SONA expectations from local govt
South African Local Government Association (SALGA) wishes President Cyril Ramaphosa success in delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, February 9.
The country is currently facing several challenges, including an energy crisis and a rising cost of living, and local government is grappling with complex issues such as the growing debt owed to municipalities and a weak economy leading to unemployment and poverty.
SALGA hopes that the President Ramaphosa will address a few key issues related to local government in his SONA speech.
The association is mainly promoting the acceleration of the energy transition to relieve pressure on Eskom and ensure energy security.
They also request an update on the introduction of renewable energy independent power producers in the country’s energy sector and plans to end loadshedding.
Local government is also currently facing inadequate funding and SALGA would like to hear the President address this issue. The revenue-sharing mechanism, the Local Government Equitable Share Grant, is insufficient and hinders the sector’s ability to carry out its obligations.
The association is urging greater collaboration between the three spheres of government to enhance government planning, decision-making, and service provision.
SALGA supports a sustainable regulatory framework for coalition governments and is concerned about the increasing number of incidents of intimidation and killings of councillors and municipal officials.
In light of the increasing number of violent threats against council members and municipal officials, SALGA has called on the government to take necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of these officials.
This issue, which has become a national crisis, undermines the functioning and stability of municipalities and threatens the very foundations of democracy. SALGA has brought this issue to the attention of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and has urged the government to take swift action to address the problem.
In conclusion, SALGA has expressed its hope that the President will address several pressing issues facing local government in his SONA address.
These issues include the rising municipal debt, the energy crisis and load shedding, insufficient funding for local government, cooperation between the three spheres of government, a regulatory framework for coalition governments, and the safety and security of municipal councillors and officials.
SALGA has called on the government to take swift action to address these issues and to work together to build a financially viable local government system that provides quality services to all citizens.