Chairperson, hon Chairperson of the NCOP, members of the NCOP, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, let me take this opportunity on behalf of the collective leadership of South Africa Local Government Association, Salga, to thank you for allowing us to comment on a very successful and momentous occasion of the NCOP visit to the Gauteng province on "Taking Parliament to the People" programme that took place from 19 to 22 November 2018.
House Chairperson, migration and urbanisation have been described as major issues on the economic, political and social landscape worldwide. It has emerged as a dominant topic in the global political discourse and international relations. The steady movement of people to urban areas, towns, cities and metropolitan regions relates to a search for a better economic opportunity. Countries in developing and developed regions face various challenges and opportunities associated with migration. Understanding planning discourse for the current projected migration patterns in South Africa is a call for concern. Not only does migration have negative
impacts for local government, but it creates a huge strain in the municipal cash flows. For migration to respond to the developmental state of local government, it is imperative that socioeconomic growth and development be entrenched in municipalities. The continued spontaneous movement of people to Gauteng province leads to policy and co-ordination challenges. These challenges require nonlinear planning and intergovernmental process to resolve tensions and commitment from all spheres of government and relevant stakeholders to find a balance.
The rapid urban growth of the Gauteng Province and in migration exert tremendous pressure on the provincial infrastructure and impact on provincial and municipal functions, especially the planning and delivery of services. It is astounding that as the smallest province in South Africa, geographically speaking, Gauteng is the second most populous province accounting for around one third of the GDP and experiencing population growth higher than any other province in the country. Clearly, the allure of the golden province brings with it both challenges and opportunities.
Chairperson, as the collective leadership of Salga we acknowledge the concerns raised by our communities during the NCOP visit to Gauteng and we commit ourselves to work together with the other
spheres of government to address these challenges. Thank you, Chair. [Applause.]