Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Xolile Nqatha, has called on the leadership of the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality to adhere to the basics of local government, as envisaged in the national constitution.
Nqatha made the remarks as he addressed a three-day strategic planning session of the local municipality held at the East London International Convention Centre from May 18-20.
KSD Municipality is aspiring for a metropolitan municipality status by 2026.
“Local government derives its mandate from the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which states that local government has to provide democratic and accountable government for local communities, ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner, promote social and economic development, promote a safe and healthy environment and encourage involvement of communities and community organisations on matters of local government,” Nqatha said.
He further called on both political and administrative leadership to stick to their roles and not interfere with one another.
“I call upon all politicians in this council to stick to their roles and avoid interfering with administrative matters. Your oversight role as political principals is quite imperative, without interfering in administrative matters.”
“Politicians must run in their lane without destabilising the administration. By the same token, administrators are not expected to take over the role of politicians,” Nqatha added.
In his opening address to the strategic planning session, KSD Executive Mayor, Nyaniso Goodman Nelani, said innovative ideas and strategies were needed to address the triple challenge of poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
“Our plan is to ensure that the environment is appealing to investors and is conducive for economic growth.
“A conducive atmosphere requires security and reduction of red tape for investment attraction and promotion of an enterprising spirit among our people,” Nelani remarked.
Nelani also revealed that the municipality has, on March 31, formally applied for metropolitan city status from the Municipal Demarcation Board.
