Inconsistent delivery of printed council agendas exposes Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality's struggles with modernisation and highlights broader issues of environmental responsibility in public administration.

As governments race to digitise public administration, reduce their carbon footprint and improve efficiency and transparency, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality remains mired in paper-based processes.

In a metro where officials routinely speak of sustainability and modernising governance systems, the continued mass printing of council and committee agendas has exposed an operation that, despite its green ambitions, remains stubbornly tied to outdated paper-based practices.

Thousands upon thousands of pages are still being churned out for meetings every month -- even as councillors complain that the documents often arrive late, contain outdated information or need to be reprinted altogether.

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The persistent delays in receiving agendas remain a thorn in councillors' sides, with the issue frequently raised at council meetings.

Some pointers

While Nelson Mandela Bay's leadership appears reluctant to learn new tricks and move with the times, it may be worth them quietly consulting their counterparts in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality for a few pointers on how it is actually done.

Spokesperson for that municipality, Sonwabo Mampoza, said their municipality electronically distributed agendas for council meetings and standing committee meetings to councillors, senior management and everyone else eligible.

"The municipality does not produce any hard copies as every member of...