News
October 04, 2025
COGTA Minister Hlabisa calls on municipalities to restore public trust
Hlabisa says it has become clear that residents no longer have confidence in their municipalities' ability to provide quality services.
**COGTA Minister Hlabisa calls on municipalities to restore public trust**
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Mr. Hlabisa, has issued a strong call to municipalities across the nation to prioritize restoring public trust, acknowledging a significant erosion of confidence in local government's ability to deliver essential services. The Minister's address highlights a growing concern that residents increasingly feel let down by their municipalities.
Speaking at a recent government briefing, Minister Hlabisa emphasized the critical role municipalities play in the lives of ordinary citizens. They are the closest level of government to the people, responsible for providing vital services such as water, sanitation, waste removal, electricity, and road maintenance. However, he noted that the current reality falls far short of expectations, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and a breakdown in the relationship between communities and their local authorities.
"It has become painfully clear that our residents no longer have the confidence they should in their municipalities to provide quality services," Minister Hlabisa stated. He pointed to recurring issues such as service delivery failures, financial mismanagement, and allegations of corruption as key factors contributing to this decline in public trust.
The Minister stressed that restoring this trust is not merely a matter of improving public perception but is fundamental to the functioning of a healthy democracy. When citizens lose faith in their local government, it can lead to social unrest, hinder development, and undermine the very foundations of good governance.
Minister Hlabisa urged municipalities to take immediate and decisive action to address the root causes of the problem. This includes implementing robust financial controls, ensuring transparency and accountability in all operations, and prioritizing the delivery of quality services to all residents. He also emphasized the importance of engaging with communities, listening to their concerns, and involving them in decision-making processes.
The COGTA Minister further committed the national government to providing support and guidance to municipalities in their efforts to rebuild public trust. This includes offering training and capacity-building programs, strengthening oversight mechanisms, and promoting best practices in local governance. He concluded by reiterating that restoring public trust is not only a responsibility but also an opportunity for municipalities to demonstrate their commitment to serving the needs of their communities and building a better future for all.
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Mr. Hlabisa, has issued a strong call to municipalities across the nation to prioritize restoring public trust, acknowledging a significant erosion of confidence in local government's ability to deliver essential services. The Minister's address highlights a growing concern that residents increasingly feel let down by their municipalities.
Speaking at a recent government briefing, Minister Hlabisa emphasized the critical role municipalities play in the lives of ordinary citizens. They are the closest level of government to the people, responsible for providing vital services such as water, sanitation, waste removal, electricity, and road maintenance. However, he noted that the current reality falls far short of expectations, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and a breakdown in the relationship between communities and their local authorities.
"It has become painfully clear that our residents no longer have the confidence they should in their municipalities to provide quality services," Minister Hlabisa stated. He pointed to recurring issues such as service delivery failures, financial mismanagement, and allegations of corruption as key factors contributing to this decline in public trust.
The Minister stressed that restoring this trust is not merely a matter of improving public perception but is fundamental to the functioning of a healthy democracy. When citizens lose faith in their local government, it can lead to social unrest, hinder development, and undermine the very foundations of good governance.
Minister Hlabisa urged municipalities to take immediate and decisive action to address the root causes of the problem. This includes implementing robust financial controls, ensuring transparency and accountability in all operations, and prioritizing the delivery of quality services to all residents. He also emphasized the importance of engaging with communities, listening to their concerns, and involving them in decision-making processes.
The COGTA Minister further committed the national government to providing support and guidance to municipalities in their efforts to rebuild public trust. This includes offering training and capacity-building programs, strengthening oversight mechanisms, and promoting best practices in local governance. He concluded by reiterating that restoring public trust is not only a responsibility but also an opportunity for municipalities to demonstrate their commitment to serving the needs of their communities and building a better future for all.
Category:
Politics