SALGA’s programs are driven through its working groups, whilst the National Executive Committee plays a crucial role in overseeing the overall activities of SALGA. The working groups act as the policy and strategic engine of the organisation and serve as an important platform for the communication and coordination between SALGA national, provinces and municipalities.

The main purpose of working groups is to encourage, ensure and promote local government matters which, include:

• Cooperative governance;
• Consultation and coordination; and
• Participative decision-making.

The working groups, within their derived mandate, must develop policies, strategies and programmes to address critical local government issues.

Working groups serve as a forum through which organized local government can consult on a political level in order to contribute towards the creation of democratic and economically viable local government.

SALGA has nine established working groups and their functions are as follows:

Cllr C Stofile Chairperson: Welfare and Empowerment, GIGR		Cllr T Ngubane Chairperson: Water and Sanitation		Cllr B Baloyi Chairperson: Electricity and Energy Provision
Cllr J Sidwell Chairperson: Community Development and Social Cohesion		Cllr M Khunou Chairperson: Municipal Finance and Fiscal Policy		Cllr Z Limberg Chairperson: Municipal Innovations and Information Technology
Cllr M Booysen Chairperson: Public Safety and Security		Cllr X Sotashe Chairperson: Human Settlements and Municipal Planning		Cllr M Letsie Chairperson: Trade and Investment
Cllr KS Ramaila Chairperson: Health and Emergency Services		Cllr L Malatji Chairperson: Rural Development and Public Works Working Group