COGTA Minister Hlabisa calls on municipalities to restore public trust

Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has called on municipalities to develop concrete plans to restore public trust. 

Hlabisa delivered the closing address at the Local Government Indaba in Midrand on Friday, where leaders gathered to deliberate on municipal challenges.

Hlabisa said it has become clear that residents no longer have confidence in their municipalities' ability to provide quality services. 

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He has stressed that this trust deficit must be treated as a matter of urgency.

"Let us ensure that every South African citizen has access to essential services, economic opportunities, and a voice in shaping the future of their communities. Every municipality must develop a plan to confront trust deficit and corruption to change the negative image of the local government system."