Picture: North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
10 September 2026 – The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said 30 years ago, South Africa emerged from a history of exclusion and injustice to establish a constitutional order founded on human dignity, equality, freedom, accountability and the rule of law. Mokgosi address this final session of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) North West Provincial Members Assembly at Seasons Golf, Leisure and Spar in Hartbeespoort on Wednesday, said since then, the constitution has guided the democratic institutions and provided the framework through which provinces such as the North West have pursued social transformation and inclusive development.
He further said these constitutional values find practical expression in local government. Mokgosi added that municipalities are entrusted with delivering accountable governance, providing essential services, promoting socio-economic development and enabling meaningful public participation.
“As we reflect on this journey, we honour the sacrifices, resilience, and visionary leadership that secured our democracy. The commitment of generations of South Africans laid the foundation for the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy today.
“As the sphere of government closest to the people, local government remains central to improving quality of life and advancing the constitutional values of dignity, equality, and human rights,” he said.
He said as former President Nelson Mandela observed, “The Constitution of South Africa is a mirror of the nation’s soul. It reflects who we are and who we aspire to be.” Mokgosi said over the past five years, municipalities across the North West have demonstrated resilience in advancing service delivery despite fiscal and governance challenges.
“Supported by the Municipal Turnaround Programme, municipalities continue to make progress in strengthening financial management and governance. Moses Kotane, JB Marks and Greater Taung Local Municipalities improved from qualified to unqualified audit opinions, joining Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality and Moretele Local Municipality.
“Mamusa Local Municipality improved from an adverse to a qualified opinion, while disclaimer opinions declined significantly from nine municipalities in 2020/21 to only one in 2024/25, namely Ditsobotla. Ratlou Local Municipality also recorded notable progress, moving from a disclaimer to a qualified opinion,” he said.
Mokgosi said these improvements reflect the commitment of municipal councils, officials and communities to building capable, responsive and developmental local government institutions. He said a week ago, municipalities across the province submitted their Annual Financial Statements to the Auditor-General for the 2025/26 financial year.
“This milestone demonstrates our collective commitment to accountability, transparency, and sound financial management. These submissions coincide with continued improvements in governance across the province.
“Most significantly, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs achieved its first clean audit outcome since the advent of democracy. This achievement reflects a strong commitment to financial discipline, accountability, and effective governance,” said Mokgosi.
He said they commend the department for leading by example and for its ongoing support to municipalities across the province. Mokgosi said as local government leaders, they occupy a unique position within the democratic system.
The Guardian 