ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GOVERNANCE AND HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE DRIVES POLICY REFORM, ACCOUNTABILITY AND SERVICE DELIVERY EXCELLENCE
EThekwini Municipality’s Governance and Human Resources Committee has intensified efforts to strengthen governance, accountability, and service delivery through a two‑day programme focused on building a high‑performing, ethical, and responsive Municipality.
Convened on 23 and 24 July 2026 under the leadership of Committee Chairperson, Councillor Nkosenhle Madlala, the engagement combined the Committee’s monthly sitting with a comprehensive Policy Workshop. Councillors and officials deliberated on critical governance, human resources, and institutional matters aimed at improving service delivery and reinforcing oversight.
The session reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to ensuring that sound governance, effective leadership, and ethical administration remain central to municipal excellence and responsive service delivery.
POLICY WORKSHOP AND COMMITTEE DELIBERATIONS
A key highlight was the two‑day Policy Workshop, during which 14 policies from departments reporting to the Committee were presented for consideration. These included both new proposals and amendments to existing policies.
Councillors interrogated policy proposals, identified gaps, debated key provisions, and provided inputs to strengthen implementation and ensure alignment with legislative requirements, governance frameworks, and municipal priorities.
The Committee also considered a range of matters aimed at reinforcing accountability and promoting ethical management practices across the Municipality. Several reports were noted and recommended for referral to the Executive Committee (EXCO) for further consideration, subject to approval by EXCO and Full Council.
PROGRESS REPORT: SALARY BENCHMARKING SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
The Committee noted progress on the implementation of the Salary Benchmarking Settlement Agreement, currently under negotiation between the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) and the Municipality within the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC).
As wage curve and categorisation negotiations continue, a request was submitted for a six‑month extension of the implementation date. After deliberations, the Committee proposed reducing the extension period to four months.
HANDBOOK FOR COUNCILLORS: PREPARATION FOR THE END OF THE CURRENT COUNCIL TERM OF OFFICE
The Committee approved the adoption and implementation of the Handbook for Councillors, developed in preparation for the conclusion of the current Council term (2021-2026).
The handbook will guide councillors and the administration through processes associated with the end of the current term and support a smooth transition into the next administration. It also serves as a governance resource, preserving institutional knowledge, capturing lessons learnt, and promoting leadership continuity.
CONSEQUENCE MANAGEMENT POLICY ON FINANCIAL MISCONDUCT
Councillors deliberated on the new Consequence Management Policy on Financial Misconduct, designed to strengthen existing measures and enhance the Municipality’s ability to address financial misconduct effectively and consistently.
The policy seeks to deter wrongdoing, strengthen accountability, and ensure appropriate action where transgressions occur, thereby promoting a culture of integrity, transparency, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
DRAFT SECTION 12 NOTICE: MUNICIPAL STRUCTURES ACT
The Committee considered proposed amendments to the Draft Section 12 Establishment Notice in terms of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, No. 117 of 1998, received from the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA).
With the current Council term scheduled to conclude in November 2026, legislation requires the MEC to provide written notice ahead of the establishment of a new Municipal Council. Following submission of comments and inputs, the proposed amendments will be published for public comment before final notices are issued.
COMMITMENT TO GOVERNANCE AND SERVICE DELIVERY
Committee members also deliberated on several governance, ethics, and administrative reports aimed at strengthening oversight, improving operational efficiency, and promoting ethical management across the Municipality.
Councillor Madlala said the outcomes of the two-day engagement demonstrate the Committee's unwavering commitment to good governance, ethical leadership, and service delivery excellence.
“Through robust oversight, constructive engagement, and sound policy development, we are strengthening accountability and building a high‑performing Municipality that remains responsive to the needs of our communities. Effective governance is the foundation of quality service delivery, and every decision we take must contribute towards improving the lives of the people of eThekwini.”
The Committee remains committed to driving transformation, strengthening accountability, and advancing governance excellence to build a responsive, ethical, and high‑performing Municipality that delivers sustainable, quality services to all communities across eThekwini.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
