storage andprotect water sources to improve demandmanagement and country andtosecurewater it needs that South Africa isawater-scarce water nosector cansurvive.” don’t realise, however, isthat without agriculture andhealth. “What they other sectors such asenergy, roads, governments tendtoput it behindall most about thewater sector istheway society. He saidwhat surprises him security beingintegral toall facetsof underscored theimportance of water Sageme, inanearlier interview, also Central Region Water BoardGift the consequencesofourbehaviour. conserving ourwaterresourcesorface all dotherightthingandstrivetowards manage ourwatergoingforward.Let’s regarding howweneedtocollectively realised by2030.We areatacrossroad Development Goalsmightnotbe Development PlanandSustainable objectives containedintheNational our socioeconomictransformation in point.Giventhesechallenges, Makhanda Municipalitybeingacase country arefacingwatershortages, water. Already somepartsofthe the keyingredientsinconserving water usageisregardedasoneof future. Behaviouralchangeon not bethesolutioninimmediate “This all startswith investing in Makelane remindeddelegates Chief executive o‘cer of Malawi’s Makelane Dr Hlamulo VOICE OFISSUE 29 LOCAL GOVERNMENT WATER 2019/06/28 5:52 PM 39 VENTURING INTO UNTAPPED TERRAIN IN WATER AND SANITATION SALGA has been exploring alternative revenue generation mechanisms for municipalities in the light of emerging new water management techniques, writes William Moraka

echnological advances are two of the many factors that triggered period of time. Recent statistics show an and emerging new water SALGA to also think about its support increase of such services to South Africans. management techniques are approach to municipalities.It is observed However, despite these efforts in some compelling municipalities to that municipal debtors’ books are increasing instances we choose not to pay for services Trethink how best to provide municipal at an alarming rate. As at December 2018, to sustain the infrastructure. services in a cost and ef cient manner. municipalities are owed about R140bn. In light of some of the persistent Importantly, the Water Services Act 108 This is a worrying factor given the user- challenges highlighted above, SALGA of 1997 ampli es the following “every pay principle. Most if not the majority of has been exploring alternative revenue water services authority has a duty to all citizens do enjoy access to municipal basic generation mechanisms for municipalities. consumers or potential consumers in its services such as water, electricity, sanitation To this end, a number of projects have area of jurisdiction to progressively ensure and refuse removal. Furthermore, it is a been identi ed and are being implemented ef cient, affordable, economical and known fact that the municipalities have through the collaboration of municipalities sustainable access to water services”. These increased access to such services over a and partners.

ELECTRICITY FROM WATER Generating electricity through water (hydropower) is not a new idea. Five per cent of South Africa’s electricity is provided by hydroelectric and pumped SLUDGE TO ENERGY storage schemes. Currently, Energy generated from the sludge from municipal around 700MW installed wastewater plants will be earmarked for power plants, hydropower capacity exists in thereby saving energy costs. A guideline for this activity has the country (Barta, 2011). A research project by the Water Research been developed with the support of a development partner Commission highlights opportunities for small-scale hydropower GIZ. Of particular importance is the fact that a number of capacity in municipalities. Bloem Water has already implemented municipal process controllers have been trained. small-scale conduit hydropower. The electricity generated has been The next step is to engage with member powering Bloem’s Water of ce since 2015, according to research municipalities to package projects and solicit funding outcomes. In light of this experience and learnings, SALGA is exploring for such. Further, it is also anticipated that training of mechanism(s) of initiating similar project(s) in municipalities. Tshwane process controllers in the management of projects of this Metro had a pilot project of conduit hydropower and the learning will

nature will continue. also form part of the project(s) initiation process. SUPPLIED IMAGES:

40 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISSUE 29

SALGA29_Water2.indd 40 2019/06/28 5:52 PM SALGA29_Water2.indd 41

IMAGES: SUPPLIED services delivery. ▪ contribute toanincreaseinmunicipal revenueandthesustainabilityof water monitoring ofwaterusage,amongothers.Itisanticipatedthat this projectwill programme willincludeconsumerbehaviourintheuseofwater andcrucially is recoveredwithinashortspaceoftime.Somethekeyelements of the on Non-revenueWater. Theprimary objectiveistoensurethatlostrevenue with partnersondevelopingabusinessplantoestablishNational Programme sustainable servicesandassuranceofsupply. To thisend, SALGAisworking If notarrested,thisstateofaffairsthreatensmunicipalabilityto provide Current non-revenuelevelsareworrisomewithrevenuelossofabout R9bn. REDUCING NON-REVENUEWATER for industrial purposes. quest toreduce utilisation of drinkingwater are implementing water-re-use projects ina management of water. Some municipalities of thecritical water mixoptions inthe Re-using water isfastbecoming one mine waterforindustrialuse.Discussions municipality andprivatesector. in suchamannerthatitbene tsboththe water. Importantly, theprojectisstructured opposed totheorganisationutilisingpotable efuent fortheirindustrialprocessesas providing twoprivateentitieswithtreated for industrialpurposes. quest toreduceutilisationofdrinkingwater are implementingwater-re-use projectsina management ofwater. Somemunicipalities of thecriticalwatermixoptionsin Re-using waterisfastbecomingone WATER RE-USE SALGA is also exploring harvesting acid SALGA isalsoexploringharvestingacid EThekwini Municipalityiscurrently up theseincome-generatinginitiatives. ERWAT andothermunicipalitiestoscale the anticipatedresults. with thisbusinessventureanditisyielding Ekurhuleni Municipality, hascommenced Company (ERWAT), amunicipalentityof for municipalities.EastRandWater the agriculturalsectoris“newgold” The conversionofsludgetofertiliserfor SLUDGE TO FERTILISER mine water. nanciers andmininghouses,fortreating will initiateprojects,incollaborationwith and itisanticipatedthatmunicipalities with therelevantpartnershavecommenced SALGA willendeavourtoworkwith ef cient service delivery to all. ef cient servicedeliverytoall. in aquesttoacceleratecost-effectiveand its membermunicipalitiesandpartners projects andlooksforwardtoworkingwith services forthebene tofallSouth Africans. generating toreducethecostsofproviding that arefundable(bankability)andincome- some oftheproject(s),particularlyinitiatives agencies willbekeyinthepackagingof and privatepartnersincludingdevelopment they requirescalingandfunding.Public projects arenotnecessarilynew, however, optimisation projectSomeoftheidenti ed collaboration withitspartnersaplant To thisend,SALGA planstoinitiatein Control andData Acquisition (SCADA). for decision-makingthroughSupervisory processes, todetermineaccurateinformation controls, instrumentation,andmonitoring testing ofequipment,evaluatingtheprocess usage, treatmentprocessandconstant steps, suchastechnicalanalysisofchemical optimised. Centraltoplantoptimisationare municipalities’ plantsarenotnecessarily operational costs.Currently, mostofthe ensures regulatorycompliance,andsaves of problems,protectstheenvironment, optimisation reducestheoccurrence Water andwastewatertreatmentprocess PLANT OPTIMISATION SALGA is excited about these strategic SALGA isexcitedaboutthesestrategic VOICE OFISSUE 29 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENVIRONMENT 2019/06/28 5:52 PM 41 WATER

