Western Cape municipalities strengthen skills to deliver better services
Municipal officials from the Western Cape gathered in Bellville on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, to strengthen their skills and improve service delivery to communities.
The Western Cape Department of Local Government (DLG), in partnership with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), hosted the first Municipal Staff Regulations (MSR) Competency Framework Implementation Workshop at the SANRAL Building.
The workshop brought together municipal managers, human resource officials, and performance management practitioners to strengthen their understanding of the Municipal Staff Regulations Competency Framework and how to implement it effectively. The framework helps municipalities recruit, develop, and retain skilled employees while strengthening performance management and building capable institutions.
The workshop focused on practical implementation rather than policy alone. Participants received guidance on applying the Competency Framework in their municipalities, shared experiences, discussed common challenges, and explored practical solutions that can improve service delivery.
Presentations by CoGTA, SALGA, and the City of Cape Town provided practical insights and lessons on implementing the Competency Framework. CoGTA outlined the national requirements, SALGA shared guidance on strengthening human resource and performance management systems, while the City of Cape Town showcased its implementation experience and lessons learned.
The workshop forms part of ongoing collaboration between national, provincial, and local government to build capable, accountable, and well-managed municipalities. It also demonstrates the commitment of all spheres of government to work together to strengthen local government and improve services for communities.
Speaking at the workshop, Ms Sheham Johnstone, Director: Municipal Support and Capacity Building at the Western Cape Department of Local Government, said "Our goal is to build strong and capable municipalities that can deliver quality services to communities. Through practical support, shared learning, and cooperation between all spheres of government, we are making sure municipalities have the skills and systems they need to succeed."
The workshop was well attended, with participants actively engaging throughout the sessions. They exchanged ideas, shared experiences, and contributed to meaningful discussions, creating a collaborative learning environment that will support municipalities in strengthening their capacity and delivering better services to the people of the Western Cape.