for the policy process
15 October 2007
Civil society organisation in the field of local governance under the
umbrella of the Good Governance Learning Network (GGLN) gathered in
Johannesburg, Gauteng today to consolidate their input into the development of
a White Paper for provincial government as well as into the review process of
the existing White Paper for local government.
Department of Provincial and Local Government's (dplg) Director-General,
Lindiwe Msengana-Ndlela called on the civil society organisations to broaden
their focus beyond local government, but to make inputs on the entire
governance model of the country as they prepare their submissions.
"When we started with the Project Consolidate programme in 2004, we knew
that there were challenges such as capacity that we needed to address before we
engage in this policy review process" said Msengana-Ndlela.
The dplg published sixty five questions raising issues for discussion and
engagement on five areas, covering issues at:
* local government
* provincial government
* national government
* powers and functions
* planning, monitoring and evaluation
The Director-General argued that although significant progress has been
recorded in providing basic services, there is a lot to be done to intensify
the progress in communities and the policy process must assist government to
achieve that.
She called on the organisations to recognise the progress that government
has made since 1994 as they continue with their work.
"Let us continue to find those successes where they exist while we identify
challenges" said Msengana-Ndlela.
She also called on the delegates to engage on improving the system of
government and all the issues related to delivery of services and development
and not get tempted to only focus on the discussion on the number of
provinces.
Good Governance Learning Network (GGLN) has prepared its input which will be
discussed over the next two days at the specially convened national event. The
submission focuses on issues such as public participation and ward committees;
municipal planning and budgeting; Intergovernmental Relations; Performance
Management as well as Traditional Leadership.
"We need to increase our communication between organisations and government
beyond the policy process so that we can enrich the system of governance." said
the Director General.
The civil society acknowledged the impact made by Project Consolidate in
addressing some of the capacity challenges over the past two years. However,
they believe that they can contribute more towards the development of
communities.
"The approach of involving NGOs and the public at this stage of the review
of policy is a refreshing one" said the Coordinator of GGLN, Terence Smith.
"However, we believe that we can play a bigger role not just in the making
of policy but in its implementation" he added.
Minister for Provincial and Local Government Sydney Mufamadi launched the
process in July this year by publishing 65 questions for public engagement. The
process is expected to emanate into the tabling of two documents, a Green Paper
on Provincial Government and a report of the review on Local Government.
Issued by: Department of Provincial and Local Government
15 October 2007
Source: Department of Provincial and Local Government (http://www.dplg.gov.za)
