SERVICE DELIVERY AND REVENUE ENHANCEMENT SUMMIT – A new course for renewal

Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) is confronted with infrastructure decay, ongoing service delivery backlogs and economic struggles. On 14th-15th May 2025, ELM hosted a two-day summit at the Vereeniging Civic Hall, which aimed to promote a renewed commitment to tackling these pressing issues. Senior government officials, business and community leaders, including representatives from other sector departments, gathered for discussions to address municipal challenges and collaboratively seek improvements in service delivery and revenue enhancement.

The conversation over two days covered several key topics, including infrastructure upgrades through public–private partnerships, enhancing revenue collection with improved debt management and smart metering. The two-day engagement resulted in a pragmatic programme of action to escalate service delivery.

“The people of Emfuleni have not been receiving the services they deserve,” said the ELM Mayor, Cllr. Sipho Radebe noted during his address. Reflecting on the recent municipal makgotla, Radebe confirmed that the 2025-2026 reviewed Integrated Development Plan covers the new set of priorities “that will be our blueprint for action in the year ahead.” The mayor emphasised the municipality’s commitment to significantly improving the lives of Emfuleni residents, advocating for a new approach based on transparency, accountability, and community engagement.

The summit featured open dialogue and collaboration. Keynote addresses were delivered by the Minister of Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs, Minister Velenkosi Hlabiso, and the MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Hon. Jacob Mamabolo, who focused on the role of the National Government in enhancing quality service delivery, local economic development, job creation, and the impact of provincial and national interventions in Emfuleni.

The ELM Service Delivery and Revenue Enhancement Summit marked an essential milestone in rejuvenating the municipality and enhancing the well-being of its community. Although the journey forward is daunting, the summit sparked renewed hope and a shared determination to strive for a more promising future for Emfuleni. The effectiveness of the summit now depends on the thorough execution of the plan of action and the ongoing dedication and hard work by the municipal workers and cooperation among its partners and community members.