Deputy Minister Masemola Concludes First Day of Oversight Visit to Priority Districts in Northern Cape

Dr. Namane Dickson Masemola, Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), has wrapped up the first day of the Northern Cape leg of COGTA’s Ministerial Oversight visit to priority districts. This visit is part of an ongoing effort to assess and improve service delivery in key areas.

The Deputy Minister was joined by the MEC of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) in the Northern Cape, Bentley Vass, as well as district and local mayors, councillors, municipal speakers, SALGA representatives, and the CEO of the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA).

Deputy Minister Masemola engaged with the leadership of the ZF Mgcawu District and its local municipalities, where mayors presented an in-depth overview of the region's current challenges. These presentations offered critical insights into service delivery barriers, enabling a transparent and comprehensive understanding of the district's needs.

The Deputy Minister expressed his appreciation for the openness shown by the district's leadership, highlighting that their candidness allowed him to fully grasp the pressing issues. His closing remarks centred on the urgent need to strengthen municipal capacity, emphasizing that effective service delivery hinges on the growth and development of municipal staff and councilors. Dr. Masemola called on municipal employees and leaders to invest in both their personal and professional growth, positioning this as a key driver for improved performance.

Dr. Masemola also underscored the importance of embedding the District Development Model (DDM) within the province. He noted that the model’s success lies in fostering better coordination and alignment between government spheres, which is crucial for addressing the challenges faced by municipalities.

COGTA’s commitment to supporting municipalities extends beyond this oversight visit, with Dr. Masemola personally pledging to return to the district to monitor progress. He emphasized that the Department’s ongoing involvement will ensure that the support provided leads to tangible improvements in service delivery, signalling a long-term partnership for the benefit of the communities in the Northern Cape.