Cogta Eastern Cape

27/05/2026

MEC OVERSIGHT VISIT TO FLOOD-AFFECTED AREAS | 27 MAY 2026

MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Zolile Williams, conducted an oversight visit to flood-affected areas in Nelson Mandela Bay as part of ongoing government efforts to respond to recent severe weather conditions.

The visit enabled the MEC to assess first-hand the extent of damage to critical infrastructure, local businesses, informal settlements, and agricultural operations, while also engaging directly with affected communities on recovery interventions.

At the Fresh Produce Market in Markman, the MEC inspected damage to the facility, where sections of the roof were impacted by strong winds and heavy rainfall.

In Motherwell, the MEC visited the Nomakanjani informal settlement, where residents raised concerns about stagnant water and potential health risks following the floods.

The programme also included a visit to Zebedee Farm in Rocklands, where flood damage to a bridge has disrupted access and negatively affected farming activities.

This oversight forms part of coordinated efforts between government and municipal stakeholders to strengthen disaster response, accelerate recovery, and restore normality in affected communities.

27/05/2026

26/05/2026

MEC WILLIAMS VISITS FLOOD AFFECTED AREAS.

Tommorow MEC for the department of Cogta Eastern Cape , Zolile Williams will be conducting a monitoring visit to the areas recently affected by floods in the Nelson Mandela Metro and Sarah Baartman District Municipality.

22/05/2026

The Provincial Community Development Coordinators Round Table meeting successfully concluded today, marking another important milestone in strengthening community-centred governance and service delivery across the Eastern Cape.

The Round Table resolved to strengthen collaboration between stakeholders, improve monitoring of service delivery programmes, capacitate CDWs and Ward Committees, and ensure continuous community engagement to build responsive, accountable and people centred governance across the province.

Key discussions included:
📑 The Public Participation Framework aimed at enhancing meaningful community involvement in governance processes.
🗳️ The framework guiding the election and functionality of Ward Committees to strengthen local democracy and accountability.
🏗️ Infrastructure projects and service delivery programmes requiring continuous monitoring and support by CDWs within communities.
🏛️ The new system for the registration of initiates and Traditional Council administration.

The engagement further reinforced the importance of coordination in addressing community challenges and improving responsiveness at grassroots level.

21/05/2026

📍 COGTA in Action | Strengthening Communities in the Eastern Cape

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) is hosting a Provincial Community Development Coordinators Round Table in BCM to strengthen coordination, collaboration and service delivery.

The platform brings together stakeholders to align community development goals, address challenges affecting Community Development Workers (CDWs), and advance their professionalisation.

CDWs continue to play a vital role in connecting communities with government services and empowering citizens across the province.

The discussions continue tomorrow as we work together towards stronger partnerships, improved accountability and community-centred development.

20/05/2026

The Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) is currently engaged in a week long critical assessment session aimed at compiling the Section 47 Consolidated Report for the 2024/25 financial year.

This process evaluates annual reports submitted by municipalities across the province, ensuring accountability, transparency, and alignment with legislative requirements as outlined in the Local Government Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000).

The session brings together technical expertise from various sub-programmes, including Municipal Governance, Finance, Infrastructure, Public Participation, Spatial Planning, and Local Economic Development. Their collective input ensures a comprehensive and credible assessment of municipal performance.

📝 The Section 47 Report will:
✔ Identify under-performing municipalities
✔ Recommend corrective and remedial actions
✔ Strengthen oversight and accountability
✔ Be submitted to the Provincial Legislature, the Minister, and the National Council of Provinces

Through this work, COGTA continues to drive responsive governance, improved service delivery, and sustainable development for all communities in the Eastern Cape.

14/05/2026

🎥 📷 MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Zolile Williams, is currently leading a stakeholder engagement session with diverse stakeholders and community members at Dan's Country Lodge in Mthatha today, as part of the preparations for the 2026 Local Government Election.

14/05/2026

The MEC for the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Zolile Williams, is today leading an engagement session with different stakeholders and communities at Dan’s Country Lodge in Mthatha as part of preparations for the 2026 Local Government Elections.

Setting the scene, MEC Williams reflected on the significance of Africa Month and the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity on 25 May 1963, describing it as a critical turning point in Africa’s collective struggle against colonial rule and imperialist domination.

“During this month, we are convening this dialogue to kickstart an electoral roadmap which we as stakeholders envisage will culminate in the delivery of free, fair and credible 2026 local government elections.”said MEC

The engagement seeks to:
• Share key timelines and processes for the 2026 elections,
• Clarify the role of departments, municipalities and stakeholders,
• Encourage active citizen participation, especially among youth and first-time voters,
• Address voter apathy, misinformation and access barriers, and
• Strengthen collaboration with the Independent Electoral Commission on voter registration and election logistics.

South Africa will hold its seventh local government elections on 4 November 2026, marking 31 years of democratic local government.

13/05/2026

MEDIA ALERT

13 May 2026

COGTA MEC ZOLILE WILLIAMS TO LEAD STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ON 2026 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION PREPAREDNESS

Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC, Zolile Williams, will tomorrow lead a stakeholder engagement session aimed at strengthening preparations for the 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE), scheduled to take place on 04 November 2026.

The engagement forms part of government’s broader commitment to ensuring electoral readiness, promoting civic participation, and fostering inclusive democratic processes ahead of the elections, where South Africans will elect municipal leadership to serve until 2031.

MEC Williams said the session seeks to create a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration between government, political and traditional leaders, municipalities, stakeholders, and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) as preparations for the elections gain momentum.

“I am charged with the responsibility to support electoral preparedness, promote civic participation, and ensure that communities are well-informed, engaged, and able to meaningfully participate in the democratic process,” said MEC Williams.

Stakeholders expected to attend include MECs, Municipal Troikas, the House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, government departments, strategic partners, and members of the security cluster.

The details of the engagement are as follows:

Date: 14 May 2026
Venue: Dan’s Lodge, Mthatha
Time: 08h00

Members of the media are requested to confirm attendance with Mr Vuyani Sibene at [email protected] or on 079 514 8757.

For further enquiries, contact Mr Ngam on 071 685 7981 or Mr Oliphant on 082 432 6433.

Issued by: EC COGTA

13/05/2026

Today, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs handed over tools of trade to the Acting King of AmaMpondo aseQawukeni as part of government’s commitment to strengthening and supporting the institution of traditional leadership.

Representing MEC Zolile Williams, Chief Director Dumza Vuba said the department has prioritised the provision of essential tools of trade for traditional leaders, including a vehicle, chairs, and cleaning materials, to enhance operational capacity and improve service delivery within traditional leadership structures.

This initiative aims to further strengthen the working relationship between the provincial government and traditional leadership.

The Acting King of AmaMpondo, Kung Dumelani Daluxolo Sigcau expressed his appreciation and happiness, acknowledging the work done by MEC Williams, the Head of Department Mr Vuyo Mlokothi and departmental management. He noted that government continues to demonstrate its commitment to ensuring traditional leaders feel valued and appreciated at all times.

The AmaMpondo community also welcomed the government’s support in purchasing a vehicle for the King, describing it as a significant relief and a positive step towards empowering traditional leadership.