STAFF REPORTER

29 September 2026 – The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) is set to convene a high-level roundtable in Gqeberha on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, to strengthen governance, accountability and service delivery in Eastern Cape municipalities.
The engagement, held in partnership with Nelson Mandela University’s Raymond Mhlaba Centre for Governance and Leadership, will bring together representatives from government, academia, business, civil society and development partners.
SALGA spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said the roundtable aimed to translate policy discussions, research and community experiences into practical solutions that improve municipal performance.
“The roundtable seeks to strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders and ensure that policy, partnerships and performance translate into measurable improvements in service delivery for communities,” Modiba said.
Held under the theme “Connecting Policy, Partnerships and Performance: A Roundtable on Governance and Service Delivery in Eastern Cape Municipalities,” the engagement will focus on addressing persistent governance and service-delivery challenges.
Discussions will cover leadership, governance and accountability; municipal finance, infrastructure and sustainable service delivery; integrated planning, spatial transformation and local economic development; community participation and inclusive local government; as well as disaster risk reduction and climate resilience.
SALGA said collaboration was essential as the current local-government term approached its conclusion, with the aim of clarifying institutional responsibilities, strengthening accountability and building practical partnerships.
The roundtable will take place at The Capital Boardwalk Hotel, Boardwalk Mall, Entrance 4, Marine Drive, Summerstrand, Gqeberha, from 08:00 to 15:00.
Media representatives have been invited to attend the engagement. Interview requests and confirmations can be directed to Motalatale Modiba at 072 515 3022 or mmodiba@salga.org.za, or Sandiswa Pholo at 084 888 9514 or spholo@salga.org.za.