Mid Term Report - Gauteng Online

developmental role. In particular we will seek to:– Draw on the capacity of each metro tobuild an integrated region– Strengthen district municipalities to betterco-ordinate the strategic direction of localmunicipalities– Review the present allocation of powersand functions so that we empower localgovernment to discharge its responsibilitiesto the people and define the appropriaterole of spheres of government for thecircumstances facing Gauteng.• Increase the level of monitoring of policingagencies and the criminal justice system toensure improved service delivery as well assupporting them in respect of transformation,improved crime prevention and communitypolice relations.ProgressImportant strides have been made in improving theefficiency and effectiveness of the Gauteng publicservice and in ensuring the continued transformationof the state.Capacity of the stateIn 2005 the provincial government undertook astudy on the capacity and organisation of the stateand produced a strategy which was adopted bythe Executive Council. The strategy underlined thecentrality of government capacity in enhancingGauteng’s ability to become a globally competitivecity region and highlighted strategic interventionsin this regard. In 2006 a process was initiated todevelop an implementation plan to give effect to thestrategy.Similarly, a review of local government performancein the period from 2000 to 2005 was conducted.The review highlighted critical areas for interventionin order to further enhance the delivery capacityof local government in Gauteng. Currently, thereis an ongoing process to review the organisationand capacity of the state at local government level.A number of interventions were implemented tobuild the capacity of municipalities, including thosedesignated under Project Consolidate.A key focus has been on ensuring that municipalitieshave the necessary managerial, professionaland technical staff to implement developmentalprogrammes. By the beginning of 2006, a total of70 professionals including project managers, seniorengineers, and chartered accountants had beendeployed in Kungwini, Mogale City and Emfulenito provide the necessary support. Steps were alsotaken to support improved local government financialmanagement. An Advisory Committee made up offinancial management experts was set up to provideappropriate advice and promote compliance withthe Municipal Financial Management Act.To further improve the capacity of governmentat all levels, the provincial government and localgovernment, under the auspices of the Premier’sCoordination Forum, has undertaken a review ofpowers and functions carried out by the differentspheres of government. The matter is under discussionand is expected to be taken further in 2007. Workhas also commenced on the introduction of ametropolitan system of governance in Gauteng.At the level of public representatives, discussions withthe legislature have been undertaken to determineits capacity to enhance its oversight role. In thisregard, two strategic documents are being finalisedon the funding of political parties represented inthe legislature and on ministerial accountability todetermine forms of accountability and relationshipsbetween the Executive Council, including Heads ofDepartment and the Legislature.The Executive Council (cabinet) system has beenreconfigured with the aim of improving integrationand coordination between various departments andbetween the provincial and local government andto promote effective and efficient executive decisionmaking.The monitoring and evaluation of the implementationof government programmes and commitments hasbeen a priority. The provincial government concludeda monitoring, evaluation and reporting system, whichincludes the tracking of commitments made by thePremier in his opening of the legislature address.Quarterly reports on progress in delivering on thesecommitments are tabled on the Gauteng governmentportal as a way of accounting to the public ondelivery. Key Performance Indicators, developedin 2004 alongside the GPG’s five-year strategicprogramme, have been revised and monitored.Integration and coordinationIntegration and alignment across spheres of governmenthas been a long-standing challenge of thedemocratic government. Good progress has beenmade in this regard since 2004, spurred by the iniativeto build Gauteng as a globally competitive cityregion.A variety of strategies, programmes and projectsare being implemented across provincial and localgovernment in Gauteng, including the 20 prioritytownships project and other urban renewal projects,56 • Midterm Report - 2004/06