Members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) delegation to the Eastern Cape have expressed concern over the absence of mayors from Chris Hani and Joe Gqabi district municipalities, who reportedly prioritised a competing South African Local Government Association (SALGA) function.
Member of the Provincial Legislature, Mr Mandla Peter, questioned the apologies received from the mayors, noting that they had been aware of the NCOP's visit for approximately a month. The delegation leader, Hon Nkosi Mwelo Nonkonyana, agreed, saying the mayors’ absence was concerning as there had been no indication of a competing function when the municipalities were notified of the Provincial Week programme.
Hon Nonkonyana said the mayors cannot prioritise other issues when Parliament is in the district to conduct oversight on their work. He said the mayors should be on site from Wednesday. They cannot prioritise other issues.
Mr Peter also sought clarity on discrepancies between the information contained in the municipalities' presentations and the conditions observed by the delegation on the ground. “The roads are full of potholes, and children continue to prefer attending former Model C and independent schools over government schools. What is preventing the municipalities from translating what is contained in their presentations into improvements that are visible on the ground?” he asked.
The NCOP is currently conducting a week-long report-back visit to the Chris Hani and Joe Gqabi regions of the Eastern Cape as part of its Provincial Week programme. The delegations will visit various infrastructure projects in the two regions on Wednesday.
Another member of the delegation, Mr Makhi Feni, shared the concern over the SALGA function taking place during Parliament’s oversight programme. He also sought an update on progress at Bulembu Airport.
“This project could assist in creating much-needed employment opportunities. It is a major infrastructure project that should not be left aside, yet nothing was reflected on it in the presentation today,” said Mr Feni.
Earlier, Eastern Cape Premier Mr Oscar Mabuyane told the NCOP that 13 major infrastructure projects were currently under way in the province. He highlighted several challenges affecting the implementation of these projects, including procurement challenges, poor contractor performance, community protests, vandalism, theft and extortion.
The NCOP delegation will continue with its oversight programme in the two regions, engaging municipalities and inspecting infrastructure projects to assess progress and identify challenges affecting service delivery.
Sibongile Maputi
19 August 2026
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