The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in Mpumalanga urges communities to submit their comments for the Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) and budgets of their local municipalities. IDPs are strategic planning tools for municipalities and are crucial to align the resources and the service delivery imperatives, as legislated in Section 16 of the Local Government Municipal Systems’ Act.
Ordinarily, municipalities in Mpumalanga convene IDPs/Budgets community consultation and stakeholder forums in the 400 Wards prior to the new financial year, to canvass the suggestions of their communities. However, gatherings are prohibited in view of the COVID-19 lockdown regulations. In this regard municipalities have been advised to upload their IDPs and budgets in their websites and create social media platforms and e-mail addresses for communities to submit their suggestions.
MEC for COGTA, Mr Mandla Msibi says suggestions by communities is a key pillar that guide municipalities to develop IDPs aligned with the developmental aspirations of their communities. He says the COVID-19 lockdown regulations that prohibit contact meetings does not prevent communities to submit suggestions. “The latest amendments of directives issued in terms of Section 27(2) of the Disaster Management Act require municipalities to use innovative means such as media platforms, i.e Radio, Facebook, Twitter and Websites to canvass for the suggestions. They can be submitted electronically to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Mr Msibi explained.
Municipalities in Mpumalanga are at the tail end of the IDPs and budget reviews and consultations are canvassed through the use of the following measures:
- WhatsApp service where community members are able to deposit their views via text or voice notes.
- Virtual engagements.
- Facebook and Twitter.
- Written submissions through suggestion boxes at municipal offices and via emails.
- Radio talkshow engagements.
Mr Msibi says the developmental agenda of any municipality must be determined by its residents.
Ends…
Issued by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs,
Contact Person: Mr George Mthethwa
Contact Numbers: 013 766 6572/ 083 302 2774
E-mail: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za
Facebook: @mpucogta
Twitter: @cogtamp