Colonel Andries Mahape

Joint e orts are being employed to salvage the deteriorated main water- supply emanating from the SAVING THE polluted Vaal River. Lwando Njamela reports VAAL RIVER llegal spillages owing into the Vaal campaign to build our war-chest of funds there, so you are going to inhale that, one River from multiple points have to take the authorities to the High Court way or the other. I’m grateful there are no caused a deterioration in the quality of to prevent further pollution of the Vaal deaths emanating from that, but should the water of the Vaal River tributary, River system.” the situation not be restored, people are Iincluding the Vaal Dam. The polluted river Stubbs added: “We need the support of going to die. We need to change that, as represents a health risk to the public and the the media to highlight the problems, as well in yesterday.” ▪ area’s ecology. It has, for the longest time, as  nancial support from the corporates, been a dumping ground for toxic ef uent local businesses and tourist organisations ABOUT THE VAAL RIVER from industry, mining acids, sewage and that bene t from the Vaal. If they donate The Vaal River system has its beginnings in other debris. This has caused a great deal of generously to our cause, we can ensure the Eastern Highveld plains, in the vicinity panic and much agitation for members of the that the Vaal River is once again a precious of Ermelo. Shallow hollows and low community and concerned parties. environmental asset that contributes to the hillocks form a natural sponge where water In 2013, the Save the Vaal Environment economy of the Vaal Triangle.” collects in pans, vleis and streams. These (SAVE), a nonpro t organisation  led a High The South African National Defence streams link up, creating the Vaal River, Court Order with costs against the Emfuleni Force has been a pivotal role player in the which ows westward on a long course, Council to prevent pollution from raw Vaal River’s rehabilitation. Colonel Andries without rapids or waterfalls, and broadens sewage in the Vaal River. The order compels Mahape, who has been at the forefront of into a large river. the Emfuleni Council to “take all necessary the project, described the pollution as a cost To the Bushmen, the river was known as steps and do the necessary things to properly to the country’s economy. He was quoted Gij’Gariep (tawny) due to its muddy colour. maintain its sewer system including pump on the Times Media online medium saying: The name, Vaal, also means tawny. The stations and all sewer networks within the “Once the river is polluted, obviously it has Sotho called it iliGwa (erratic) because jurisdiction of the respondent (Emfuleni an implication in terms of the economy. It of the unpredictable variations in its ow. Council) to ensure that no impermissible drives away most people who want to come As the Vaal River ows westward it ows sewage enters the Vaal River and its to the Vaal and enjoy themselves.” into the Grootdraai Dam. This dam has catchment area from the sewer system”. He further described the Sharpeville a total storage capacity of 350 million The Chairman of SAVE, Trevor Stubbs, sewer as unconducive for human cubic metres, a surface area of 39 square says: “We have embarked on a fundraising inhabitants. “There are airborne diseases kilometres and an average depth of 27 metres. On its course to the Vaal Dam, a number of rivers join the Vaal River: “Once the river is polluted, obviously it The Vaal River is a major tourist has an implication in terms of the attraction in Gauteng and the Free State. economy. It drives away most people The tourism industry creates jobs and provides recreation facilities for the general who want to come to the Vaal and enjoy public. themselves.” – Colonel Andries Mahape Source: Rand Water & SAVE

42 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISSUE 29

SALGA29_Vaal Clean up.indd 42 2019/07/01 11:16 AM ToCheck_DPS.indd 2 2018/07/20 11:05 AM ROUND-UP OF RECENT SALGA EVENTS SALGA regularly hosts seminars and summits to assist municipalities in improving service delivery, policies and procedures

