By Simon Nare
Wheels are in motion to review the White Paper on Local Government to enhance governance efficiency and establish a clear policy framework for the local government system.
The ANC disclosed this during discussions at its national executive committee (NEC) meeting, currently underway at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni.
A revised White Paper aims to create more accountable, efficient, and responsive municipalities, leading to improved service delivery in water, sanitation, electricity, and other essential services.
Economic Transformation Committee (ETC) member and Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau told journalists at a media briefing on the sidelines of the meeting that the NEC has acknowledged systemic and policy challenges affecting local government functionality.
According to Tau, these issues necessitate a comprehensive review of the local government framework.
During a workshop on the matter, the party agreed that the White Paper should be revised to provide clearer guidelines for governance.
He confirmed that the review process is already underway.
“We are reconvening then to say what are the elements of that review that require intervention in terms of policy and other instruments to improve the function of local government,” said Tau.
Responding to a question around municipalities, Tau admitted that governance in metros and local government has required intervention by national government on certain challenges facing them.
“There are particular issues, some of them are deep seated financial issues that have emerged over time. So, you can’t necessarily attribute the current financial challenges in the municipality to the current leadership. These have emerged over a period of time,” said Tau.
“And we have had to deal with the reality of the deterioration of the financial position of the municipalities. The metros have said we need assistance; we need government to support us and there is a particular ser of action that we are announcing.”
He added that as a response to these challenges, the government will expand Operation Vulindlela to municipalities to be able to address the deep-seated challenges facing them.
In an NEC statement read at the conference, the ANC said there were crises in local government that needed to be attended to, and it will not sit back and let the situation worsen.
“We are preparing for the future. In April 2025, the ANC will convene a Local Government Workshop to sharpen our contributions to the review of the White Paper on Local Government,” the party said in a statement.
“This workshop will ensure that the ANC leads the charge in reshaping municipal legislative and fiscal frameworks, directly informing the development of our 2026 Local Government Elections Manifesto—grounded in real lessons, not empty rhetoric.”
The party reaffirmed its commitment to turning around the state of local government and fast-tracking the delivery of basic services, particularly access to water and sanitation.
It said its NEC Local Government Intervention Task Team has intensified its oversight, ensuring that priority municipalities receive urgent and targeted support.
“This is not a symbolic exercise—it is a structured and results-driven intervention designed to confront governance failures, deteriorating infrastructure, and service delivery shortcomings with urgency and resolve,” it said.
The party also pointed out progress on access to water with several projects in various provinces that were underway.
Electricity Minister Kgosientso Ramokgopa, who also serves in the subcommittee, announced that work was underway to phase out load reduction in the townships.
Ramokgopa said the focus to do away with load reduction was in Limpopo, Free State and North West and Eskom through its diligent work has added 800 megawatts to the national grid.
“We are happy that this addition contributes immensely to our energy security. Also welcome the extension of life on Koeberg Unit Number 1 with 930 MW and the return of Medupi 4 contributing additional 800 MW. Efforts are underway to eliminate load reduction,” he said.
INSIDE POLITICS
