In preparation for the MEGA Strategic Planning, the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality has been holding a series of strategic planning sessions, as from 14-22 February 2023.
The first department to conduct its session was Corporate Services with the purpose to evaluate the values of the department and set achievable goals and annual targets with a clear view of the Municipal vision and strategize to achieve that vision. The session was held on 14 – 15 February at IKwezi Community Hall.
Director for Corporate Services, Mr Simlindile Nodo highlighted a few issues of focus which include but not limited to: budget constraints, office space, bad culture, inability to attract and retain scarce skills and scarcity of tools of trade. He mentioned the Customer Service issues and said the municipality found alternative ways to make sure that faults are reported with less hassles.
Corporate Services was followed by Budget and Treasury on the 19-20 February at Northcrest Community Hall, wherein challenges facing the department where discuss in order to ensure that delivery of services to the people is not hindered by those challenges.
Technical Services held its session at the iKwezi Community Hall, Human Settlements was at Nkululekweni Council Chamber, while Public Safety and Rural Economic Development were at the Mthatha Stadium for the two days, 20-21 February 2023.
Technical Services Department Strategic Planning led by MMC for Infrastructure, Cllr. Z. Nokayi and Director, Mr. U. Mnqokoyi sighted issues like project management capacity, revenue recovery plan and bulk infrastructure among others and will be looking at ways to fix these issues going forward. SANRAL also shared plans to construct R61 Bhaziya to Mthatha Airport, R61 Mthatha Airport to CBD. N2 from Viedgesvile to CBD (which is in design stage). The R411 pothole repairs is ongoing.
Department for Human Settlements, led by its MMC, Cllr. N. Sibeko and Director, Ms. Z. Ndzelu gathered and opened a platform to table down the departmental overview where challenges, threats and weaknesses were identified on both current and future projects, lastly the department tried to come up with a plan on how to tackle the challenges that may arise in the future in order to deliver sustainable and quality services to KSD communities.
Public Safety and Traffic Management strategic planning session led by its MMC, Cllr. M. Marasha and Acting Director, Mr. K. Timakwe presented recommendations towards handling of the challenges this department faces and also focused on seeking interventions on (glaring) challenges.
Department for Rural Economic Development led by its MMC, Cllr. M. Dudumayo and Director, Mr. M. Mandla looked at ways to improve their mandate of providing sustainable economic growth in both rural and urban areas, to create jobs and alleviate poverty.
The Executive Mayor of KSD, Cllr. Nyaniso Nelani said, at one of the session, the departments within the Municipality represent the entire KSD and it is paramount to have them fully functional to service the people of KSD. He added that these departments and units need to work hand in glove to improve the lives of all in KSD.
These sessions will continue until all KSD departments and units have presented their challenges, way forward and successes.