This edition reflects a department that is looking ahead
while remaining firmly grounded in the realities facing
the communities it serves. Across strategic planning,
municipal governance, traditional leadership, disaster
management, public participation and heritage, one
message emerges clearly: our work must ultimately
make a meaningful difference in people’ s lives.
This message was at the heart Of COGTA’S Strategic
Planning Session in Port Alfred, where both MEC
Zolile Williams and Head of Department Mr Vuyo
Mlokothi challenged the Department to look beyond
activities, plans and reports and focus instead on
Mr Ngam
Mr Sibene
Ms Zethu
outcomes and impact. As the Eastern Cape approaches the 2026 Local Government Elections
and the beginning of a new five-year local government cycle, the Department must ensure that
its strategies respond to the changing governance environment and the needs ofcommunities.
