Experts call for intensified training of incoming councillors to improve municipalities
Experts and MPs have urged SALGA to provide continuous training for incoming councillors, warning that a single induction programme is not enough to prepare them for complex oversight and financial-management responsibilities.
South African local government experts are urging the SA Local Government Association (Salga) to ramp up training for newly elected councillors, as professionalisation of municipalities gains prominence before the November elections. Salga CEO Sithole Mbanga acknowledged the need for more resources to amp up capacity-building for councillors, stating that the current budget of R40m is insufficient.
Salga has identified seven key areas for capacity-building, including governance, leadership, financial management, infrastructure, and disaster management. However, two local government specialists argue that Salga must do more than just an annual induction program. Prof Zwelinzima Ndevu from Stellenbosch University's school of public leadership emphasizes that councillors must be trained to effectively oversee council operations, monitor plan implementation, and ensure equitable resource distribution.
Dr Harlan Cloete from the University of Free State, who has conducted councillor inductions for Salga, points out that the learning curve for councillors is steep and that continuous training is needed to equip them for their oversight responsibilities. Both experts suggest that councillors should be integrated into the skills development plan to ensure they receive ongoing training and support.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
