The Gauteng Provincial Government today launched the provincial leg of the national back to basics programme in Diepsloot, north of Joburg. The launch presented and outlined the Back to basics framework for the provincial collective action to address the challenges and shortcomings facing the local governance system, despite the achievements thus far. It was attended by the Minister for the National Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Pravin Gordhan, Gauteng Premier David Makhura, the Provincial MEC for CoGTA Jacob Mamabolo, the Chairperson for SALGA Cllr Parks Tau, Executive Mayors and other dignitaries.
The programme, launched by President Jacob Zuma in September 2014, is aimed at strengthening the local sphere of government, improving service delivery and promoting economic growth and development at the local level. Key to the programme is the effective functioning of municipalities to better serve communities by getting the balance right in terms of the five pillars of Back to Basics. The pillars are: Putting People First (Batho Pele), Delivering Basic Services, Good Governance, Sound Financial Management and Building Capabilities.
“Back to Basics is more than just correcting the way we do things in our municipalities, it is also about raising the bar and seeking to do things much better than we are doing them currently. Ours is to change the experience that our people have of government. All those that are in the employ of government, which acts on behalf of the people, must be developmentally orientated in order to help in the ongoing building of our nation”, Minister Gordhan said.
In essence, for the Back-to-Basics strategy to be most effective and yield tangible results, we need to see a synergy between all spheres of government. “If we can get the Local, Provincial and National Governments to work properly, then half of the problems at local government will be solved. Through our community engagement programme of Ntirhisano in Gauteng, we are already well on our way to resolve most of local government’s challenges, working across all spheres,” said Premier Makhura.
Premier Makhura further said that the realisation of a globally competitive Gauteng City Region (GCR) will only be achieved when all municipalities in Gauteng are performing above average, show resilience and exhibit sustainable ability to undertake their responsibilities even against harsh economic conditions.
SALGA chairperson and Executive Mayor of City of Joburg Cllr Parks Tau said that the Back to Basics programme demonstrates that there is indeed need for improved good governance. “South Africa needs functional municipalities to grow economically vibrant areas where people can leave and thrive peacefully. It becomes incumbent on local government to support such growth through efficient provision of services, accountability, clean administration, oversight and elimination of fraud and corruption. As SALGA we have concluded service delivery baselines for municipalities and we are working with challenged municipalities to help improve their operations,” Cllr Tau said.
The Premier then led the leadership of Gauteng province in the signing of the declaration of intent. The declaration was a commitment by all municipalities to serve the people of Gauteng better and to adhere to the five pillars of Back to Basics. The proceedings of the day culminated in a clean up campaign in Diepsloot by all dignitaries and officials present.
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