In the Context of South Africa Municipalities what do you see as significant current Political, Economic, Societal, Technology, Regulatory and Natural Environment Factors that can enhance Service Delivery and Economic Development at Local Goverment Level?
When you cast your eyes into the future lets say 3 to 5 years what Significant Risks (both threats and opportinities) do you anticipate that may enhannce or prevent the Service Delivery and Economic Development Target?
All contributions are welcome including research papers that have been published on this topic
A wide spectrum of common Political, Economic, Social, Technology, Legal and Environmental realities exist within South African Municipalities, and there are many collaboration opportunities amongst Municipalities to enhance Service Delivery as well as drive Economic Development at Local Government Level. A constant challenge in developing Strategic Plans at local Government Level is lack of Strategic Thinking Capabilities (it said 3 in every 10 Leaders in the world are Strategic Thinkers), underpinned by the ability to identify common regional characteristics and/or themes that help guide the Strategic planning process, and successful Execution of Action Plans.
Currently the developmental mandate of local government is effected through metropolitan municipalities in the eight largest urbanised and industrialised centres in the country. They are charged with addressing the key challenges outlined in the White Paper on Local Government, namely, the legacy of urban apartheid by establishing a basis for equitable and inclusive metropolitan governance and development. It is against this background that we think COGTA has come up with the District Development Model as a mechanism to enhance Service Delivery across all Municipalites as well as to ensure Municipalities are an effective driver of Economic Development at Local Government Level.
From a Risk Management Perspective we think Integrating Risk Insights into Municipalities Decision Making and Strategic Planning Processes will help the Country Build the future we all desire. Building Risk Informed Strategic Plans is a team effort that requires real time risk discussions, at the highest level of Municipality Leadership and consultation with all the Stakeholders such as the National Government, Municipal Districts, SALGA, COGTA, Business and Communities including Youth.
Certain PESTLE, SWOT and Risk Themes may have elements that resonate with the team putting together a Municipality Strategic Plan, however it is recommended that the Leadership should adopt the Strategic Plan after an in-depth discussion of the current situation (PESTLE and SWOT Analysis) and anticipated future situation (Risks). A consideration of how significant risks identified will be mitigated should be made an integral part of the Medium Term and Short Term Planning Processes and not only after the Meadium Term and Short Term Plans have been finalised and adopted.
Note: Managing Risks should be seen as an integral part of Municipalities’ Decision Making, Planning, Budgeting and Performance Management Processes, and not as a stand alone processe that is done after Municipality Plans have been adopted just to comply with National Treasury Requirements.
Source: South Africa Municipalities PESTLE, SWOT and Risk Analysis – RiskForesights.COM
