MEC Mamabolo Leads Strategic Planning Lekgotla with DID, CoGTA & GIFA

MEC Mamabolo Leads Strategic Planning Lekgotla with DID, CoGTA & GIFA

The MEC for the departments of Infrastructure Development (DID) and Co-Operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Jacob Mamabolo convened a Strategic Planning Lekgotla with the executive management of the DID, CoGTA and the Gauteng Infrastructure Finance Agency (GIFA). MEC Mamabolo spoke on integration and working together, “We win together, we are better together!”

MEC Mamabolo highlighted the importance of collaboration across ten key areas of integration within the portfolio. He emphasised the need for collective efforts in turning around municipalities and revitalising the Central Business District (CBD). This includes joint investments in city lighting and the management of CBD cleaning as a unified project. In terms of water infrastructure, he called for Municipalities to invest in storage capacity, advanced technologies and the necessary equipment to improve water storage capabilities.

Additionally, MEC Mamabolo proposed a unified approach to renewable energy projects, as well as the creation of an indigenous register. He stressed the significance of job creation, particularly through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and underscored the importance of optimising government’s immovable assets.

MEC Mamabolo outlined ten key areas where he expects DID, CoGTA, and GIFA to collaborate on:

·?Turnaround for Municipalities – Enhancing governance, financial management, and service delivery efficiency in struggling municipalities.

· CBD Revitalisation – Transforming central business districts into vibrant, economically sustainable, and safe urban hubs.

·?Water Security – Ensuring reliable and sustainable access to clean water for communities and industries.

· Energy Security – Developing resilient and diverse energy sources to guarantee uninterrupted power supply.

· Indigent Register – Accurately identifying and supporting vulnerable households with essential municipal services.

·Bulk Infrastructure Provision – Expanding and upgrading large-scale infrastructure to support economic growth and urban development.

· Optimising Government Immovable Assets – Maximizing the value and efficiency of state-owned properties and land.

·?Alexandra Revitalisation (Urban Renewal) – Driving socio-economic development and infrastructure upgrades in Alexandra township.

·?Waste Management – Implementing effective waste reduction, recycling, and disposal strategies for a cleaner environment.

·?Job Creation – Facilitating employment opportunities through skills development, entrepreneurship, and economic programs.

Edward Mosuwe, the Director General of Gauteng Province, explained the rationale behind Premier Lesufi’s decision to consolidate the portfolios of DID, CoGTA, and GIFA under a single MEC. This strategic move aims to enhance governance, efficiency, and service delivery. By bringing these portfolios together, the objective is to strengthen infrastructure delivery through a more coordinated approach to planning, funding and execution.

Day One, of the Lekgotla included a variety of speakers including Dr Pali Lehohla , who spoke on the debilitating consequences of broken system syndrome. The Deputy Director-General: Sustainable Fiscal Resources Management, spoke on access to funding for infrastructure delivery and the development of business cases.

Executives deliberated on cross cutting areas of strategic importance on water sustainability, energy, infrastructure financing, improving the Township Economy.