On June 21, 2023, Thembi Nkadimeng, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), chaired a meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team responsible for the District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Izimbizo. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss preparations for the upcoming 7th DDM Presidential Imbizo, which would be led by President Cyril Ramaphosa and hosted by the Alfred Duma Local Municipality in the Uthukela District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal.
Promoting Participatory Democracy
The DDM Presidential Izimbizo reflect the principles of participatory democracy, which emphasize government accountability to the public. The events facilitate direct interaction between communities and leaders from all three spheres of government: local, provincial, and national.
Local governments are responsible for providing basic services to citizens, including housing, water, electricity, and sanitation. By collaborating with national and provincial governments, local governments can ensure that these essential services are delivered efficiently and effectively to all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status.
Face-to-Face Engagement with the President
The DDM Imbizo is not just an event; it is an opportunity for citizens to engage face-to-face with the President and leaders from all spheres of government. Under the theme “Leave no one behind,” citizens can express their concerns and receive real-time responses from the government.
South Africa’s Constitution mandates that the three spheres of government work together to promote the well-being of all citizens and ensure the prudent use of public resources. Since the first Presidential Imbizo in the North West Province, significant progress has been made in unlocking blockages to service delivery.
Municipalities as the Backbone of Governance
Minister Nkadimeng stresses that the DDM Presidential Imbizo affirms municipalities as the backbone of the country’s governance system. Instability in this sphere has a ripple effect on the provision of basic services. The Imbizo presents an opportunity for the government and society as a whole to work together towards a brighter future by overcoming obstacles to integrated service delivery using the District Development Model approach.
Ministerial Events and Mobile Services
Various Ministerial Events will precede the Presidential DDM Imbizo on June 30, 2023, in line with the theme. These events will engage communities and stakeholders in discussions on their concerns. Furthermore, critical departments such as the Department of Home Affairs, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), municipalities, and others will provide mobile services on-site to assist communities.
Active and Responsible Citizen Participation
The DDM Presidential Imbizo encourages South African citizens to play an active and responsible role in their governance. The event reflects the nation’s commitment to participatory democracy and effective communication between the government and its citizens. As the Imbizo series continues, South Africa strives to leave no one behind in its pursuit of a more inclusive and transparent government.
