Question NW294 to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
29 March 2021 - NW294
Brink, Mr C to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
(1) Whether, with reference to the establishment and operation of district hubs in terms of the District Development Model, any private stakeholders and/or volunteers in the private sector have agreed to provide technical and/or other assistance in respect of the work of these hubs; if not, what are the reasons that no such agreement has been reached with private stakeholders and/or volunteers; if so, (a) who are the stakeholders and/or volunteers and (b) what has been the nature and extent of their assistance to municipalities; (2) whether agreements have been signed between the Government and such private stakeholders and/or volunteers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW298E
Reply:
1. Private sector stakeholders have engaged the department and agreed to provide technical assistance of varying nature in respect of the work of the District Hubs
(a) The stakeholders are among others, the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA), the United Nations and the Public/Private Growth Initiative (PPGI).
(b) The DBSA has been appointed as the implementing agent for the District Development Model on behalf of the department. The remaining stakeholders provide capacity building opportunities and technical support in their respective areas of expertise.
We have no formal agreements with individual volunteers at this early stage.
2. A memorandum of agreement has been signed with the DBSA. Memoranda of understanding have been finalized with United Nations; National Business Institute (NBI) detailing length of the respective agreements; roles and responsibilities; governance structures; and other legalities.
The District Development Model is inclusive in its approach to ensure that we bring stakeholders outside the department. In this regard the department continues to explore partnerships in support of the implementation of the District Development Model.