UMgungundlovu’s National Champion, Deputy Minister Chikunga returns to the KZN district to assess progress on service delivery reforms and economic recovery interventions
The Deputy Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga, as uMgungundlovu District Development Model (DDM) National Champion, is returning to the district on 08 and 09 December 2020 to assess progress made during the first two months of the inauguration for the initiative in the area.
Accompanied by the KwaZulu- Natal Provincial Champion of the District, Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC Ravi Pillay, the District Mayor: Cllr Thobekile Maphumulo and Local Municipalities’ leadership, Deputy Minister Chikunga will receive status report on the interventions that were recommended to address governance and service delivery challenges as well as progress on the implementation of mitigation measures outlined in the outcomes of the Auditor- General reports.
Some of the planned interventions in the district included developing a comprehensive economic recovery plan and structural reforms with set timeframes, appropriate budgets, employment of skilled personnel and competent project managers who are relevant to the work to be performed using the DDM’s ‘One Plan and One Budget’ approach.
The two- day programme will also comprise of visit to service delivery sites in the uMsunduzi and Richmond Municipalities, both placed under administration, to assess the status of service delivery at these sites, its socio economic conditions, and to device means to revive the local economy in line with the country’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery plan.
The Deputy Minister unveiled the DDM initiative in the KZN district in September 2020, kick- starting processes of setting up structures together with a Programme of Action to tackle challenges currently facing the district to ensure that these municipalities do not regress, but start performing better and reflect improvements in their processes and systems.
UMgungundlovu District consists Msunduzi, Mkhambathini, Mpofana, Richmond, uMshwathi, uMngeni and Mpendle Local Municipalities. Three of the district’ seven municipalities have been placed under administration due to serious governance, financial management and service delivery related challenges.
President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019 introduced the DDM initiative aimed at improving service delivery and to enhance the capacity of the state by aligning and integrating service delivery programmes and economic development under a single development plan per district or metro.
The DDM is one of government’s efforts towards building an ethical, capable and professional state at all levels of government.
Members of the media are invited to the 2- day programme scheduled as follows:
Day 1: Msunduzi Local Municipality
Date: 08 December 2020 (Tuesday)
Time: 11h00
Venue: Msunduzi Council Chambers, Msunduzi Local Municipality
Sites to be visited: 14h00
A). Integrated Rapid Public Transport Project
B). Electricity Power Station built by Msunduzi Local Municipality
Day 2: Richmond Local Municipality
Date: 09 December 2020 (Wednesday)
Time: 09h30
Venue: Richmond Council Chambers, Richmond Local Municipality
Sites to be visited: 13h00
A). Richmond Incubation Centre for Small Enterprises Development
B). Fresh Produce Market for Informal Traders in town
For media enquiries:
Wisane Mavasa
082 806 1351
Wisane.mavasa@dpsa.gov.za