INFORMAL ECONOMY METRO ENGAGEMENT On 25 and 26 February 2019. SALGA Western Cape, in partnership with the Municipal Institute of Learning (MILE), hosted the Informal Economy Metro Engagement. The objectives and outcomes of metro engagement were to share the progress of these actions and get input on the draft SALGA Local Government Informal Economy Position paper and International Labour Organisation (ILO) Re204 transition from informal to formal action plan. Additionally, the forum was intende to share: of migrants. As a result, the issue of space corporates consider the use of informal • lessons related to the informal and territory features predominantly as a traders as their last distribution point. sector’s impact on local government: huge concern. Through regulation, local government street trading, operations of spaza Similarly, this brings about the notion has the power to deter the big players from shops, development of bylaws of the need to protect this space for South taking advantage of the informal sector in • toolkits for supporting informal Africans. Data on migrants is not widely instances such as ambush marketing. livelihoods in public space captured and reported, due to some The presented data on food securit • support programmes by key national reluctance to do so. is informative and reliable, but it was departments for the informal sector. Strong linkages between the formal and thought that research should shift to food A statistical snapshot of SA’s informal informal sectors exist and managing them security and consider the entire value economy revealed the sector’s contribution separately is a challenge. It was ascertained chain, shifting from the end-product to to employment, the GDP, poverty that the retail continuum in informal the beginning of the value chain, the alleviation and food security. Overall, the trading is the same function ful lled by production/agricultural phase. data re ected the vital role the informal formal businesses, but manifested in a The diversity of the informal sector sector plays in generating much-needed different way. extends beyond informal trading and employment, reducing poverty levels and It was suggested to consider the entire acknowledges that in addition to women, injecting incomes into the poorer parts system and develop a retail strategy, as men and the youth also play an important of South African cities and provinces. It opposed to an informal sector policy. Data and active role. also highlighted the huge diversity of work reveals the signi cant impact made by the The needs of people operating in the within the informal economy. informal sector to formal establishments informal sector vary, some may require It was observed that women appear to such as mass marts (suppliers to spaza infrastructure, while others require predominantly participate in the informal shops), which are often silent in the policy equipment to operate. The challenges for trading space, however, the data presented space. There are many examples that can be local government in terms of providing did not necessarily re ect this. used to illustrate the linkages. A number of assistance in this regard include legislative The issue of migration was also discussed corporates are known to work with informal limitations such as the Municipal Finance as the South African informal economy traders for “ambush marketing” purposes Management Act (MFMA) and the landscape consists of a substantial amount when holidays are approaching. Some Provincial Finance Management Act IMAGES: SUPPLIED IMAGES:

44 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISSUE 29

SALGA29_REPORT BACK.indd 44 2019/06/28 5:55 PM SALGA29_REPORT BACK.indd 45 IMAGES: SUPPLIED on thefollowingareas: the informaleconomyputforwardfocused assessments. with anopportunitytoundertakeregulatory users. Municipalitiesarethuspresented testing todeterminetheimpacton activity arenotsubjectedtoregulatory bylaws thatregulateinformaleconomic informal sectorisjustascrucial. analysis ontheothercomponentsof most attention.Conductingresearchand of theinformaleconomythatreceives approaches shouldbealigned. and Enforcementallefforts collaboration oftheEconomicDepartment conscation, whichaffectstheirtrade. of lessvalueduetotheactualthreat instance, tradersresorttopurchasingstock implementation areoftenoverlooked,for the indirecteffectsofregulatory the informaleconomy. promote andful l therightsofpeoplein municipalities aredoingtoprotect,respect, line withadministrativejusticeandwhat of cials weretrainedinamannerthatis Business Act, aswellwhethermunicipal consistent withlegislation,particularlythe whether theexistingmunicipalbylawswere develop and ourish. the informaltradesectorisgivenroomto acknowledges theimportanceofensuring migration. Thus,nationalgovernment unemployment, povertyandrural-urban addressing thechallengesarisingfrom informal tradeplaysanimportantrolein with theprocurementofequipment. in atransparentprocesstoassistpeople (PFMA). Thepredicamentliesinengaging The draft local government position on The draftlocalgovernmentpositionon Regulatory assessments,policiesand Informal tradeistheonecomponent Overall, thesuccesssquarelylieson When itcomestobylawenforcement, Another pointofinterrogationwas Local governmentrecognisesthat • • • • • • imperative. ▪ the economy:alocalgovernment The roleoftheinformalsectorin acknowledging thechallenges framework an evolvinglegislativeandpolicy economy size andcontributionoftheinformal process indevelopingposition purpose oftheposition discussing issuesandinnovations. forum thatservesasaplatformfor which hasafunctionalrecordsmanagement best practicesfromtheNorthernCape, government sector. the professionalisationoflocal records managementwouldfacilitate processes toensuretransparency. strengthen theirrecordmanagement “records” andthatmunicipalitiesneedto the keyelementsofgoodgovernanceis Jabulile Mkhwanazi,saidthatoneof Newcastle LocalMunicipality, Councillor their owninitiatives. emulate thosepracticesasabaselinein are struggling,sotheycouldlearnand practices withthosemunicipalitiesthat management wereinvitedtosharebest based andelectronic). management initsvariousformats(paper- basis. Hence,theimportanceofrecords of activitiesthatareperformedonadaily of enablers,onewhichisgoodrecords Institutional Capacity.” Governance, FinancialManagementand MASP: “PuttingPeople First,Leadership, on the ve pillarsofBacktoBasicsand management function. good practicestostrengthentherecords interact andshareexperiences management practitionersto Zulu Natal,servedasaplatformforrecords by NewcastleLocalMunicipalityinKwa- Access toInformation,theseminar, hosted and ProfessionaliseRecordsManagement Working Together asPeers toImprove,Digitise Municipalities Learning,Supportingand struggling withtheirauditoutcomes. particular emphasisonthosemunicipalities programme forallmunicipalities,butwith Support Programme(MASP)—asupport management aspartofit’s Municipal Audit presented anationalseminaronrecords and IntergovernmentalRelationsdirectorate In PROGRAMME MUNICIPAL AUDIT SUPPORT Sibusiso DlungwanefromNewcastle Thabo LegalamitlwafromSALGAshared Mkhwanazi emphasisedthatproper In herwelcomeaddress,theSpeakerof Municipalities withgoodrecords To succeed,municipalities requireaset Records managementpracticetouches Themed March thisyear, SALGA’s Governance Towards GoodGovernance: especially forseniorofcials. ▪ records managementaKPIforallof cials, for recordsmanagementandmaking function, providingnecessaryresources making recordsmanagementastrategic need toimproveonthisfunctionthrough management and,assuch,municipalities available tomaintainthesystem. be prioritisedandabudgetshould challenges. Changemanagementshould the institutionalrecordsmanagement needs ofthemunicipalitytoaddress EDRMS shouldbecustomisedtothe business continuity. (back-up incaseofdisasters)toensure leakages astheinformationissecured It alsoeliminatesinformationlossand creating moretimeforservicedelivery. that lesstimeisspentchasingpaper, thus of records. while retainingintegrityandauthenticity records fromcreationtodisposition manages thephysicalandelectronic Management System(EDRMS),which Electronic DocumentandRecords huge leaveliability,” hecommented. lack ofefciency inservicedelivery and to documents,duplicationofinformation, resulting inauditqueries,insecureaccess unstructured manner. Thisledtolostles documents andrecordsled inan compliant, efcient andreliable. records managementsystemtobe municipality hasturnedaroundits Local Municipalityreportedthatthe VOICE OFISSUE 29 LOCAL GOVERNMENT Records management is the backbone of Records managementisthebackboneof Dlungwane emphasisedthatthe One ofthetopbenets ofEDRMS is The municipalitymovedtoan “Initially, themunicipalityhad REPORT BACK 2019/06/28 5:55 PM 45 ECD CONFERENCE

