Newcastle Municipality Mayor, Xolani Dube, has been appointed as the new South African Local Government Association (SALGA) chairperson in KwaZulu-Natal.
His appointment comes just a month after the former chairperson, Thami Ntuli, was elected premier of the province leaving the vacancy open.
According to SALGA, Dube brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and innovation to the sphere of local government, and would reinforce SALGA’s commitment to enhancing local governance and service delivery across KwaZulu-Natal.
“Cllr Xolani Dube, the newly appointed Chairperson, represents a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise. Currently serving as the Mayor of Newcastle Municipality, Portfolio Chairperson for the Budget and Treasury Office, and Councillor of Ward 18, he is poised to drive forward SALGA’s mission to support and strengthen municipalities. His leadership will be instrumental in navigating the challenges faced by local governments and in implementing sustainable solutions that benefit both municipalities and communities at large,” said SALGA in a statement.
Sabelo Gwala, Provincial Director of SALGA KZN, is confident that Dube would significantly impact the quality of local governance and enhance the lives of the people of KZN.
"SALGA KZN welcomes the new Chairperson, whose expertise and passion will be invaluable as we work towards improving local government services and fostering sustainable development. Together, we will strive to create resilient and vibrant communities across the province," he said.
These are some of the key objectives and focus areas that Dube will tackle:
• Strengthening Local Governance: Enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency within municipalities.
• Promoting Sustainable Development: Implementing innovative strategies to support economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity.
• Capacity Building: Providing training and resources to empower local government officials and staff.
The Mercury