The Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, asserts that the District Development Model (DDM) is a government tool that should be used to encourage collaboration toward a common goal.
“If implemented, it has the potential to yield very positive social and economic outcomes across the country,” Kubayi said at the Presidential Imbizo in Upington, Northern Cape, on Friday. “The approval and roll out of the DDM came after a realization that there is an urgent need to improve service delivery in all districts and metro spaces across the country.”
Kubayi explained that the DDM facilitates the achievement of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan’s objectives.
“It implements the necessary social compact while ensuring that nobody is left behind. It accomplishes this by promoting integrated budgeting and planning across all three levels of government. It also promotes district-level integration of national programmes.” Northern Cape’s economy is mostly dependent on mining and agriculture. Tourism and agricultural processing are potentially expanding industries in the province. Poverty remains a problem in the Northern Cape, as it does throughout our nation. “Following Cabinet’s decision to implement the DDM, the Premier of the Province commenced a process of mainstreaming the DDM into their programming, supported by other planning instruments, such as municipal Integrated Development Plans (IDPs), Spatial Development Plans (SDFs), and other sector plans,” Kubayi stated.
Kubayi asserted that a concerted effort must be made to alter the economic trajectory of the Northern Cape in order to assure economic growth that will result in enhanced development and prosperity for its inhabitants.
The DDM was adopted by Cabinet in August of 2019. It is an integrated planning concept for cooperative governance that aims to provide a new integrated, district-based strategy to expedite service delivery.
The Northern Cape DDM Presidential Imbizo will assist in identifying obstacles to service delivery and economic potential in the ZF Mgcawu District.
The imbizo will attempt to guarantee that municipalities have sufficient resources and support to fulfill their duty.
Martina Baartman, a resident of Upington, told SAnews that she is delighted President Ramaphosa will listen to their issues during the imbizo.
“We have been complaining about the quality of service here, but no one has paid attention. Municipal officials consistently disregard our concerns.
“We hope that the President will listen to us. “He is our final hope,” she stated.
Pieter Moolman, echoing the same thoughts, stated that the President must terminate inept employees.
“They always disregard our complaints about service delivery. Here, there are no services, Moolman told SAnews.
Prior to the imbizo, many community members complained about the lack of service delivery and employment prospects.
The Presidential Imbizo project enables community members and stakeholder organizations to engage in dialogue with the President and leaders from all three sectors of government.