One District, One Approach, One Budget, One Plan: Understanding District Development Model as an Initiative for Improving Service Delivery and Socio-economic Development in South Africa

Description

Page: 362-370

John Mamokhere¹ and France Khutso Lavhelani Kgobe² (Research Administration and Development, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, South Africa¹ and Institute for Social Development, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa²)

The District Development Model (DDM), introduced in South Africa in September 2019, aims to enhance coordinated planning and implementation of government programmes such as integrated development plans and services such as water and sanitation at the district level. By fostering collaboration between different levels of government, departments, and stakeholders, it intends to address service delivery, economic development, and governance issues. The DDM’s “One District, One Approach, One Plan, One Budget” theme establishes an integrated district-based strategy to expedite service delivery, prevent budget duplication, and support municipalities. To comprehend the model, this study employs a qualitative research approach by reviewing existing literature, applying thematic discourse analysis, and embrace the New Public Management framework. Amid challenges like governance problems and isolated decision-making commonly referred to as working in silos, innovative models like DDM are imperative. Although essential, the DDM lacks a legislative framework for governance. This study proposes reforming South Africa’s legislative landscape to ensure the enforceability and implementation of the initiative.