15/09/2026
The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Zolile Williams, has challenged delegates attending the Department’s Strategic Planning Session in Port Alfred to reflect on a critical question: “What difference are we making in the lives of the people we serve?”
Addressing officials on the opening day of the session, the MEC emphasised that the success of the Department should not be measured only by plans, policies and reports, but by improved service delivery and a better quality of life for communities across the Eastern Cape.
MEC Williams highlighted ongoing challenges facing municipalities, including governance and service delivery shortcomings, while commending the province’s achievement of having eight municipalities with clean audits. He stressed that good audit outcomes must translate into stronger governance, sound financial management and increased public trust.
The MEC announced his intention to revive and modernise Operation Clean Audit, integrating it into the Municipal Non-Negotiables Programme to drive accountability, service delivery excellence and institutional performance. He also called for continuous training of municipal officials and stronger partnerships with universities to build professional and capable local government institutions.
On municipal support, MEC Williams reaffirmed the Department’s preference for Section 154 support interventions, focusing on strengthening municipalities rather than taking over their functions. Going forward, the Department will intensify support and capacity-building while strengthening monitoring, oversight and accountability measures.
The MEC also highlighted key priorities including disaster management and climate resilience, support for traditional leadership institutions, improved infrastructure development, preparation for the Summer Initiation Season, strengthening Community Development Worker programmes, and greater private sector participation in District Development Model catalytic projects.
MEC concluded by calling on all officials to use the strategic planning session to develop practical solutions that will strengthen local government, improve service delivery and ensure meaningful change in communities throughout the province.
Panel Discussions followed which focus on the state of Local Governance in the Province and what the department should do differently.