On Monday , 9th December, The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Deputy Director-General, Mr Thamsanqa Matomela, together with the National Treasury Cities Support Programme representative, Mr Seth Maqetuka, met with Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality Acting City Manager, Advocate Ngoqo, and senior leadership from the EDTA, Public Health, and Human Settlements Directorates to consolidate and accelerate the Metro’s Informal Settlements Upgrading Programme.
The high-level engagement focused on core challenges affecting communities — including access to basic services, safer living environments, and sustainable long-term livelihoods development. The team undertook a candid review of the programme’s current performance regarding a community development approach in upgrading informal settlements, and agreed on a decisive, action-oriented approach to ensure that sustainable livelihoods and public employment become integral part of upgrading informal settlements. The role of community organization and non-governmental organizations was also emphasised for participatory and sustainable long-term upgrading.
This renewed partnership and commitment is expected to strengthen service delivery, enhance infrastructure provision, and significantly improve living conditions and strong partnerships for households in informal settlements.
The session concluded with a firm resolution to establish an Inter-Disciplinary Team that will develop a detailed Implementation Plan by January 2026, ensuring coordinated and accelerated progress going forward.
For enquiries about the programme please contact Seth Maqetuka – seth.maqetuka@treasury.gov.za