The Harry Gwala District Municipality, led by His Worship, the Mayor Cllr. Zamo Nxumalo,accompanied by local mayors from sister municipalities today (12 May 2025), welcomed Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Prof. Blade Nzimande and the Deputy Minister of Defense and Military Veterans, Mr. Richard Mkhungo, who is also a DDM Champion, assigned to the Harry Gwala District to undertake the Districts Developments Model working visit to the Harry Gwala District Municipality.
This meeting is part of government intervention, which is aimed at accelerating service delivery through the District Development Model (DDM). All departments and stakeholders were represented at the meeting.
As the DDM Champion for the Harry Gwala District, Minister Nzimande said he was very proud of this district, and it's very important that his department works with municipalities in this district.
“ I wish to highlight that my department’s approach in supporting municipalities in the context of the DDM, inspired by our newly adopted departmental mantra,is to place Science, Technology and Innovation at the Centre of Government, Education, Industry and Society. Our Department regards local government as an important arm of the state which aims to improve the quality lives of the citizenry, particularly in rural and under-resourced urban areas.
We believe that, if our municipalities can further more embrace and centralise science, technology and innovation, not only will this improve their institutional capacity, but it will enhance the quality of life of the citizenry significantly.
We therefore have no doubt that the DDM provides our department with a unique opportunity to significantly contribute in improving service delivery through the adoption of innovation and in particular evidence- based planning and policy formulation,” said Minister.
He also pleaded with municipalities not to lose contact with the public they serve. Deputy Minister Mkhungo said they support programs that are undertaken by the District “From now on, we are no longer on planning stage, but we are here to start the work. Let us work together, “ said Deputy Minister.
Mayor Nxumalo said he was pleased with the visit from the ministers as it allows the district to share all their plans and receive the necessary support from the Ministers.The programme included engagements with the leadership of the District and Local municipalities on the state of Harry Gwala municipality, in respect of the One-Plan and service delivery matters.