Saldanha Bay Municipality, West Coast District Municipality and the Western Cape government recently jointly

From left: Niki Gaika, Western Cape Department of Education; Alderman Eliza Steyn, hosted the fi rst West Coast ECD Mayoral Committee member: Community Development, Saldanha Bay Municipality; Conference aimed at improving Dr Lynette Rossouw, Western Cape Department of Social Development; Alderman Marius Koen, executive mayor Saldanha Bay Municipality; Mandu Mallane, ECD service delivery in the area, SALGA; and Abé du Plessis, senior manager Saldanha Bay Municipality. Abé Du Plessis, reports

he rst WoSA: 2019 West Coast Early Childhood Conference took place in Saldanha Bay from 23–24 May 2019 under FIRST FOR THE Tthe theme “Developing a Whole of Society Approach (WoSA) to Early Childhood Development (ECD) by re ecting, learning and adopting”. A planning and organising WEST COAST committee, consisting of local and provincial Delegates also discussed the realities and The manager of the ArcelorMittal government departments as well as best practices of ECD and the municipality’s Science Centre in Vredenburg informed stakeholders from nonpro t organisations role in integrated ECD development delegates why the economic bene ts of (NPOs) in the ECD eld such as ELRU, planning and policy via a presentation doing good (such as ECD support) by Grassroots and SA Congress, planned and by SALGA. The two-day event provided business in communities as part of their hosted the conference. As a WoSA initiative, stakeholders with knowledge and practical respective business models makes good the objective of the 2019 West Coast ECD tools not only through the presentations, business sense. It was stated that the Conference was to improve the standard of but also through breakaway working groups private sector realises that government and ECD service delivery to children through (BAGS) on speci c ECD topics. The BAGs NPOs cannot solve global problems such developing a collaborative approach between dealt with relevant topics such as: as inequality alone and that businesses can government, state-owned institutions, the • family responsibility and parenting skills have a major impact in solving society’s private sector and civil society. Municipal • registration challenges at municipal level social development challenges such as of cials, councillors and community workers • inclusive ECD programmes for children contributing to quality ECD. in the eld of community development in with disabilities the ve municipalities in the West Coast • quality ECD programmes PREPARATION FOR THE FUTURE District Municipality area attended the • use of the Ward Committee System in Delegates were requested to list three conference, which also focused on giving support of the rst 1 000 days important issues that need to be addressed municipalities a greater understanding of the • Babies, children and books within the next 24 months in their respective local government mandate and their role in • learning to play. elds of ECD operation. A comprehensive ECD as well as providing networking and The role of economic development and report on the conference will be developed relationship-building opportunities. its impact on society and corporate social and shared with all stakeholders — this It was reiterated during the conference responsibilities were also addressed. An includes the presentations, notes from the that ECD has demonstrated that integrated ECD Continuum was presented BAGs and the delegates’ input with the investments, both monetary and on how to work from the concept of co- achievable goals to be implemented before intellectually, are among the most cost- ordination towards co-operation, followed by the next WoSA: 2019 West Coast ECD effective investments a country can make. collaboration and, ultimately, integration. conference in 2021. ▪

The objective of the 2019 West Coast ECD Conference was to improve the standard of ECD service delivery to children through developing a collaborative approach between government, state- owned institutions, the private sector and civil society.

