The Northern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) reinforced its commitment to strengthening intergovernmental relations and improving municipal performance through the successful hosting of the first Municipalities and MEC (MUNMEC) meeting for 2026, held from 22 to 23 April in Upington, under the leadership of MEC Bentley Vass.
The MUNMEC serves as a strategic platform that brings together leadership from across the local government sphere, including Executive Mayors, Mayors, Chief Whips, and Municipal Managers, alongside sector departments and key stakeholders. The forum provides an opportunity to engage on critical governance matters, assess municipal performance, and collectively develop solutions to challenges affecting service delivery.
In his opening remarks, MEC Vass emphasised the importance of strengthened collaboration across all spheres of government, noting that sustainable service delivery requires a coordinated and unified approach. He reiterated the significance of the Provincial Government’s Municipal 10-Point Plan, introduced during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) 2026, as a targeted intervention to address systemic challenges within municipalities. The plan prioritises service delivery, financial management, infrastructure maintenance, and leadership stability, while advancing initiatives such as Operation Clean Audit to improve accountability and governance.
Deliberations during the two-day engagement reflected a strong focus on policy alignment, governance reform, and institutional performance. Central to the discussions was the ongoing review of the Draft White Paper on Local Government, with stakeholders providing input aimed at shaping future reforms within the sector. In addition, emphasis was placed on strengthening the alignment between key municipal planning instruments, including the Integrated Development Plans (IDPs), Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plans (SDBIPs), in line with MFMA Circular No. 88, to ensure more credible and integrated planning systems.
The MUNMEC further benefited from the participation of key sector departments, including the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison and the Department of Education. Presentations focused on critical areas such as municipal debt recovery linked to motor vehicle licensing processes, as well as the 2035 Multi-Year Education Improvement Plan, which seeks to strengthen collaboration between local government and the education sector to improve long-term developmental outcomes.
The MUNMEC was further marked by robust engagement on accountability and service delivery, highlighted by the presentation of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) inquiry report into the state of local government in the Northern Cape. The session created a platform for meaningful interaction, with municipal leadership actively engaging the Commission on its findings and recommendations aimed at strengthening governance and improving service delivery outcomes.
The meeting was further enriched by the participation of the Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, Tandi Mahambehlala, who presented resolutions from the Innovative Building Technologies Presidential Summit. Her presentation emphasised the need for adopting innovative and sustainable construction methods to accelerate housing delivery, reduce costs, and address the growing housing demand in South Africa.
Complementing the MUNMEC engagements, the Department hosted a service delivery outreach programme in Rosedale, Upington, providing communities with direct access to government services through a coordinated “one-stop shop” approach. This initiative reflects the Department’s broader commitment to bridging the gap between government and communities while ensuring that service delivery remains responsive and accessible.
The successful conclusion of the MUNMEC reaffirmed government’s commitment to building capable, ethical, and responsive municipalities. The engagements demonstrated a clear focus on strengthening governance systems, enhancing collaboration, and ensuring that municipal performance translates into tangible improvements in the lives of communities across the Northern Cape.
