FOREWORD BY THE
PRESIDENT
Cllr Parks Tau
SALGA President
It gives me great pleasure to present the last
annual report of the 2012-2017 strategy. While
this leadership is responsible for implementing
the new strategy 2017-2022, we are also
responsible for closing out the past term of office.
At the outset, I would like to congratulate the
leadership and team of dedicated officials that
I work with on their achievements in meeting
its strategic goals during the past five years in
general, and during the past year in particular.
As an organisation, we have made great strides
this year in building on the successes of the past
to continue to strengthen a united body that
speaks with authority on its core mandate of
representing local government.
Even as we reflect on the past year, we should at
all times be aware of the present and the future.
One of our most important tasks over the next
five years will be to help local government to
respond to the complex and rapid changes of the
21 st century. As implementers and shapers of the
future, the current time presents an opportune
moment to “reinvent ourselves” to adapt and be
responsive to the fast-changing environment.
Addressing the new global development
paradigm requires new and innovative thinking,
supported by responsive institutions and
appropriate means of implementation. The
challenge before us is to translate these global
commitments into real results which our people
experience, in whichever space they may be,
whether rural, intermediary towns or cities.
Of ever increasing importance is the need for
greater collaboration through joint initiatives
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and partnerships. Indeed, this is the future of
connected government. As an organisation, we
call for strategic alliances with civil society and the
mobilisation of the private sector for investment
in our people’s development. We also reiterate the
importance of collaboration with various bodies
and development partners for the mobilisation of
critical programmes. In this context, the range of
partnerships that are reported on in this annual
report are a cause for celebration and for building
on in the future.
I would like to record a special note of
appreciation to the immediate past president
of SALGA, Mr Thabo Manyoni, and his team on
the national executive committee (NEC), as well
as all those who have served during the past five
years on provincial executive committees (PECs).
Your leadership and hard work has been greatly
valued. You have left us an impressive legacy on
which to build. Thank you!
In conclusion, a word of welcome to incoming
members of the NEC and PECs. We look forward
to working with you in the service of the people
of South Africa to build a brighter future for all.
Let us go forward in confidence!
Cllr Parks Tau
SALGA President
31 July 2017