Emalahleni reviews municipal policies ahead of 2026/27 financial year

The Emalahleni Local Municipality has begun a policy review process ahead of the 2026/27 financial year as part of efforts to strengthen governance, improve service delivery and ensure compliance with legislation.

According to the municipality, the review will assess both existing and new municipal policies, as well as municipal by-laws, to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with the municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP), the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 and applicable laws.

The municipality said consultations were first held with employees across its three administrative units in Cacadu, Dordrecht and Indwe before the policy review sessions commenced.

Officials said employees were given an opportunity to scrutinise the policies and provide input aimed at ensuring they are practical, implementable and developmental.

Emalahleni Mayor Nontombizanele Koni said the policy workshop is intended to help fast-track service delivery and ensure municipal operations are guided by relevant legislation.

“The policy workshop is meant to ensure that service delivery is fast tracked and that what we do is guided by relevant laws regulating the sector,” said Koni.

“It is worth noting that all that we are doing here will benefit our communities. We must work around the clock to ensure quality services and accountability to the electorate.”

The municipality said the final phase of the process will involve tabling the reviewed policies before council for approval ahead of implementation during the 2026/27 financial year.

Municipal policy reviews are typically conducted annually to ensure local government frameworks remain aligned with changing legislation, operational needs and development priorities.