Experts call for intensified training of incoming councillors to improve municipalities

Experts and MPs are calling for increased training of incoming municipal councillors to professionalize local government. Salga CEO Sithole Mbanga stated that the organization lacks sufficient resources, receiving only R40 million from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta). Training is scheduled to begin in December and January, but resource limitations are causing delays. Salga has seven strategic priorities covering governance, financial management, infrastructure, urban planning, inclusion, worker development, and business education.