Reviving the White Paper: From Outdated Ink to Coordinated Action in Local Governance

In this call to action, Dr. Emmanuel Ngcobo, President of CIGFARO, advocates revising the White Paper on Local Government to update outdated elements while preserving core principles, stressing that true impact hinges on robust implementation rather than eloquent policies on paper.

He reiterates South Africa's strength in frameworks but faults fragmented execution, particularly in local government's intricate ecosystem of municipal autonomy and national oversight.

Ngcobo critiques past interventions by support departments like CoGTA that bred chaos over aid, urging revisions that demand clear ownership, collaborative support, and a unified approach to mirror today's realities.

By fast-tracking these changes, he envisions accelerated progress toward stronger local governance, where "action speaks louder than words.

* Dr Emmanuel Ngcobo, President of the Chartered Institute of Government Finance, Audit & Risk Officers (CIGFARO) from October 2023 to October 2025.