MEC Tokozile Xasa Launches Departmental Turnaround Plan
The MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs launched the departmental turnaround plan, Operation Simanyene, in Bhisho on 17 October. Thoko Xasa appealed to the partners of the Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs to express their commitment to the operation, which will see the department undergoing a series of intensive programmes to accelerate the pace of service delivery in the province. “Local Government is inundated with challenges,” said MEC Xasa at the launch event, which was extremely well-organised, “From financial management and viability, to governance.” Operation Simanyene will seek to address these issues intensively. MEC Xasa continued: “Given the strategic role of the Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs in facilitating the achievement of integrated service delivery, the department found it necessary to develop a plan to accelerate service delivery and strengthen capacity within identified municipalities.” General Manager of the Municipal Support and Monitoring Unit, Mr Sibongile Madyaka, spoke of the operation as an effort to “streamline processes”. The Municipal Support Unit will coordinate Operation Simanyene. “The department has a special and intimate relationship with service delivery on a grass-roots level,” said Mr Madyaka, “The department and its partners have injected a large amount of funding into this plan as a demonstration of its seriousness.” |
One of the objectives of the strategy is the revitalisation of small towns through targeted, highly specific intervention programmes. “We’ve identified several small towns, placed in a position to leverage economic advantages. These towns would be a stepping stone to further outcomes, such as improving employment levels and decreasing poverty.” “We need the participation of all our stakeholders and partners. The realisation of the turnaround plan relies on maximum cooperation from the entire department and stakeholders: from Councillors, municipal management and Traditional Leaders to all our staff, who are the key drivers and ambassadors of this programme.” MEC Xasa called on the Department’s partners to sign a pledge and, “Commit themselves to the successful implementation of Operation Simanyene.” “The term Simanyene,” said the MEC, “demonstrates and emphasises our efforts as equal partners in building and strengthening the capacity of our municipalities.” “Within six months, we will tap into the power of targeted projects, expertly managed to respond to the most critical areas of local government.” “Our communities are looking to us to accelerate the betterment of their lives.” |