RCCI CEO Richard Ntjana speaks at the inaugural Gauteng Urban Forum
The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Gauteng, in partnership with the Randburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) and others, launched the inaugural Gauteng Urban Forum (GUF 2025) at the RandPark Golf Club on Friday 19th September 2025.
The annual gathering was organised under the theme “Transforming Gauteng city region through resilience, inclusion and innovation”. It marks the beginning of a new tradition that will bring together business formations, Gauteng municipalities and other stakeholders in a bid to engage in meaningful dialogue on pressing challenges facing Gauteng cities.
RCCI CEO Richard Ntjana indicated the need for municipalities to reconsider how they conduct business,
“To maintain a healthy working relationship, municipalities must pay service providers on time for the services rendered, and do away with service providers that seem to put service delivery in jeopardy”, he said. Delayed payments continue to suffocate small businesses and Ntjana used the platform to remind Gauteng municipalities that change is needed.
The 2023/2024 annual report on late payment of supplier’s invoices by the National Treasury painted a worrying picture about noncompliance with treasury regulation within the prescribed period in terms of section 38 of the public finance management act of 1999.
The report is especially concerning as it relates to compliance by Provincial Governments. The Eastern Cape and Gauteng are the worst performers, having failed to pay over R4,5 billion and R2,7 billion respectively to suppliers within the prescribed period.
Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi delivered his keynote address by emphasising the importance of planning for the future. He highlighted the need for new infrastructure, including roads, bridges and innovative transport systems to support the growth of cities. He further called for unity among planners, implementers and different levels of government to work towards a shared vision.
Key takeaways from the forum include:
Panelists discussed in detail strategies relating to data-informed planning, evidence-backed urban development, and strategies to enhance local governance. The inaugural GUF 2025 marks the beginning of a recurring platform to address the complexities of urban transformation and promote sustainable development within the Gauteng city region.