NCOP can help remove civic barriers: Les Govender

UMHLATUZANA TOWNSHIP ANNIVERSARY

- POST REPORTER

CIVIC associations that are confronted by pointless regulations that stifle structured development are urged to work with the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) to see how best to eliminate the legal barriers.

This was stated by Les Govender, the deputy chairperson of the NCOP, when he delivered the keynote address at the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Umhlatuzana Township, south of Durban.

Umhlatuzana was the first developed township for Indians under the Group Areas Act.

Govender said the NCOP ensured that provincial interests were considered in national legislation, and could advocate for the removal or amendment of national laws that unnecessarily burdened local development efforts.

“The NCOP provides a platform for communities, businesses and local governments to voice concerns about over-regulation. This feedback loop is essential for identifying and eliminating outdated or obstructive rules.

“The NCOP has the power to propose amendments to bills, especially those affecting provinces. It can use this authority to simplify or repeal regulations that hinder economic activity,” he said.

Govender paid tribute to the pioneering families who settled in Umhlatuzana when they were uprooted from settled communities such as in Cavendish, Clairwood, Rossburgh, Malvern, Hillary and Bellair.