Can the district development model deliver development in South African local governments? Cover Image

Czy koncepcja District Development Model może zapewnić rozwój samorządów lokalnych w RPA?
Can the district development model deliver development in South African local governments?

Author(s): Verna Nel, Stephanus Minnie
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Economy, National Economy, Socio-Economic Research
Published by: Uniwersytet Adama Mickiewicza
Keywords: District Development; local government; South Africa; integrated development planning

Summary/Abstract: With the advent of democracy in South Africa, local government was targeted for transformation to be more representative of and responsive to local communities’ needs. Boundaries were extended such that all areas in the country fell within a municipality. In addition to providing essential services such as water and sanitation, municipalities must promote social and economic development. They must also prepare an Integrated Development Plan that informs the municipality’s activities, budget and should ensure focussed and coordinated delivery of services.However, local government has been plagued with severe problems such as a lack of capacity and resources, poor governance and limited intergovernmental and intramunicipal coordination. President Ramaphosa (Current term 2018–2023) in his 2019 budget speech announced a District Development Model (DDM) intended to spatialise and coor-dinate government interventions and support municipalities in response to these issues.This paper describes the challenges facing local government and outlines the DDM concept and its rationale in the context of these challenges. We consider the potential of this model to improve the performance of local government, improve spatial governance and promote social and economic development. We conclude that the DDM may not be sucessful as it does not address the core problems of local government. A candid review of the current concept of local government, its powers, responsibilities, capacities and relationships is required.

  • Issue Year: 2022
  • Issue No: 60
  • Page Range: 39-53
  • Page Count: 15
  • Language: English