16 November 2007

A GROUP of senior civil servants and political leaders from England visited South Africa recently to share their understanding of how the English and South African government systems work to accomplish positive outcomes for the communities.

The director-general of the Department of Provincial and Local Government, Lindiwe Msengana-Ndlela addressed the group taking them through the South African system of governance and sharing lessons learnt from the experience.

She highlighted that the two countries share historical ties although glaring socio-economic differences exist.

Msengana-Ndlela said that the SA government, like most developing countries are focusing on meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), however the challenges that are presented by historical legacy may threaten SA's hopes to meet the goals.

One of the key questions the group hoped to get answers for, from SA is "how can national and local systems work together more effectively to deliver high priority social and economic outcomes?"

Msengana-Ndlela highlighted that South Africa seeks to have one system of government involving all three spheres of government.

"Although National and Provincial government are elected at a different time from Local Government, the system of government must be one" she said.

"Building the integrity of these institutions is what is important for SA's development," Msengana-Ndlela added.

Some of the topics that the group hoped to have dealt with before the end of their trip include crime, affordable housing, social health, economic growth and sustainability.

Also present at the meeting to share their experiences was the chief executive of the South African Local Government Association Xolile George, and the chief executive of the Institute of Local Government Managers Thomas Mkaza.

Source: dplg.gov.za