46 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISSUE 29

SALGA29_ECD CONFERENCE.indd 46 2019/06/28 6:18 PM _ToCheck_fcp.indd 2 2019/04/16 10:28 AM _ToCheck_fcp.indd 2 2019/04/25 12:19 PM BIG M PROGRAMME

The City of Ottawa o sets lacklustre planning with KNOWLEDGE a near perfect public transit system, writes Mxolisi Mchunu EXCHANGE The article is based on observations and oral interviews during a SALGA knowledge exchange visit to the city of Ottawa, Canada. The visit forms part of the BIG M programme, a partnership between SALGA and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).

espite being the second biggest country in the world by geography, Mxolisi Mchunu only 12 per cent of Canada’s land area is habitable. Canadian cities Dlike Ottawa have no choice but to make the most of the limited land resource at their disposal, and in doing so, be cognisant of the global shifts that have elevated the role of cities as guardians of the global future. With a population of roughly 994 000, Ottawa is relatively small by global standards. Canada’s world=class public transport system/ Comparatively, Ottawa’s population density is very low, with only 2 000 people per square kilometre in its urban core. This is over people-centric planning from cities. Instead, moving around is possible, and even more twenty times less than Manila, the capital they prefer to turn a blind eye and pursue seamless, without one. city of the Philippines, and the world’s most nontransformative policies that preserve the Reliability, particularly in getting large densely populated city at 41 515 people 19th-century city, oblivious to the fact that the volumes of people to and from work on time, per square km, One of the primary reasons more conservative old and new can, in fact, is what gives Ottawa’s public transit system behind the city’s below average density is co-exist in harmony. the edge. This can be attributed to its route its conservative approach to development, design, which in turn contributes signi cantly manifested in the city’s low-rise, sprawling WORLD-CLASS PUBLIC TRANSPORT to the system’s overall ef ciency. Three built form. There does seem to be a glimmer But then again, and thanks to the city’s crown factors are key in this regard: population of hope, however, that’s if the city’s latest jewel — its world-class and affordable public densities, directness of routes, and travel project is anything to go by. transit system — many of its shortcomings pattern analysis. In July 2018 the city approved a 65-storey have gone unnoticed, at least for now. The With regards to density, routes are building on Albert Street in the Bayview system, operated by buses, is the city’s designed to be conduits that connect densely area, west of the central district. This despite centrepiece and the nerve centre of its populated areas, making them viable, but the existence of an approved blueprint mobility, moving people between districts and more importantly, pro table. “secondary plan” — developed by city staff, suburbs seamlessly for 22 hours a day. Having direct routes reduces travel time landowners and the community — which The only time it is inactive is between 3am as the buses are channeled to major arterial allows for a maximum height of 30 storeys. In and 5am. It services a very large catchment, routes, and by connecting frequently travelled the past, the city has been averse to high- which incorporates neighbouring towns locations, the system’s catchment area density developments, inevitably resulting in and districts that were independent pre- (by population) is signi cantly increased, unabated sprawl. amalgamation. Current low car ownership resulting in more city residents accessing the The city’s old guard — government levels bear testament to the system’s service. bureaucrats, civil society, and business ef ciency and this statistic alone is probably Ottawa has invested considerable — who see themselves as vanguards of the most reliable indicator to corroborate resources in pre-implementation route the city, seem to have adopted a posture the claim of Ottawa’s public transit system design and departure and destination trends, of disregarding the global realities that being second to none. Consequently, a without which the service it offers would not demand smarter, more inclusive and private car is still viewed as a luxury since have enjoyed the success seen today. ▪

ISSUE 29 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT 49

SALGA29_Ottawa.indd 49 2019/06/28 6:17 PM DELVING DEEPER INTO THE WEST COAST DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY The West Coast District Municipality receives far less attention than its more glamorous neighbour, the City of Cape Town, but Dale Hes discovers more about the inner workings of the municipality, its major towns, economy and attractions.

overing an area of over 30 000 and a variety of farmers’ markets. In Cleophas was born in the small West km2, the district is divided Bergrivier, Clanwilliam is world-renowned Coast town of Malmesbury, where he into ve local municipalities for its Rooibos tea, while Saldanha Bay attended the Schoonspruit Secondary —Matzikama, Cederberg, and Langebaan are tourist hubs and School. Growing up under dif cult CBergrivier, Saldanha Bay and Swartland industrial centres. circumstances, he was forced to leave municipalities. The geography of the The total population of people within school early to nd work. area is varied, ranging from sandy white the West Coast District Municipality He was drawn to politics as he had beaches along the Atlantic Ocean has increased signi cantly, according to a great desire to serve his immediate to richly diverse fynbos biomes and of cial data from Statistics South Africa. community, where he could see the wild ower elds. Inland, the rugged and Between 2011 and 2016, the population challenges facing the people. He joined wild Cederberg is the perfect off-the-map grew by more than 10 per cent, mainly the DA and a 30-year career in politics destination for intrepid travellers. due to a rise in economic opportunities eventually saw him rise to the position The main towns of the region are small, created by new projects such as the of executive mayor. Cleophas has been but each has its own unique appeal. Saldanha Bay Industrial Development happily married for 29 years and has one Vredendal, the seat of the Matzikama Zone, as well as better access to municipality, holds a number of hidden basic services. vineyards producing unique wines. In the Cederberg municipality, Piketberg MEET THE MAYOR has its own cultural history museum West Coast District Municipality executive mayor Harold Cleophas’ main goal is to “restore the social fabric of the people in our region”.

