Gauteng MEC for Agriculture, Rural and Social Development, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza, signed the intergovernmental protocol with all municipalities in the province on Friday in Irene, outside Pretoria.
Speaking to SAnews about the importance of the signed protocol, Mayathula-Khoza said: "We've committed ourselves to effectively cooperate in terms of governance, and service delivery matters on agriculture, rural development and protecting our environment.
"With the commitment of the mayors and the MMC, I'm looking forward to more and visible integrated service delivery from local government in agriculture, rural and social development. I think what is important for all of us is to work with our communities on the delivery we are rendering to them, then there would be less service delivery protests - unless the protests have other motives."
The protocol is meant to assist the provincial government in complying with its constitutional obligations to build capacity at the local government sphere.
Andy Mathibe of Mogale City, who was part of the municipal representatives who pledged their support after signing the intergovernmental protocol, said: "We are committed to honour and work with the provincial government because to us, this protocol means business as we will implement our programmes in line with this protocol."
Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) responsible for Agriculture at Ekurhuleni Metro, Vuyelwa Mabena, said: "This agreement will strengthen our working relationship with the provincial department in bringing services to the people."
MMC for Environmental Affairs at Randfontein Municipality, Cllr Theresa Kimane, said: "Through this protocol, we are definitely going to deliver as we will be getting support from the provincial department."
Maipato Tsokolibane, representing Sedibeng Municipality said: "We are committing ourselves to work closely with the department through this innovative initiative."
Representing Westonaria Municipality, Annah Gela, said: "We are also committed to working with the department so that service delivery is visible in our area."
Mayathula-Khoza established the MMC forum to ensure coherent and seamless operations between the provincial and municipal spheres in Gauteng in the functional areas of agriculture, conservation, veterinary services and the environment, including waste management social and rural development.
One of the objectives of the forum will be to monitor the implementation of projects, assess and evaluate service delivery.
