Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane
Minister Khumbuzo Ntshavheni
Deputy Ministers Parks Tau and Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe
MEC’s and Councillors present
Members of the media
Ladies and gentlemen
Good Morning,
Let me appreciate this important engagement today with you, members of the media.
It is thus of great significance that we have this engagement today, on the eve of the 9th District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo taking place in this Province in the Chris Hani District Municipality.
Programme Director,
We are meeting during Woman’s Month which is an annual commemoration of the bravery of women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 against Apartheid Laws. In the face of the greatest repression, they laid the foundation for many other women. It is this bravery and their courageous actions that continue to inspire women across the length and breadth of our country.
Inspired by the women of 1956 and so many others, we are striving for full and equal participation of women in the economy especially at the local government level as the sphere that interfaces with communities on a daily basis. Through our policies, we are ensuring the full participation of women in the economy and driving an inclusive economy by advocating for gender-responsive budgeting and purposeful preferential procurement. The promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment is central to our efforts to combat poverty and stimulate sustainable development.
Regrettably, it is said that the face of poverty bears a woman’s face in general and a black woman’s face in particular hence we are determined to accelerate socio-economic opportunities for the empowerment of women in order to transform society.
District Development Model
Programme Director,
The District Development Model (DDM) is a flagship programme of the 6th administration. It is through the DDM that government aims to tackle the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment to ensure that the needs of communities are met.
However, as appropriately outlined by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his 2019 Presidency Budget speech “Lack of coordination [and collaboration] between national and provincial governments, between departments and particularly at local government level, has not served the country. The pattern of operating in silos has led to a lack of coherence in planning and implementation and has made monitoring and oversight of the government’s programme difficult”, – resulting in less than optimum delivery by the government.
Our focus on implementation enjoins the three spheres of government to work collaboratively to discharge their distinct, interdependent and interrelated mandates in keeping with the ethos of the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act (IGR Act). The approval of the DDM by Cabinet as a government approach to improve integrated planning and delivery across the three spheres of government with district and metropolitan spaces as focal points of government and private sector investment gave impetus to this pursuit.
Essentially, the DDM as an operational model for improving Cooperative Governance will go a long way to assist in building a capable, ethical and Developmental State, including improving the state of Local Government. DDM also aims to enhance state capacity, institutional powers and functions which includes the ability to work in a cooperative manner so that there is greater cohesion and positive development impact.
This model bridges the gap not only between the three spheres of government to ensure better coordination, coherence and integration of government, but most of all it brings government closer to the people. It is an All of Government and Society approaches that upholds the tenet of participatory democracy.
The government is making recognisable progress in being institutionalised across the three (3) spheres of government. It cannot be emphasised enough how the DDM, anchored in the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act, is critical for policy implementation coherence and impact maximisation.
One Plan
Programme Director,
The DDM as a transformative vehicle is implemented through two interrelated processes of spatialisation and reprioritisation which is facilitated through and anchored around the One Plan. The One Plan expresses jointly agreed outcomes and commitments as an intergovernmental plan or whole Government plan targeted to each district and metropolitan space over the short, medium and long term.
Through the One Plans and One Budget, we initiated a quality assurance process aimed at assessing the quality of all submitted One Plan. The outcomes of the Quality Assurance process are meant to inform the review and updating of the One Plans across all district and metro spaces.
Key findings that emerged from the quality assurance process highlighted a need to strengthen the shift towards collaborative, joint planning and strengthening the involvement of sector Departments, State-Owned Entities (SOEs) and private sector participation.
DDM Champions,
Programme Director,
President has appointed National Political Champions and Premiers similarly have appointed Provincial Political Champions to facilitate seamless intergovernmental collaborative planning, budgeting and implementation processes that converge developmental efforts at the district/metropolitan level as IGR impact zones.
Amongst others, the role of Political Champions is to provide political oversight and support to improve cooperation and collaboration across the 3 spheres of governance to implement DDM. Provide strategic guidance for the development and implementation of the ONE PLANs and contribute towards institutional stability of the allocated district and the reprioritisation process that seek to respond to urgent institutional and governance gaps, and development priorities outlined in the specific district profile.
DDM Achievements
Programme Director,
In summary:
- The DDM was launched in 3 pilot sites and DDM Hubs were established (OR Tambo, Waterberg and eThekwini).
- The DDM profiles were developed for all district and metro spaces.
- A DDM Implementation Framework outlining key aspects for the institutionalization of the DDM was
- Guidelines for the development of One Plan have been developed. 50 One Plans quality assured in 2022 and 46 One Plans (long term) reviewed, updated and submitted to DCOG in April 2023.
- Economic Recovery Plans were developed in 46 districts and metros. These have been integrated into the One Plans.