50 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISSUE 29

SALGA29_know your muni.indd 50 2019/06/28 6:15 PM MUNCIPAL SPOTLIGHT

WEST COAST FUN FACTS • The Rooibos plant, Aspalathus linearis, is endemic to the mountains of the Cederberg range. Now consumed all over the world, Rooibos tea is low in tannins, caeine-free and contains abundant antioxidants. • Found on the shores of Langebaan Lagoon, Eve’s Footprint is the oldest preserved human footprint in the world, dating back some 117 000 years. • The West Coast’s semi-succulent Karoo biome is one of the most diverse in the world, boasting more than 5 000 species of plants. • The municipality’s main industries are manufacturing, fishing, tourism and oil and ROADS IN THE WEST COAST REGION gas services. All proclaimed roads in the West Coast region (excluding the N7 national route, some tarred roads and municipal streets) are maintained by the West Coast District on an agency basis for the Western Cape Department of • ensuring good governance and Transport and Public Works. nancial viability • The total distance of the roads in the West Coast area is 9 623 km and are • pursuing economic growth and categorised for management purposes according to national criteria set by the facilitation of job opportunities Provincial Government as Trunk Roads, Main Roads, Divisional Roads and • promoting the social wellbeing of Minor Roads. the community • promoting essential bulk services in the region. ▪

son. “The three of us are a mean team, even in politics, and we stick together as a family. We live life to the fullest,” says the mayor. Harold is an avid reader and in his spare time, he likes to explore the beauty of the Western Cape. He lives by the motto: “If you must do something, do it now, and to the best of your ability.”

WEST COAST DISTRICT VISION AND MISSION The municipality’s vision is to be a quality destination of choice through an open opportunity society. Its mission is to ensure outstanding service delivery on the West Coast by pursuing the following objectives: • ensuring environmental integrity for

IMAGES: SUPPLIED IMAGES: the West Coast

ISSUE 29 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT 51

SALGA29_know your muni.indd 51 2019/06/28 6:16 PM KNOW YOUR MUNICIPALITY

Welcome to one of South Africa’s wildest, most WILDFLOWERS AND fascinating regions. From the whitewashed buildings of the numerous fishing OTHER WONDERS villages along the unspoilt Atlantic Ocean coast to OF THE WILD spectacular wildflower fields and rich paleontological heritage, the West Coast WEST COAST should be on every bird watching and seeing Eve’s Footprint — In springtime, the West Coast comes alive South African traveller’s the world’s oldest set of fossilised human with one of the most spectacular natural bucket list, writes Dale Hes footprints, laid about 117 000 years ago. phenomena in the world. Vast elds of Just north of the park, the buzzing town of natural wildowers burst into life, turning Langebaan is the West Coast’s entertainment the landscape into a vivid kaleidoscope hub, offering water-based activities such of different colours. At the peak of ower ith its southern boundary as kite-sur ng and boat cruises, as well as season in October, you will see wildowers just north of Cape Town, various shops, a casino and a golf course. A on almost every stretch of road you travel. the West Coast District short drive from Langebaan, the West Coast Further inland lays the rugged Cederberg, Municipality extends a few Fossil Park is a must-stop, showcasing a centred around the Rooibos-producing Whundred kilometres up the Atlantic Ocean variety of historically important fossils. hub of Clanwilliam and the small towns coastline, and also inland, encompassing the For an authentic West Coast experience, of Citrusdal and Portersville. The area Cederberg and surrounding areas. you need to explore the many small shing is world-renowned for its rock climbing, villages along the coast. In places such and you’ll nd a number of completely COASTAL SCENERY, CHARMING as Paternoster, you can enjoy the freshest secluded lodges and campsites in beautiful FISHING VILLAGES AND THE WILD seafood at world-class restaurants such as settings along large rivers such as the CEDERBERG Wolfgat (recently voted the best off-the-map Olifants and the Groot. The stretches of coastline along the West restaurant in the world). The whitewashed Coast are among the most beautiful in South cottages of the villages are indicative of how LIVING ON THE WEST COAST Africa. The deep blues of the Atlantic Ocean the shermen here have been living for Rahshanah Damonse is the chairperson contrast with the white, boulder-strewn centuries, and you can watch them go out in of the West Coast Business Chamber. beaches, dotted with colourful wooden their wooden boats and bring in their catch She has lived near Langebaan for 15 shing boats. of the day. years. She says that the seclusion, beauty Just an hour’s drive north of Cape Town, and atmosphere of the West Coast are the West Coast National Park is the perfect For an authentic intoxicating. base from which to explore the region. The “It is very peaceful and beautiful. I love park offers a variety of accommodation, West Coast the beaches and the people. Traf c here from campsites to comfy chalets, all set experience, you need is nothing like what you will nd in the around the beautiful Langebaan Lagoon. to explore the many city, but we have still have all the shopping The activities in the park alone can keep you malls and other facilities we need. Having entertained for several days — from hiking small fishing villages travelled around South Africa, I wouldn’t the coastal Geelbek and Strandveld trails to along the coast. want to live anywhere else.” ▪

52 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISSUE 29

SALGA29_knowyourtown_attractions.indd 52 2019/06/28 6:38 PM _ToCheck_fcp.indd 2 2019/02/08 11:33 AM DISTRIBUTION: 37 000 copies to subscribers of the Sunday Times in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape + copies to members of the Black Management Forum

A digital replica will be available online on our website www.businessmediamags.co.za Insert Date: 10 November 2019

ADVERTISING CONTACT in association with Jerome van der Merwe Tel : 021 469 2485 [email protected] Cell : 082 668 1496

