Strengthening collaboration through the District Intergovernmental Relations Forum

Today, the Political Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Forum convened at the Tsantsabane Local Municipality, chaired by the Executive Mayor of the ZF Mgcawu District Municipality, Councillor Maryna Basson. She was joined by the Speaker of Council, Councillor Stanley Peterson, and the Mayor of Tsantsabane, Councillor Helena English. The session focused on progress made following the South African Human Rights Commission’s inquiry into service delivery and governance challenges within municipalities.

The Commission had raised serious concerns regarding systemic service delivery failures and the resulting violations of basic human rights. The Commission had requested that municipalities submit specific documentation as part of the inquiry process, and cautioned that failure to do so would constitute non-compliance with legal implications.

Today, the Political Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Forum convened at the Tsantsabane Local Municipality, chaired by the Executive Mayor of the ZF Mgcawu District Municipality, Councillor Maryna Basson. She was joined by the Speaker of Council, Councillor Stanley Peterson, and the Mayor of Tsantsabane, Councillor Helena English. The session focused on progress made following the South African Human Rights Commission’s inquiry into service delivery and governance challenges within municipalities. The Commission had raised serious concerns regarding systemic service delivery failures and the resulting violations of basic human rights. The Commission had requested that municipalities submit specific documentation as part of the inquiry process, and cautioned that failure to do so would constitute non-compliance with legal implications.

Municipalities were reminded that they have a legal and ethical obligation to ensure compliance with legislative requirements and to submit all required documentation by Friday, 31 October 2025.

The District Municipality emphasised that while each municipality operates autonomously, local government remains one sphere working towards one goal of improving the lives of our people. As public servants, we are bound by a shared duty to serve our communities with integrity, accountability and urgency. The forum concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening intergovernmental coordination, improving service delivery outcomes, and ensuring that the people of the ZF Mgcawu District receive the quality of service they rightfully deserve