From Spectators to Shapers: Digital Dialogues Driving Local Government Innovation

Dr. Emmanuel Ngcobo, President of CIGFARO, celebrates the phenomenal growth of the Local Government Conversations platform by Future Cities Africa - a vital response to local government's turbulent challenges.

He praises its role in fostering constructive engagement over mere spectatorship, urging citizens and officials to transition from voicing concerns to co-creating solutions for tangible change. Ngcobo highlights the need for action beyond talk, emphasising implementation to enhance efficiency.

He advocates embracing digital advancements, from apps and websites to broader tech integrations that enable "more with less," drawing on international examples to counter South Africa's lag.

Noting COVID's nudge toward virtual meetings, he envisions continent-wide relevance, positioning the platform as a catalyst for tech-savvy, anytime-anywhere dialogues that amplify practitioners and elevate local governance.

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