Empowerment_fcp.indd 2 2019/06/27 12:20 PM KNOW YOUR MUNICIPALITY

A FAMILY PLAYGROUND Saldanha Bay boasts the most relaxing spot at the Blue Bay Lodge and Resort, writes Raina Julies

f like me, you’re drawn to the rich cultural heritage of the region, then a trip down the West Coast is the easiest way to reconnect with a living past. IThe West Coast road, starting only 25 minutes from Cape Town city centre on the R27 and N7 national road, holds a hosts of links to largely unspoiled history and authentic experiences. The West Coast stretches more than 400km and incorporates 44 small towns, but Saldanha Bay probably has the most intriguing history. because you would hate to miss out on all it guests to collect a bucket from reception and Situated on the northern corner of the has to offer. head out onto the beach and ll their bucket largest and deepest natural bay in the with the bits of plastic and litter that blow Southern Hemisphere, Saldanha boasts one THE EXTRAS onto the beach daily and then claim a free of the most gorgeous lodges in the region, The lodge has a bird hide. This is a great coffee back at the lodge. Blue Bay Lodge and Resort. early morning activity if you’re an avid Blue Bay is a tranquil piece of heaven birdwatcher, or if you’re trying to get the kids The dining and cocktail experience perched on a seaside hill that overlooks the to learn about the many species in the hide. There’s a newly-built bar for cocktails, and a Saldanha Bay. And on a clear day the views The resort also caters for conferences restaurant with unlimited views and a simple of Table Mountain are breathtaking. Once and is fast becoming one of the West Coast menu that’s actually surprisingly packed with a family homestead, today it offers guests region’s most popular wedding venues. delishness. Try the seafood or curry or ribs 17 deluxe en suite rooms, 16 semi self- and you’ll be hard-pressed to fault the chefs catering suites and 14 free-standing self- THE KIDS use of avours. catering cottages. Typical resorts offer great family-friendly The restaurant staff are all very friendly spots, but the kiddy areas at Blue Bay and a quick chat with one of them is sure THE ROOMS (complete with trampoline) offer the added to ll in all the gaps on the history of the You could stay in either a pool-facing room advantage of being a short stroll away from lodge and Saldanha. We chatted to waitron or suite that overlooks the tennis court and an arched bridge over a low stream, easy Ashlene Julius who was a breath of fresh kiddy play area, or choose a self-catering access to the seaside to play beach ball air and so knowlegdeable about the area chalet with views of the resort garden or games, throw a frisbee, build a castle, create and people. Saldanha Bay. art in the sand, or have fun in the jumping Kids will also love what’s on offer and The chalets are not your traditional castle while mom and dad have coffee (or dessert shouldn’t be missed. But if you’re camping chalet, but rather swanky home cocktail) on the deck at the waters edge and dying to try the local sh and chips, a short away from home pet-friendly units equipped watch the sunset, while the kids enjoy the drive into Saldanha town is encouraged. ▪ with everything you’d need to cook a meal or sand between their toes and salt water on order in from the on-site restaurant. their skin. There’s also a beach boma for All the rooms are perfectly furnished and those wintry bon re nights. To book your stay at Blue Bay Lodge and Resort: the beds are too die for, but falling asleep at Protecting the ocean is important to the contact: [email protected] or the resort will feel like such a waste though owners of the resort, so they encourage phone 022 714 11 77

ISSUE 29 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT 55

SALGA29_BLUE BAY.indd 55 2019/06/28 6:09 PM KNOW YOUR MUNICIPALITY

ith a diverse range of industries, from shing to tourism, oil and gas, the next few years could well see a Wbooming business revolution developing in the region. Business infrastructure along the West Coast is developing rapidly. The rise of various industrial development zones and large corporates, as well as a number of small businesses across a range of industries, is providing a welcome boost to the economy of the area.

DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRIES Rhashanah Damonse, chairperson of the A WEST COAST West Coast Business Chamber, says that the West Coast’s biggest advantage is its diversi ed range of industries. BUSINESS REVIVAL “The business ecosystem here is unique and diverse. We have three big Generally regarded as isolated and rural, the West Coast flies shing factories, three big wind farms and below the business radar, writes Dale Hes phosphate mines. And, we now have oil and gas right on our doorstep,” says Damonse. Established by the Department of Trade The West Coast Chamber of Business the West Coast. Recent nancial constraints and Industry, the Saldanha Bay Industrial currently has over 200 registered members, have led to the implementation of a Development Zone (IDZ) is fast becoming but Damonse says that the number of turnaround strategy, led by Lynn Maggot, the economic hub of the region. The signing businesses in the region easily exceeds 500. under a partnership with the Saldanha Bay of an offshore oil and gas supply base She believes that the West Coast District IDZ, the municipality and the Economic agreement at the IDZ last year is expecte Municipality is placing the correct emphasis Development Partnership. to generate between R1.8-billion and on creating an environment that is conducive “The single biggest challenge in the area, R2.2-billion, as well as create hundreds of for business. in my opinion, is the lack of comprehensive, new jobs. “I think the municipality understands structured business development The IDZ has attracted a range of national how important it is to sustain relationships programmes that seek to develop small and international investors in steel factories, with businesses and business forums. If businesses to grow and become sustainable,” marine repair facilities, oil and fuel plants the sector is managed correctly, then it is she says. “ and engineering services. not only a bene t to businesses, but also A revitalised business development centre Tourism is making an increasingly to municipalities, households and even the will be crucial for providing business support important contribution to the economy with South African economy,” Damondse says. services, particularly to small businesses. towns such as Langebaan and Paternoster “Comprehensive business development becoming a hive of activity over the summer SUPPORT STRUCTURES FOR services are about providing a nurturing period. “It is rare to come across an area BUSINESSES environment for entrepreneurs with relatively where you nd so many different things The West Coast Business Development low educational and skills level. Business being done in one business environment. Centre – a nonpro t entity – has been mentoring and coaching is fundamental for If business is approached correctly and servicing businesses from all towns across business growth.” ▪ established correctly, then I believe that we have everything we need to make this area a business hub,” Damonse says.

