It is indeed an honour and a privilege for us to welcome the Hon Deputy Minister of COGTA, Ms Thembi Simelane-Nkadimeng for gracing this occasion with her presence. We welcome you with warm hands Hon Deputy Minister. The theme of our conference for this year is “Developing an Inspired Workforce” and whilst we unpack the challenges of what COVID-19 has taught us and try to re-invent ourselves for the future, having the Hon Deputy Minister of COGTA open this conference provides IMPSA with the opportunity to raise a question that has been at the forefront of IMPSA’s strategic re-alignment and that is:

“What role can IMPSA play, in partnering with COGTA, in professionalising Local government”.
Hon Deputy Minister, COGTA has opened the way for professionalization of this sector by signing in the Municipal Staff Regulations and we applaud the Department’s actions in this regard. As Municipal Personnel Practitioners, we believe that the foundation of any successful local government system, rest on the effectiveness and efficiency of its human capacity. We are that human capacity aiming and striving for change and transformation to make a difference in the communities where we work and live. Our mission is to promote the interest of IMPSA members and the development of professional knowledge and skills, which are of primary importance and central to the philosophy of IMPSA. As part of our vision, our aim is to empower members of IMPSA to ensure excellent rendition of services in local authorities, by way of professional human resource management.

• The Local Government Municipal: Staff Regulations of 20 September 2021, which came to effect from 1 July 2022 (this year), has come at the perfect time to guide and professionalise Local Government. We therefore believe, Hon Deputy Minister, that the discussions in the next three days of the conference, will create an opportunity for a close working relationship between the Institute and COGTA in creating a knowledge base for sustainable and professional local government. We have aligned ourselves with your vision to professionalise Local Government.
• We have seen officials from your office visiting Municipalities with a view to support us in conducting workshops, review of competency framework and assessment batteries. The professionalisation of Local Government is a much welcome initiative. Service delivery protests sprouting from all Municipalities for various reasons continues to negatively impact on Human Resource functioning. Programme Director, this Conference takes place in an environment which does not have enough resources to address the current commitments and service delivery obligations. Many Municipalities are in dire financial strains to survive.
• We also acknowledge the rolling out of the District Development Model (DDM) to improve service delivery in Municipalities.
• As part of our social responsibility, IMPSA has been acknowledging NGO’s with a token of appreciation in monetary value for the work they do in the communities. This has been going on for years. This year (tomorrow evening) in our Gala dinner function, IMPSA will hand out a cheque of R25 000.00 to WomenPACT, Phoenix Youth Center.

On behalf of the Organising Committee, I wish you all a successful deliberation and fruitful engagement. Once more, a profound welcome to you Hon Deputy Minister, to our International Conference for the Institute of Municipal Personnel Practitioners of Southern Africa.

Programme Director, allow me to once again say; Simelane, Magutshwa! Mphembe kaLokothwayo, Simelane kaNdlovu, Ndlebe zimqhewane, Ndlovu’ zidlekhaya ngokuswela belusi, Magutshwa!!..

I THANK YOU.