Municipal turnaround strategy gains momentum with the launch of Municipal Monitoring and Reporting System
The North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs – COGTA, has taken a proactive step towards improving service delivery in municipalities by successfully conducting a five-day training session on the Municipal Monitoring and Reporting System to all Dr. Kenneth Kaunda local municipalities.
Led by the Municipal Turnaround Strategy Team, the training that was held at Maquassi Hills Local Municipality in Wolmaransstad, highlights the department's commitment to elevating municipal performance and accountability as pronounced by MEC Patrick Dumile Nono Maloyi during his 2023/24 Budget Speech.
MEC Maloyi indicated that the monitoring and reporting system seeks to create and strengthen real time, early warning-oriented system and rapid response to challenges municipalities might encounter.
“The data will be uploaded by the municipalities and it will assist the department to access systems of municipalities in real time, thus ensuring that the interventions are not after the fact but happen before things fall apart.
Municipalities face an increasing pressure to deliver on their mandates. So embracing innovative solutions such as the municipal monitoring and reporting system becomes imperative”, remarked MEC Maloyi.
The tool was introduced to municipal authorities during the One-on-One Engagement Session with municipalities in the province led by the Head of Department, Dr Ben Bole. Dr Bole maintains that through the tool the department is providing municipalities with the necessary support to fulfil their constitutional mandates.
“The tool is transforming how municipalities can track and report their performance metrics. We are now leveraging on modern technology to foster transparency, efficiency and accountability in municipalities. We are empowering officials with the tools and knowledge needed so that they can navigate the challenges of governance in the municipality effectively”, remarked Dr Bole.
The training session was attended by officials, including senior managers responsible for gathering and approving data. Attendees engaged in discussions of operational access to the system, seamless integration into their workflow and acquiring the essential skills and knowledge necessary for proficient usage of the system.
Chairperson of the Municipal Turnaround Strategy, Mr. Roy Mkhonza emphasised the importance of the training for usage of the tool.
“We are going to provide comprehensive demonstrations of the municipal monitoring and reporting system to officials of all municipalities in the province so they can get used to its functionality and features. The system offers a proactive approach towards addressing the challenges faced by municipalities and enhancing provision of services.
The training session will be rolled out in three other districts in the province.
Tumelo Maruping
Cell:079 984 5807
Email: tmaruping@nwpg.gov.za
Dineo Thapelo
Cell: 072 218 2559
Email: dthapelo@nwpg.gov.za