EASE OF DOING BUSINESS A number of business forums have been established in recent years, which, together with support from local and provincial municipalities, is greatly improving the ease

of doing business. SUPPLIED IMAGE:

56 VOICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISSUE 29

SALGA29_knowyourtown_business.indd 56 2019/06/28 5:59 PM As any estate agent will testify, “location” is the single-most plus when it comes HOW AND WHY to desirable property. WE ATTRACT That is one of the reasons the City of uMhlathuze attracts the attention of INDUSTRY national and global investors. Growing around the deepwater port of Richards Bay, the city has what an industrial venture capitalist desires — rail and road access, bulk electricity and Location water infrastructure security. The city, in partnership with the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ), has made large parcels of land available for development. It is also developing additional water resources through wastewater treatment that will be available for industrial use in 2022. It is anticipated that by then the relocation of the Richards Bay Airport will have been is key to completed, helping improve and reduce the travelling costs of local businesses. R30-million has been allocated towards the construction of a road that will link Kruggerand road to Alumina Allee in Alton. This will further unlock development of the Central Industrial Area, earmarked for mixed- land development. industry

In 2018, the city signed a tripartite agreement with RBIDZ and Transnet National Ports Authority to promote integrated planning and management of projects that will result in regional economic growth. attraction PARTNERSHIPS THAT PROMOTE The city and RBIDZ have been working to attract investors to the region by INVESTMENT visiting international trade and exhibitions, through its partnership with SANEC AND GROWTH (Southern African Netherlands Chamber of Commerce). As a member of SANEC, the city was also introduced to the enormous Rotterdam and Amsterdam ports to investigate the effect of a possible hard BREXIT, which may present the Port of Richards Bay with an opportunity to service the greater British business community on behalf of the two Dutch ports. The City has since established a strong bond with other SANEC members in the Netherlands.

The city amended its SCM policy to favour previously disadvantaged sectors by setting aside 40 per cent of its capital to women, 40 per cent to youth and 20 LOOKING per cent to disabled persons. AFTER OUR In 2019, the city launched a Buy Local Charter Campaign to encourage OWN PEOPLE local companies to prioritise local products when procuring services, and it plans to continue lobbying for the support of local businesses, especially young entrepreneurs.

A SMME One-Stop-Shop was launched in 2018 for the purpose of bringing BUSINESS everything under the same roof. OPPORTUNITIES The centre currently houses the National Youth Development Agency AND ENTERPRISE (NYDA), National Development Agency (NDA) and the Zikhulise Community DEVELOPMENT Development Organisation, which has aided communities throughout the whole region. The city is also in the process of appointing a contractor to develop a Business Centre at eSikhaleni for the development of young entrepreneurs in the township. To ensure the participation of young people in the construction industry, the city, in partnership with SEDA Construction Incubator, will launch its own Construction Incubator at eSikhaleni Township in September 2019. The recruitment of young entrepreneurs already in possession of CIDB Grade 2 and 3 will start in June 2019.

The city’s impeccable record in terms of audits and service delivery awards DOING provides assurance of good governance to investors. BUSINESS BY The City of uMhlathuze continues to be the epitome of clean governance, THE BOOK having obtained five consecutive clean audits. Investors want to know how the government of the area they intend investing in is run, theremore, credibility is crucial to their decision-making processes. This means taxpayers’ money is directed where it is meant to go: into service delivery projects within the prescribed period. The city’s self-funded budget is also an indication that its revenue collection base remains healthy although it can be improved, thus reducing reliance on government grants. The City of uMhlathuze, rallying behind the theme “Poised for Economic Growth”, remains open for business and continues to be the best choice for foreign direct investors.

uMhlathuze Municipality @uMhlathuzeM umhlathuze_municipality

www.umhlathuze.gov.za

CityuMhlathuze_IBC.indd 5 2019/06/28 11:39 AM Quality of The City of uMhlathuze commits life for all itself to: • Job creation and inclusive economic growth through accelerated economic development and transformation • Enhancing industry-based skills development and strategic support to education priority programmes • Community-based initiatives to improve the quality of citizens health and wellbeing • Creating a safer city through integrated and community-based public safety • • Planned and accelerated rural development interventions • Promotion and maintenance of spatial equity and transformation • Optimal management of natural resources and commitment to sustainable environmental management • Use of information, communication and technology Systems (ICT) to improve productivity and efficiencies in line with Smart City principlesgood governance, capable and developmental municipality Our vision The Port City of uMhlathuze offering improved quality of life for all citizens through sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. Our mission To develop uMhlathuze as the industrial, commercial and administrative centre within the natural beauty of the region, providing a range of efficient municipal services thereby ensuring economic development, dynamic investment growth and an improvement in the quality of life for all. Come Visit Us: 5 Mark Strasse Civic Centre, Richards Bay, 3900 Contact uMhlathuze Municipality: Switchboard 035 907 5000/ Call Centre 0800 222 827 Email: [email protected] uMhlathuze Municipality @uMhlathuzeM umhlathuze_municipality

CityuMhlathuze_OBC.indd 5 2019/06/28 12:25 PM