Mkhize demands measurable results from municipal professionalisation after 2026 polls

Dr Zweli Mkhize, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, has demanded that municipal professionalization efforts demonstrate measurable improvements following the 2026 local government elections. Speaking during a meeting with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Mkhize emphasized that the training and professionalization initiatives must yield visible results in municipal performance.

SALGA CEO Sithole Mbanga informed the committee that incoming councillors would undergo initial induction in January 2027, followed by portfolio-linked training and accredited learning opportunities. Mkhize requested regular updates on the progress of these professionalization efforts. During the meeting, the committee questioned SALGA on its capacity to assist municipalities in appointing capable, ethical officials and addressing corruption.

Concerning outgoing councils' long-term commitments, Mkhize highlighted that SALGA and the Co-operative Governance Department had created transition guidance to prevent such commitments. He stressed the importance of filling critical operational posts and maintaining essential functions after the elections. The committee also inquired about SALGA's impact on municipalities' performance, with SALGA President Bheki Stofile mentioning the potential increase in coalition-governed municipalities.

Stofile noted that the Municipal Structures Act provisions would apply until the proposed Coalitions Bill came into effect. The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) reported completing ward delimitation work for the elections, publishing 4,273 of the targeted 4,488 wards by March 31. However, Thabo Manyoni, MDB chairperson, proposed collaborating with SALGA on the post-election councillor induction program, as newly elected councillors should understand municipal boundary redetermination and ward delimitation to effectively assist communities.

Mkhize noted that residents had discovered boundary changes too late, emphasizing the need for residents to comprehend the practical implications of boundary changes on their access to representation and services.