First IDP, PMS and Budget Representative Forum meeting 2024/25
Photo caption: Wiseman Nodwele
Story: Samkelo Fetile | Photo: Samkelo Fetile
The Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget Representative Forum Meeting for 2024/25, chaired by Cllr Wesizwe Moeti, recently took place at the Burgersdorp Town Hall. This forum convened key stakeholders, including various sector departments, to reflect on completed projects and outline the strategic plans for the municipality in the upcoming year.
Mayor Cllr Vania Davids addressed the forum, praising the success of the 2023/24 completed projects. She emphasized the significance of the 2024/25 Project Implementation Plan (PIP), which includes an extensive list of projects planned for the coming financial year. “The achievements of the past year demonstrate our commitment to service delivery. However, we must learn from the challenges encountered, particularly the need to follow sector department frameworks and enhance communication with all stakeholders,” stated Mayor Davids.
She further reflected on key lessons learned from the previous year's projects. These include the importance of adhering to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) framework regarding project registration timelines, maintaining constant communication with stakeholders to ensure alignment and progress, addressing the labour component to involve local contractors, and strengthening the SMME strategy to increase the participation of local businesses. The Mayor also stressed the necessity of social facilitation in future projects to ensure full community involvement and support.
Director of Planning and Economic Development (PED), Masonwabe Tikana, presented an overview of the audited 4th quarter findings. He highlighted that while many targets had been achieved, there were areas that fell short. "The audit findings reveal that improvements are needed, particularly where certain targets were not met. This will be a focus for the coming year," said Tikana.
Adding to the discussions, IDP & PMS Manager, Wiseman Nodwele, presented the IDP/Budget Process Plan for the 2024/25 financial year. He elaborated on the institutional arrangements necessary to meet the municipality’s goals and emphasized the importance of strategic collaboration between departments and stakeholders.
Sector departments, including South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), Social Development (Socdev), Public Works, Transport, Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development (DALRRD), Economic Development Environmental Affairs & Tourism (DEDEAT), Education (DOE), Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR), Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture (DSRAC), and Community Safety were also present. Their contributions provided insights into their roles and responsibilities in supporting the municipality’s integrated development agenda. Their active participation reflects the collaborative approach that Walter Sisulu Local Municipality is taking to ensure the successful implementation of its developmental projects.
As the meeting came to a close, Mayor Davids reiterated the municipality's commitment to progress and transparency. "We are here to build a better future, and that requires ongoing collaboration, accountability, and engagement with all sectors of our community," she said.