Stellenbosch:Deputy President Paul Mashatile has emphasized the need for the District Development Model (DDM) to produce tangible results that positively impact people's lives.
According to South African Government News Agency, Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Namane Dickson Masemola, delivered a keynote address on Mashatile's behalf at the 8th Social Justice Summit held at Stellenbosch University. Masemola highlighted that the effectiveness of the DDM should be measured by its impact on communities, not merely by the number of plans created.
The summit, themed "The District Development Model (DDM) Inter-Governmental Relations as Catalysts for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Social Justice," stressed the significance of cooperative efforts across government levels to drive development and improve service delivery. The DDM's principle of 'One District, One Plan, One Budget' is designed to enhance coordination between national, provincial, and local governments to address fragmented planning and implementation.
Masemola pointed out that poverty, unemployment, inequality, and uneven access to services require coordinated efforts and shared responsibility to address effectively. All district and metropolitan areas have now developed One Plans, which serve as a foundational step towards integrated planning and investment.
Progress has been noted in infrastructure development, water security, healthcare, and local economic development through coordinated action and partnership across government. However, Masemola stressed that communities expect visible and tangible improvements in their daily lives, such as reliable services and economic opportunities.
Five priorities were highlighted to strengthen the model accelerating funded projects, aligning planning with budgeting, building institutional capacity, expanding partnerships, and measuring success through better services and living conditions. The DDM aims to build a capable, responsive, and developmental state, recognizing the interconnected nature of challenges like housing, healthcare, and economic development.
Masemola noted the importance of integrated solutions to address the enduring legacy of apartheid, which left significant spatial, social, and economic inequalities. Deliberate efforts are essential to overcome these disparities and promote social justice and opportunity for all.