Minister Thembi Nkadimeng: Leading Transformative Local Government

by
1 min read
local government service delivery

Minister Thembi Nkadimeng recently presented the 2023/24 Budget Vote for the Departments of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA). This important occasion highlighted the department’s past accomplishments and future plans, with a focus on accelerating implementation and ensuring local government becomes a key driver for growth, innovation, inclusivity, and cohesion.

Addressing Existential Challenges

The CoGTA budget tackles various challenges, including sluggish economic growth, energy crisis, inflation pressures, and water insecurity, which severely impact municipalities across South Africa. The National Treasury’s decision to conditionally write off the debt owed by municipalities to Eskom is a crucial step towards stabilizing the energy sector.

The District Development Model

The CoGTA is committed to making local government everyone’s business by focusing on the District Development Model (DDM). The DDM is a flagship program designed to improve intergovernmental relations and enhance policy implementation coherence. By adopting a quality assurance process for submitted One Plans, the DDM aims to strengthen collaborative and joint-planning, as well as increase involvement of sector departments, state-owned entities, and private sector participation.

Enhancing Service Delivery

In order to enhance service delivery in municipalities, the DDM is focusing on improving coordination and cooperation with the Offices of the Premier and provincial CoGTAs. This includes working closely with the institution of Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership in rural communities, leveraging investible opportunities to improve living conditions in those areas. During the current financial year, CoGTA will particularly emphasize development opportunities associated with mining activities in traditional communities.

Stabilizing Dysfunctional Municipalities

The CoGTA recognizes the need for national interventions to address political instability and the lack of delivery of basic services in some municipalities. The department aims to stabilize at least 20 dysfunctional municipalities by the end of the current financial year, in accordance with Section 154(1) of the Constitution.

Results-Based Planning

To monitor the progress and impact of its key programs, the CoGTA has adopted a results-based planning approach. A fully functional Results-Based Management Office (RMO) is being established to work with municipalities, provincial governments, national sector departments, and state-owned entities in order to deliver infrastructure and strategic projects.

Budget Allocations

Budget allocations for 2023/24 amount to R121.7 billion for Vote 3 and R193.1 million for Vote 15. The largest portion of this budget is allocated for transfers to municipalities. Over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period, a total of R364.7 billion (95% of the total allocation) will be designated for this purpose.

The CoGTA’s commitment to making local government everyone’s business emphasizes evidence-based decision making in policy implementation. By working collaboratively with various stakeholders and focusing on a results-based planning approach, the department aims to create lasting, transformative change within local communities. Minister Thembi Nkadimeng’s leadership is instrumental in driving this transformative and developmental agenda.

Tags:

You might be interested in

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

View all

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

department of public enterprises suspended dg
Previous Story

Public Enterprises Responds to Suspended DG’s Behavior

municipal support programs infrastructure funding
Next Story

Parks Tau: Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Dept Budget Vote 2023/24: Creating a Sustainable and Inclusive Future

Latest from Blog

firefighters community outreach

Spreading Holiday Cheer: Firefighters Bring Joy to Children

In December 2024, firefighters brightened the holidays for children in care facilities by delivering wrapped gifts with big smiles. Partnering with Pick n Pay, they spread joy and gratitude after receiving support during a tough summer of wildfires. Each visit was a heartwarming reminder of kindness, as firefighters became symbols of generosity, teaching kids about empathy and community spirit. This joyful initiative shows how simple acts of giving can light up lives and strengthen bonds in the community.

justice gender-based violence

A Persistent Nightmare in Embalenhle: Justice Served

In Embalenhle, South Africa, a dark nightmare unfolded as Themba Prince Shongwe committed terrible crimes, including rapes and murders, from 2016 to 2018. The community lived in fear as he targeted innocent girls, causing heartbreak and loss. Finally, justice was served when he was found guilty and sentenced to nine life terms in prison, bringing relief to the grieving families and a sense of safety back to the community. This victory shines a light on the importance of standing against violence and working together to protect the vulnerable.

street lighting community safety

Illuminating Cape Town: Lighting Up Safety and Community

Cape Town’s streetlight program shines brightly as it manages over 245,000 lights, making the city safer and more inviting, especially during the festive season. The community plays a vital role by reporting issues and staying alert, working together to protect these lights from theft and vandalism. With a focus on sustainability, the city is switching to energyefficient LEDs, reducing its environmental impact while keeping streets welllit. This initiative not only lights up the city but also brings people together, creating a warm and safe atmosphere that showcases Cape Town’s beauty at night.

housing development community empowerment

A Beacon of Hope: Gugulethu’s New Housing Project

The Gugulethu Infill Housing Project is bringing joy and hope to the community of Gugulethu, South Africa, by building 52 new homes for deserving families. This celebration marks a fresh start for many, especially the elderly and middleaged residents who finally have a safe place to call home. As they move in, they not only gain shelter but also a sense of belonging and stability. This project symbolizes the community’s strength and resilience, showing that together, they can overcome challenges and build a brighter future. The new homes are more than just buildings; they represent dreams coming true and a promise of better days ahead.

colonel celeste van der klashorst gender-based violence

Championing Justice: The Journey of Colonel Celeste van der Klashorst

Colonel Celeste van der Klashorst is a fearless leader in South Africa’s fight against violence and crime, especially those targeting women and children. With over thirty years of service, she created Child Protection Units and now leads the National SECI Unit, tackling serious issues like serial rape and child pornography. Her team’s recent success in a major operation has led to arrests and rescued children, showing the powerful impact of her work. Colonel van der Klashorst inspires others with her passion for justice, making her a shining example of hope and resilience in the battle for a safer society.