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The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Western Cape, through its Provincial Executive Committee (PEC), is scheduled to have conversations with Garden Route municipalities. This engagement is aimed at addressing the pressing challenges currently confronting local government and will take place on 23 October 2023, in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. 

These interactions stem from the PEC's commitment to enhancing the regular dialogue between SALGA and its member municipalities, with the goal of resolving significant concerns within the local government sphere. 

The upcoming engagement with the Garden Route municipalities marks the second in a series after the PEC had engagements with the Central Karoo municipalities in April of this year. During the session, SALGA will actively listen to the concerns and challenges faced by the municipalities, ensuring that their voices are heard and acknowledged. SALGA aims to develop a deeper understanding of the specific needs and aspirations of the Garden Route municipalities. 

Alderman Donovan Joubert, the Chairperson of SALGA Western Cape, emphasised the necessity of having consistent interaction between the PEC and its member municipalities. He highlighted that this interaction is crucial for addressing the challenges that member municipalities encounter. 

"SALGA PEC's engagement with member municipalities serves as a vital platform for in-depth conversations about the significant issues impacting municipalities and their communities. This interaction also presents an opportunity to contribute to the ongoing dialogue between SALGA and its members, facilitating the identification and resolution of existing gaps and deficiencies in local governance," Ald. Joubert further explained.

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Each Local Municipality will have the opportunity to present the prevalent issues within their jurisdictions. Mr. Khalil Mullagie, the Director of Operations for SALGA Western Cape, pointed out that one common issue faced by many local municipalities is land invasion and unlawful land occupation. He stressed that through these engagements, SALGA aims to gain insights into the current status of land invasions and the impact on service delivery and community protests in each municipal area. Furthermore, they intend to explore the processes employed by municipalities to address illegal land occupation and work together to develop practical solutions. 

“Effectively addressing these challenges is essential for fostering positive change and enhancing the overall well-being of the community,” said Mr Mullagie.

Issued by The South African Local Government Association