On Thursday 8th May 2025, a delegation of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), accompanied by officials of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, paid a Courtesy Call on the Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Roger Mancienne. Hon. Mancienne was accompanied by the Clerk of the National Assembly Mrs. Tania Isaac.
SALGA is a national representative body of local government in South Africa, tasked with transforming local governance and promoting service delivery through capacity-building, advocacy, and knowledge sharing. Discussions began with an introduction to the structure of SALGA as an organisation, including the provision of services, preparation for upcoming local elections, as well as the SALGA Centre for Leadership and Governance (SCLG) which is a key initiative aimed at the enhancement of leadership and governance skills for elected officials and senior managers. SALGA promotes the development of local government leaders with the aim of contributing to more effective and accountable municipal governance. The delegation then spoke on the District Development Model, which is an intergovernmental mechanism designed to improve integrated planning and coordination efforts.
Hon. Mancienne spoke on the relationship between the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs and the National Assembly of Seychelles, noting the roles of both District Administration and Honourable Members in representing and meeting the needs of their respective districts. It was noted that a certain level of de-politicisation is needed for a well-functioning district, as it is the needs of the people that come before partisan affairs. Principal Secretary for Local Government and Community Affairs Mr. Kevin Perine paralleled the sentiment, noting that there must be an acknowledgement of district affairs above any personal differences when advocating for transparent and good governance at the local level.
Hon. Mancienne then emphasised that the systems in play in Seychelles are uniquely tailored to the size of the nation, and that the relationship between DAs and the Legislative is much closer than in other nations. This unique situation creates its own benefits and challenges, however it was emphasised by the SALGA delegation that the end-result is a nation with well-functioning Local Government offices and a trend of continuous development. The fruitful meeting then came to a close with a souvenir photograph.
