About the National Members Assembly:

The National Members Assembly (NMA), is the highest decision-making structure of SALGA in between the National Conference. This event takes place annually as required by the constitution and apart from holding elections, exercises the authority of SALGA between National Conferences. The NMA’s core membership is derived from political heads of municipalities, specifically Executive Mayors and Mayors, Councillors and representatives from member municipalities.

The event will focus on issues of a strategic nature in the Local Government sector and will draw attention on the following matters:

·         Consideration and formulating policy and legislative proposals, aimed at restructuring Local Government

·         The review of service delivery challenges within the Local Government Sector

·         Consideration of issues pertaining to governance and ethics in Local Government

·         Progress of capacity building  and skills development in Local Government

·         Consideration on SALGA’s audited financial statements in respect of the preceding year

·         Adoption of SALGA’s programme of action, business plan and budget as approved by the National Executive Committee (NEC)

·         The review of SALGAs financial performance

·         Consideration of reports from working groups and other relevant oversight bodies

The NMA will convene in Kimberley, Northern Cape on the 10-12 May 2010.

Theme:

“Together serving our people with Integrity and Dedication to speed up service delivery”

Speakers

·         The President of the Republic of South Africa – President Jacob Zuma

·         The Minister of Finance – Minister Pravin Gordhan

·         The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs – Minister Sicelo Shiceka

·         Premier of the Northern Cape -  Premier Hazel Jenkins

·         The Chairperson of SALGA – Mayor Amos Masondo

·         International guest speakers from Local Government world bodies

·         Other prominent Local Government Practitioners

Delegates

Delegates in excess of 1200 are expected to attend the NMA which include:

• The President of the Republic;
• Cabinet Ministers;
• Deputy Ministers;
• Director Generals;
• Premiers;
• MECs for Local Government;
• Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly;
• Chairperson and Deputy Chairpersons of the NCOP;
• Chairpersons of National Parliamentary Portfolio and Select Committees;
• Vice Chancellors of Universities;
• Organised Local Government in the Continent;
• National House of Traditional Leaders;
• Members of Diplomatic Corps;
• Donor and Business Partners;
• UCLGA (United Cities Local Government Association);
• Chapter 9 Institutions;
• Media; and
• CEOs of State-owned Entities

Topical Issues to be discussed:

·         Service Delivery;

·         Governance;

·         Labour Relations and Capacity Building initiatives;

·         Intergovernmental Fiscal Relations and LED;

·         Community Development;

·         ICT;

·         Updates on key policy and restructuring initiatives (Local Government Turn Around Strategy; EDI Restructuring; Integrated Public Service; Provincialisation of Primary Health Care and Accreditation for Housing);

·         Preparations for Local Government Elections; and

·         SALGA Governance (Constitution and Funding).