CoGTA welcomes its new Minister and Deputies

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and its entities, have extended their congratulations and welcomed Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, Deputy Minister Dickson Masemola and Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe to the portfolio.

This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his Government of National Unity (GNU) Cabinet on Sunday. 

“The staff and management in the department look forward to working with the new Minister, Deputy Minister Masemola, and the returning Deputy Minister Burns-Ncamashe. 

“Their experience working with both the local government and traditional leadership sectors will go a long way in ensuring that the departments achieve their constitutional mandate.” 

The new leaders have already convened a meeting this week with the Executive Committees (Exco) of the ministry. 

The meeting also included the CEO and the Deputy Directors-General (DDGs) of the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) as well as the CEO of the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB).

“The primary purpose of the meeting was to facilitate a meet and greet session and to provide a high-level introduction to the department’s programmes to the new executives. The Directors-General of the departments led the session, pledging their commitment to work with the Minister and Deputy Ministers in fulfilling the departments’ mandates,” the department explained. 

Speaking at the session, Burns-Ncamashe briefly highlighted the challenges faced by the institution of traditional leadership. 

He expressed his commitment to supporting the Minister in promoting cooperative governance and strengthening traditional affairs.

His colleague, Masemola indicated his eagerness to work with both the Minister and Deputy Minister, as well as the CoGTA team, to address the challenges faced by local governments. 

“He emphasised the importance of stabilising and supporting municipalities to ensure they can deliver on their constitutional mandates. Additionally, he called for increased collaboration with traditional leaders to advance South Africa’s development.”

Hlabisa expressed his gratitude to the Deputy Ministers for their support so far. 

“He assured that he and the Deputy Ministers are committed to working closely with the department’s officials, using their experience in local government and with traditional leaders.” 

The Minister stressed the need to respond rapidly to challenges at the local government level by leveraging all experiences. 

The Minister spoke of a proactive and diligent approach, emphasising the importance of striving to “do things right the first time”.

The department also took the time to thank the former Minister, Thembi Simelane and Deputy Minister Parks Tau for their efforts that have enabled the departments to deliver on their constitutional mandate. 

Simelane is the new Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, while Tau was appointed Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition. – SAnews.gov.za