Formulating a turnaround plan for local government and revitalising the economy is expected to dominate discussions as President Cyril Ramaphosa and his executive convene the first Cabinet Lekgotla of the year in Pretoria later today.
President Ramaphosa, alongside Deputy President Paul Mashatile, will chair the one-day meeting, which brings together Cabinet ministers, their deputies, provincial premiers and representatives from the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
The Lekgotla takes place just months ahead of the local government elections, with Ramaphosa signalling that 2026 will be a decisive year focused on fixing the local sphere of government — widely regarded as the frontline of service delivery.
The president has also warned that key challenges facing the country, including unemployment, inequality and crime, remain unacceptably high. He cautioned that recent progress in stabilising the economy and governance structures would be meaningless unless it translates into tangible improvements in the daily lives of South Africans.
Discussions at the Lekgotla are expected to shape government priorities and interventions for the year ahead, with a strong emphasis on restoring public confidence in local government and accelerating inclusive economic growth.