COGTA ANNUAL REPORT 2020

6. STRATEGIC OVERVIEW

6.1 Vision Local Government for and by citizens where participatory democracy and effective governance fosters economic development, financial viability, sustainability and a better quality of life. Mission To lead, support and monitor in the following areas: efficient service delivery, institutional and financial viability and good governance, towards the realisation of Smart Cities, through cooperative governance with associated institutions and traditional leadership; deepening of democracy through proactive and focused stakeholder involvement; strengthening of intergovernmental relations across all spheres of government including the institution of traditional leadership; and disaster resilience through coordination with government spheres and social partners. Values Achieving the vision requires the Department to adopt and adhere to service delivery values as indicated below. The Department has adopted a set of values that are informed by the ‘Batho Pele’ (People First) principles of the South African Public Service, and as an organisation, its specific focus is on the following: • Respect: We treat employees, customers, partners, and suppliers with mutual respect and sensitivity, recognising the importance of diversity. We respect all individuals and value their contributions. Integrity: We employ the highest ethical standards, demonstrating honesty and fairness in every action and service we provide. Caring: We ensure that we and our service providers empathise with citizens, treating them with consideration and respect. We foster effective communication of services, 6.2 • • • • 6.3 • •

products, information, and problems, which may hamper or delay the efficient delivery of services to promised standards. Accountability: We accept our individual and teamobligationsandwemeetour commitments to service delivery. We will account for our performance in all of our decisions and actions. Innovation: We enable municipalities to introduce modern and innovative procedures and systems for the delivery of services. We are creative in our thought and in the execution of our duties, we seek innovative ways to solve problems and enhance effectiveness and efficiency within the context of the law. 7. LEGISLATIVE AND OTHER MANDATES The following sections are extracts from the Constitution which have a direct bearing on the province and municipalities in terms of delivering on their respective constitutional mandates. ◊ Section 139(1): provides that the Provincial Executive may intervene if a municipality fails to fulfil an executive obligation. Section 152(1): provides for democratic and accountable government for local communities; ensures the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner; promotes social and economic development; promotes a safe and healthy environment; and encourages the involvement of communities and community organisations in the matters of local government. Section 152(2): stipulates that a municipality must strive, within its financial and administrative capacity, to achieve the objects as set out in subsection (1). It requires municipalities to provide a democratic and accountable local government. Councillors must be elected through a democratic process and must report back to their constituencies on decisions taken by the council. ◊ ◊ • •

G A U T E N G P R O V I N C I A L G O V E R N M E N T I C O- O P E R A T I V E G O V E R N A N C E A N D T R A D I T I O N A L A F F A I R S ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20 17