- DDM Political Champions were appointed by the President of the Republic, and guidelines and reporting templates for DDM Political Champions were developed.
- The establishment and strengthening of IGR/DDM structures across district and metro spaces is underway. At the national level, a DDM Implementation Coordinating Committee has been established.
- Development of the Draft Section 47(1)(b) of the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act (IGRFA) Regulations is currently underway.
- DDM Integrated M&E Framework
- Development of the DDM IMS system
- Eastern Seaboard Development launched – DDM in action.
- Local Government Summit convened in September 2022
- Ongoing support and guidance on how to mainstream DDM across government.
- State of Locale Government Report updated in June 2023
- DCOG request to provincial COGTAs for provincial reflections on DDM implementation in July 2023
- Strategic partnerships to implement the DDM are underway.
Reflecting on the journey
Programme Director,
Since March 2022, Imbizo gave millions of South Africans a voice as they raised their issues onsite at various events and also through online and other key platforms. United in their diversity and from walks of life, South Africans came to talk to the President, voiced their concerns and also praised the government for the work it is doing in many areas to make their lives better.
The DDM Presidential Imbizo brought to life the democratic principle of participatory democracy and the theme – “Leave no one behind”.
The DDM Presidential Imbizo, as a continuous government service delivery and monitoring programme that seeks to ensure an integrated, district-based service delivery approach, there are many important noteworthy issues that we must highlight.
North West: 12 March 2022 – Ngaka Modiri Molema
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In the North West, communities raised a number of issues, but the key ones were the challenges with Crime; Water; Social Ills and Issues around Mining. I am happy to report that Ministers responsible have been crisscrossing the North West attending to the challenges raised.
Free State: 09 April 2022
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The Free State Province presented another mixed bag of issues. The Petrus Molemela stadium was filled to capacity, even though the weather was not favourable. Communities raised their issues of concern which they urged the government to tackle. Amongst the major issues raised were poor or no service delivery, especially in Mangaung, crime, weak or no economic opportunities, etc. The response from the government was swift as the government leadership committed to speedily attend to issues raised. Amongst the key successful interventions, was bringing stability to the Mangaung Metro to ensure that it can deliver on its mandate.
Mpumalanga: 20 May 2022 – Carolina
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The people of Mpumalanga came out to engage the President. This Imbizo afforded all social partners, government, traditional leaders, civil society organs (labour, women, youth, persons with disabilities, business) and communities an opportunity to collectively engage on how to best address the immediate challenges and to create conditions for long-lasting stability and development. The government leadership across the three spheres of government led by the President will record the issues raised and respond with clear timeframes and action plans. The issues raised by communities included non-existent economic opportunities, poor service delivery, crime, water challenges, etc.
Gauteng: 12 August 2022 – Sedibeng
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Sharpeville Cricket Pitch witnessed the gathering of leaders from all three spheres of government and various community organisations who came to meaningfully engage with the government. Communities, young and old brought forth their service delivery challenges. Amongst the challenges raised were the issues of the lack of economic activity in the district, crime, electricity shortages, and cleanliness of their areas. The government outlined the plans for the development of this district and further urged community involvement in this area. The Imbizo provided a platform for the province to capacitate communities on its plans to improve and better their lives. The Province emphasised the role they play through its programmes, empowering communities to have their say over decisions that affect their lives, their towns, cities and neighbourhoods.
Northern Cape: 21 October 2022 – Upington
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This 5th Presidential Imbizo enabled community members and stakeholder groups to interact with the President and leaders from all three spheres of government. The Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium in ZF Mgcawu District was packed to capacity. The Imbizo was preceded by the President’s visit to the solar project which is creating jobs and will also contribute to the much-needed power. Communities voiced their questions and proposals on how service delivery can be improved to better meet the needs of residents – “Jobs, crime and broader service delivery issues”. The engagement was able to identify issues that hamper service delivery and economic opportunities.
Western Cape: 19 May 2023: Cape Winelands
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The 6th Presidential Imbizo to Cape Winelands District, Dal Josaphat Stadium saw communities bracing the cold weather to meet the President. The issues that topped the agenda from the community interaction were the issues about economic opportunities, conditions of work in farms, triple challenges, etc. communities cherished the opportunity to speak to the president on key service delivery issues as he was able to unblock blockages. Ministers committed to assisting communities, especially farm workers.
KwaZulu-Natal: 30 June 2023 – UThukela
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The uThukela District in KwaZulu-Natal hosted Presidential Imbizo. The 7th Imbizo also provided opportunities for community members to voice their issues. The imbizo ensured Community engagement, and build deeper, stronger and more trusting relationships between the government and communities. The government listened and, in turn, demonstrate the impact of community contribution by responding in real-time to issues raised which include, but are not limited to lack of economic opportunities, poor service delivery, challenges with the cellphone network, etc.
