President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead government’s interaction with communities and stakeholders in the Nkangala District Municipality in Mpumalanga during the District Development Model Presidential Imbizo on Thursday.
"Themed ‘Leave No One Behind’, the 12th Presidential Imbizo promotes participatory democracy and inclusive development by allowing community members and stakeholders to voice proposals and express any concerns or dissatisfaction they may have about conditions in the district or province,” said the Presidency in a statement on Tuesday.
The imbizo, which will get underway at 11 am, will take place at the Sy Mthimunye Stadium in Emalahleni.
The imbizo is directed at enabling the successful implementation of the 'One District, One Plan' District Development Model in which residents, traditional leaders, business formations, organised labour and faith- and community-based organisations work with government across all phases of planning, implementation and evaluation.
Earlier in the week, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Thembi Nkadimeng urged communities in Mpumalanga to participate in the imbizo.
READ | Mpumalanga communities invited to attend imbizo
“As a constitutional democracy grounded in meaningful public participation and accountability, continuous engagement with communities is important. Therefore, the imbizo reaffirms the role of communities in shaping their development initiatives,” Nkadimeng said on Monday.
The visit to Emalahleni will allow the President and other leaders in government to assess progress made and to be briefed on challenges associated with the improvement of service delivery since the President’s previous engagement with communities.
The imbizo highlights the successful implementation of the DDM, and the significance of collaboration with key stakeholders including traditional leaders, businesses and civil society.
The DDM Presidential Imbizo forms part of a holistic government service delivery and monitoring programme, using an integrated, district-based approach to address community needs.
It serves as an important platform for transparent and constructive exchanges between communities and government.
READ | Nkangala residents called to attend Presidential Imbizo
Since inception in March 2022, izimbizo have empowered millions of South Africans to directly engage with the President, contributing to policy discussions and acknowledging government efforts to better serve the people.
Government's commitment to serving the people and enhancing their well-being necessitates ongoing dialogue and collaboration. Through izimbizo, community input informs government priorities, facilitating accelerated public service delivery.
Community engagements through the DDM Presidential Imbizo also enhances visibility, understanding, empowerment, fostering stronger relationships between government and the public.
Feedback from these engagements informs decision-making processes and showcases the impact of community contributions.
Preceding Thursday's imbizo will be a series of build-up outreach activities led by Ministers, MECs, mayors across the Nkangala District Municipality and throughout the Mpumalanga province. – SAnews.gov.za
