Government Award: Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs
Over the past three years the Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs has sown the seeds of an efficient and sustainable local government and established the relevant building blocks on which to continue making good progress. The department consists of a number of units which ensures its effective functioning. The following are two examples of its efforts in promoting socio-economic growth in the province.
Development Planning
The Development Planning component of the Department is responsible for a wide range of functions that impacts directly on economic development in KwaZulu-Natal. The Department has supported all 61 municipalities in the Province with the annual review of their Integrated Development Plans (IDPs). These plans provide a common base for the integration and alignment of public and private sector investment decisions. Development to the value of well over R30 billion has been processed over the last three years.
FIFA 2010 World Cup
The Department is playing a crucial role in co-ordinating the soccer stadiums' development in preparation for the World Cup 2010 to open up opportunities to benefit communities outside major cities. A budget of R 269,5m has been set aside to support 5 targeted municipalities in the construction of infrastructure for 2010 to position themselves for 2010 FIFA WC and beyond. These are Amajuba, Uthungulu, Umngungundlovu, Ugu and the Ethekwini Metro.
The potential economic spin-offs that come with hosting an event of this magnitude will be practically felt at a local government level by the communities. The Provincial 2010 Indaba that was held in the province marked the beginning of knowledge sharing among various role players on what opportunities there are around the 2010 FWC event. The Concept of Indabas is now being cascaded down to municipalities with Uthungulu having conducted a successful indaba recently.
The targeted municipalities focussing on stadia rehabilitation and construction have all commenced with conceptual designs and the project work plans indicate that the infrastructure will indeed be ready by 2010. The stadia infrastructure development is aligned to the various initiatives by the Department and other sector Departments to strengthen the economy and ensure the benefits of the event are felt by the whole nation.
