Department of Co-operative Governance And Traditional Affairs

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) in South Africa plays a vital role in ensuring effective governance and fostering collaboration across all spheres of government. Its mission is to lead the cooperative governance system, supporting integrated planning and implementation to create resilient, safe, and sustainable communities.

CoGTA oversees various responsibilities, including disaster management, local government systems, and traditional affairs. It administers key legislation such as the Disaster Management Act and the Municipal Systems Act. The department also focuses on improving governance, promoting public participation, and addressing local challenges with a hands-on approach (Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, n.d.).

To learn more about Department of Cooperative Governance or Department of Traditional Affairs

Ministries related:

Ministry of Cooperative Governance

Ministry of Traditional Affairs

Mr Velenkosini Fiki Hlabisa

sourced from cogta.gov.za

Velenkosini Fiki Hlabisa, born on 4 January 1965 in KwaZulu-Natal, developed a strong commitment to self-reliance and community service from a young age. His passion for education led him to a career in teaching, where he became Principal of Somfula High School. He holds degrees in History from the University of Zululand and University of South Africa and was an active student leader.

Beyond education, Hlabisa contributed significantly to community health and local governance, serving as Chairperson of the Community Working Group and Hlabisa Hospital Board. His political career within the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) spans over 24 years, including roles as Councillor, Deputy Mayor, and Mayor. In August 2021, he was elected IFP President, later becoming Leader of the Official Opposition in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature.

Sworn into Parliament in October 2023, he succeeded Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi as the party’s leader in the National Assembly. After the May 2024 elections, Hlabisa was appointed Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, embracing servant leadership in South Africa’s Government of National Unity. He is married to Thandeka Nxumalo, with whom he shares six children.

Dr. Dickson Masemola was appointed as Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs on 3 July 2024. Born and raised in Ga-Marishane, Limpopo, he became politically active at a young age, engaging in youth structures and student movements linked to the Sekhukhuneland Youth Organisation and the South African Youth Congress. His leadership extended to the South African National Students Congress, the South African Student Organisation, and the Student Representative Council at Dr CN Phatudi College.

A lifelong member of the African National Congress (ANC), Masemola played a key role in rebuilding ANC structures post-unbanning, serving as a volunteer and party agent in South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994. Rising through the ranks, he became ANC Provincial Deputy Chairperson and led the party in Sekhukhune Region in several leadership capacities, including Regional Chairperson.

Masemola has contributed extensively to local governance, playing a role in the formation of the South African Local Government Association and serving three terms as Executive Mayor of Sekhukhune District Municipality. His expertise also extends to mineral research and infrastructure, having chaired the board of MINTEK, South Africa’s national mineral research organisation. Additionally, he has held executive positions in Limpopo’s provincial government, overseeing Roads and Transport, Education, Public Works, Transport and Community Safety, and Economic Transformation (Www.gov.za, 2024).

Dr Namane Dickson Masemola

sourced from cogta.gov.za

Zolile Burns-Ncamashe has been serving as Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs since 3 July 2024, after previously holding the position of Deputy Minister of Traditional Affairs from March 2023 to June 2024. Born on 13 September 1965 in Alice, he is the son of Chief Burns-Ncamashe, a prominent South African politician and ANC Member of Parliament.

Burns-Ncamashe pursued his education at Gwali Primary School and Tyume in Lovedale College, later obtaining a Bachelor of Arts, Honours, and Master’s Degree in Social Science from the University of Fort Hare. His involvement in governance began as an advisor on traditional affairs under Minister Zweli Mkhize, followed by his appointment as Chairperson of the National Rapid Response Task Team for Water and Sanitation.

A long-standing leader in the traditional sector, he participated in the Constitutional Assembly in 1995 and became the first Deputy Chairperson of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders. He served in the House of Traditional Leaders (1996–2017), holding the Deputy Chairperson role from 2002–2017. His advisory roles extended to the late Ngangomhlaba Matanzima and Queen Noloyiso Sandile, sister to King Goodwill Zwelithini of the AmaRharhabe.

Burns-Ncamashe transitioned into national politics as a Member of Parliament on 19 February 2021, serving in the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry and representing the Mnquma Constituency (Www.gov.za, 2024).

