The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) is today kicking off the inaugural two-day National Joint Sitting of the Council of Mayors and Speakers in Polokwane, Limpopo.  Mayors and Speakers from all 257 of the country's municipalities will convene in an effort to tackle critical issues in municipal governance and service delivery. The sitting is the first of its kind, following the Government of National Unity formed after the 2024 National and Provincial Elections. In his recent address during the opening of the 7th Parliament, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasised the critical importance of functioning municipalities, with economists warning that failing municipalities can ultimately deter economic investments and job creation. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to South African Local Government Association (SALGA) chief operating officer, Lance Joel