Limpopo: 15 July 2023 – Sekhukhune
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President Cyril Ramaphosa interacted with the community of Sekhukhune District, at Motodi Sports Complex, Limpopo Province. The Imbizo was preceded by President inspecting the progress made with the construction of the R37 Driekop – Steelpoort Interchange road project. The project is part of the massive road infrastructure rollout programme across the province and on its completion it will link the District with Polokwane, the capital city of the Province. Key to some of the issues raised by the community was a shortage of water, unemployment, illegal mining, and the shortage of higher education centres in the area. The Minister of Water and Sanitation provided an update on the progress of resolving the water shortages. He announced an R12 billion project aimed at addressing the water problem and committed that the Department of Water and Sanitation will work directly with the local authorities and the mining sector on this project. The government is intensifying its programme of combating illegal mining, working together with law enforcement agencies. Stakeholder engagements were further encouraged to ensure that communities actively participate in local economic activities.
DDM Presidential Imbizo
Programme Director,
Ours is a constitutional democracy that is founded on the principles and values of active public participation and accountability.
It is within this context that President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the 9th District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo on the 11th of August 2023 in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality (ward 8), of the small town of Tsomo, in the Chris Hani District, of the Eastern Cape.
This is the last Imbizo of the first round, following eight (8) DDM Presidential Imbizos which started in March 2022 in the District of Ngaka Modiri Molema of the North West Province. The journey since then across all provinces has seen the President directly interacting with communities across.
The DDM Presidential Imbizo is a platform to:
- ensure that citizens are heard and involved in their development;
- champion a citizen-centric and listening government;
- promote a participatory governance system;
- stimulate accountability through sustained reporting on commitments;
- enhance active and responsible citizenry through innovative public participation mechanisms; and
- mobilise for social consensus on creating jobs, accelerating integrated service delivery and growing an inclusive economy.
It is in such Imbizo meetings that communities had an opportunity to raise issues they might have, including concerns, grievances, etc. In return, communities received real-time response which included advice and guidance, thus being able to forge ahead.
In democratic countries such as South Africa, the participation of community members in governance matters (in all three spheres) is a right. This is because were elected to serve the people and to ensure their development and improve their general wellbeing.
Through engagement like Imbizo and the full participation of communities, the most pressing needs of the people are prioritised. Enhancing community participation and engagement with the government will surely translate to accelerating public service delivery.
While the government may have an indication of what the needs of the people are, a two-way relationship between communities and the government can serve to provide the much-needed clarity. It is this participation in a democracy that enhances public confidence and trust in the government.
Like all the past eight (8) Presidential Izimbizos, the 9th chapter will also be convened under the theme “Leave no one behind“. Meeting communities where they leave brings to life the theme as everyone is taken on board and together charting their own way forward.
These series of interactions and engagements brought communities closer to the President and the entire leadership across the three spheres and also ensured that their issues are made known.
As reflected earlier the successful institutionalisation of the DDM compels us to collaborate with key strategic stakeholders including the Traditional and Khoi-San leaders as well as business and civil society at large from planning, budgeting and throughout implementation as well as monitoring and evaluation.
The DDM Presidential Izimbizo are a practical expression of community-centered development that is rooted in active public participation and accountability. President is committed to continuing to build an ethical, capable, and developmental state that delivers on its mandate and is corruption free in every sphere.
Programme Director,
We are confident that the 9th Imbizo will yield the positive results that we have seen in the last eight imbizos. The main objective is to ensure that our communities are tomorrow required afforded the opportunity to speak to the President.
In a nutshell, tomorrow we will strengthen a partnership with citizens in order to deal with issues affecting their daily lives as Imbizo is a tool of development communication to bridge the information gap and address service delivery backlogs in rural areas.
It is important to note that communities, don’t want many things, but only expect feedback on the matters raised at the Izimbizo. The most important type of feedback will be the actual delivery of services on the ground and the lives of communities changing for the better.
We need to take Imbizo reports seriously as the only way communities will trust that we don’t just hold talk shops, but real community engagements that are meant to change lives.
It is against this background that we call on all communities of the Chris Hani District to come and interact directly with President Ramaphosa who will be accompanied by public representatives from national, provincial and local government in keeping with the principles of the DDM.
Transport and related logistical arrangements have been finalised to ferry communities from various areas to ensure that no one is left behind in the transformation journey of our country.
Conclusion
Programme Director,
During the Izimbizo, we have indeed witnessed first-hand the power of collective voices coming together to address the pressing issues affecting our communities. A number of critical matters that were widely discussed at the Imbizo, are being attended to by government.
Ndiyabulela.
Thank you.