Dr Namane Dickson Masemola

sourced from gov.za

THE Organigram

Department of Cooperative Governance

Minister:

Mr Velenkosini Fiki Hlabisa (Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs) (IFP)

Deputy Minister:

Mr Namane Dickson Masemola (Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance) (ANC)

Director General:

Mr Mbulelo Tshangana

Chief of Staff:

Mr Kgopelo Phasha

Chief Financial Officer:

Ms Funani Matlatsi (Chief Director: Financial Services)

Deputy Directors General:

Mr Mpho Mogale (Acting: Local Government Operations and Support)

Dr Kevin Naidoo (Policy, Governance and Administration)

Dr Elias Sithole (Head: National Disaster Management Centre)

Chief Directors:

Ms Ms Ané Bruwer (Legislation and Policy Management)

Ms Boitumelo Diale (Free State)

Mr Jurgens Dyssel (Disaster Risk Reduction and Capacity Development)

Ms Sylvia Gelderblom (Free State)

Ms Marietjie Kruger (Knowledge Management, Reporting and Monitoring Systems)

Ms Mohanuoa Mabidilala (Gender and Stakeholder Coordination)

Mr Jackey Maepa (Acting: Municipal Administration and Capacity)

Ms Granny Mahlangu (Human Resource, Facilities and Security Management)

Ms Fortunate Makhubu (Limpopo)

Mr Mizilikazi Manyike (Municipal Funding and Revenue Support)

Ms Hazel Masiza (Legal Services)

Mr Pankie Matomela (Eastern Cape)

Mr Mpho Mogale (Gauteng)

Mr Elphus Ndou (Municipal Governance and Structures)

Ms Florah Nkoana (North West)

Mr Vincent Mohlatlego Rabothata (Development Planning)

Senior Management:

Ms Nqobile Bembe (Director: Chief Risk Officer)

Mr Patrick Dunn (Director: Projects Coordinator)

Mr Masedi Malatjie (Senior Project Coordinator: Northern Cape)

Communications Officers:

Mr Legadima Leso (Chief Director: Branding, Marketing and Communications)

Mr Tsekiso Machike (Ministry Communications and Media Liaison Officer)

Mr Inban Moodley (Chief Director: Information Communication and Technology Management

(nationalgovernment.co.za, n.d.)

Department of Traditional Affairs

Minister:

Mr Velenkosini Fiki Hlabisa (Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs) (IFP)

Deputy Minister:

Mr Zolile Burns-Ncamashe (Deputy Minister of Traditional Affairs) (ANC)

Director General:

Mr Mashwahle Diphofa

Chief Financial Officer:

Mr Obed Aphane

Deputy Directors General:

Mrs Reshoketswe Mogaladi

Ms Thandaza Shandu

Senior Management:

Mr Charlotte More (Acting Executive Manager: Office of the Director General)

Mr Lefoko Motlhabedi

Mr Mnoneleli Ranuga (Head of Office)

Mr Abram Sithole (CEO: National House of Traditional Leaders [NHTL])

Communications Officers:

Mr Tsekiso Machike (Spokesperson)

Mr Clifford Mogatjane (Parliamentary Officer)

Ms Khanya Ngwenya

Secretaries:

Ms Nikiwe Magqabi (Personal Assistant: Deputy Minister)

Ms Anna Maluleka (Personal Assistant: Director General Traditional Affairs)

Ms Charlotte More

(nationalgovernment.co.za, n.d.)

Strategic Plans

DCoG-2025-2030-Strategic-Plan-1.pdf

Cooperative Governance

The Department of Cooperative Governance Strategic Plan 2025–2030 outlines key priorities to strengthen local governance, enhance service delivery, and improve municipal financial sustainability across South Africa. Aligned with the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) and the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030, the plan emphasizes building a capable, ethical, and developmental state. It focuses on improving municipal performance by addressing governance challenges, financial instability, and service delivery inefficiencies, while promoting effective intergovernmental collaboration through the District Development Model (DDM). Additionally, it highlights economic development initiatives, including investment in rural programs, industrial zones, and employment creation through the Community Work Programme (CWP). Legislative reforms, such as updates to the White Paper on Local Government, municipal laws, and coalition governance policies, aim to stabilize local governance structures. The plan also prioritizes disaster management, public participation, and strengthening ethical leadership within municipalities, ensuring transparent governance and data-driven policymaking to address socio-economic challenges effectively.

DTA-SP-2020-2025.pdf

Traditional Affairs

The Department of Traditional Affairs Strategic Plan 2020–2025 outlines key priorities aimed at strengthening traditional leadership, governance, and community development in South Africa. The plan aligns with the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) and the District-Based Development Model (DBDM) to improve service delivery, economic transformation, and social cohesion. It emphasizes capacity-building for traditional councils, the recognition and integration of Khoi-San leadership, and the promotion of cultural and customary practices while ensuring compliance with constitutional principles. The strategy also focuses on safe initiation practices, land allocation for development, and strengthening partnerships between government and traditional leaders to drive sustainable rural development. Through legislative reforms, institutional support, and economic initiatives, the department aims to enhance cooperative governance, social cohesion, and inclusive growth in traditional communities.

Policies

POLICY-PROCESS-ON-THE-SYSTEM-OF-PROVINCIAL-AND-LOCAL-GOVERNMENT.pdf