Midrand: The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, will host the Local Government Indaba at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, from 2 – 3 October 2025. This event will unite over 1,000 delegates from government, traditional leadership, business, academia, civil society, and organised labour, all focused on revitalising municipalities and restoring public trust in local governance.
According to South African Government News Agency, three years after the last Local Government Summit in 2022, South Africa’s municipalities continue to face challenges such as financial mismanagement, political instability, poor governance, deteriorating infrastructure, and inconsistent service delivery. ‘Yet, amidst these trials, there is a growing resolve to turn the tide,’ the department’s statement read.
In 2025, the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) presented the audit outcomes for the 2023/24 financial year, revealing: 16% of municipalities achieved unqualified audits with no findings (an increase of seven from the previous year); 39% received unqualified audits with findings (a decrease of 11); 35% received qualified opinions (a decrease of one); 2% had adverse findings (stagnant at six); 5% received disclaimers (a decrease of four) and 4% had outstanding audits (an increase of nine). ‘These figures underscore the urgency of reform but also the opportunity for a local government performance turnaround,’ the department said.
The department said next week’s gathering will serve as a springboard for bold action, focusing on cultivating ethical leadership and effective oversight in municipal councils, policy reforms, service delivery excellence, professionalising local government, and disaster risk management. The programme will include panel discussions led by Cabinet Ministers, traditional leaders, Members of the Executive Council (MECs), Mayors, academics, and sector experts.
In addition, there will be focused commissions addressing specific thematic priorities. Another feature of the event is the Local Government Good Governance Awards, which celebrate municipalities that exemplify best practices in governance and financial stewardship. ‘These awards will inspire others to rise to the challenge and set new standards of excellence,’ the department added.