By Alicia Mmashakana
Gauteng Local Government Turnaround Committee, also known as the Turnaround Committee, has committed to prioritise improvements in critical bulk infrastructure, including water, energy, waste management, roads, and disaster management.
This emerged on Friday at the conclusion of the Local Government Turnaround Strategy Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Forum held in Johannesburg, hosted by Gauteng CoGTA MEC Jacob Mamabolo. The forum aims to monitor progress in implementing the resolutions of the recent Local Government Turnaround Summit.
The Turnaround Committee was established following the recent Gauteng Local Government Turnaround Summit held on 23–24 October 2024 in Mogale City, West Rand District.
It is composed of Members of Mayoral Committees delegated by Mayors, as well as Municipal Managers, who have been tasked with leading and championing the turnaround initiatives.
“We are extremely pleased as the Gauteng Provincial Government with the commitment our municipalities have shown towards a unified provincial strategy to transform municipal governance and service delivery,” said Mamabolo.
“The Monitoring Committee has identified seven key focus areas that will guide their interventions going forward.”
Among others, the Turnaround Committee aims to intensify efforts to combat crime and enhance community safety as it embarks on its mandate.
Gauteng COGTA spokesperson Theo Nkonki said the committee prioritises the importance of public participation, announcing plans to engage communities across all municipalities to promote inclusive decision-making.
“Broader consultations with key stakeholders, including organised labour, businesses, academia, and civil society, will also play a pivotal role,” said Nkonki.
“These initiatives align with the Turnaround Summit’s focus on cooperative governance, intergovernmental collaboration, and strategic partnerships to address municipal challenges and enhance service delivery across the Gauteng City Region.”
The committee further resolved to convene an Imbizo to update ward councillors on critical issues, including water security, by-law enforcement, energy, and community safety.
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