A high level stakeholder engagement was led by Minister Maropene Ramokgopa in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The event was attended by MEC Siboniso Duma and mayors from various cities and the purpose of this initiative was to improve social mobilization and participation in alignment with the National Development Plan (NDP): Vision 2030.
The meeting aimed to promote a “social compact” between the government and its people. Minister Ramokgopa stated that religious and traditional leaders are indispensable partners in development and these leaders are seen as moral authorities and guardians of our cultural heritage. She added that these leaders are able to reach people on the ground much better than government structures as they are seen as crucial to the pillar of active citizenry under the NDP.
During the discussion, various pressing issues in the community were raised and these included the effects of Foot and Mouth Disease, as well as ongoing challenges like gender violence, cattle theft and poor rural infrastructure. The traditional leaders for their part requested better monitoring by the government so that the services delivered, especially with regard to water, electricity and schools actually reach the rural areas.
Minister Ramokgopa proposed a better integrated planning strategy where the strategic plans of Amakhosi would be directly incorporated into the strategies of national government departments because traditional leaders are responsible for managing land and rural livelihoods and thus, their knowledge is necessary for effective agricultural and economic growth.
MEC Siboniso Duma shared the same sentiments expressing his appreciation for the national government’s role in helping them address the crises in the region. He pointed out the need for immediate action in accelerating the distribution of vaccines for Foot and Mouth Disease which is a concern in the uMgungundlovu District. He reiterated that the District Development Model is the main tool for all spheres of government to work together towards addressing poverty and food insecurity.
This engagement provided a platform to bridge the gap between policy and people by building on partnerships with faith based and traditional institutions, the government is able to fast track its development priorities while ensuring that rural people are not left out in the mainstream economy of the province.
