Thank you, hon Chairperson. My understanding of the issue and the question is
that there are two parts to the question. The first relates to the provision of a budget to traditional leaders which necessarily is not covered within the current question. The issue is in relation to the second part of the question that I think relates to the provision of tools of trade which would be governed by the aforementioned framework that was agreed to and subsequent to this would be govern by the draft handbook that would be in place. In terms of the handbook it is anticipated that this would include mechanisms for accountability.
Question 125:
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF CO-OPERATIVE GOVERNANCE AND TRADITIONAL
AFFAIRS: Hon Chairperson, hon members, government has recently adopted and is rolling out the District Development model underpinned by the Back to Basics programme which will enhance and strengthen support provided to municipalities by all of government over the short to medium and indeed the long term. The department continues to support municipalities in collaboration with the provincial Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs departments, Treasury and other relevant stakeholders with the implementation of the pillars of the Back to Basics programme.
The primary objective of the Back to Basics Local Government Improvement programme is creating well functioning municipalities that serve their communities better. It encompasses the following five pillars: firstly, put people and their concerns first and ensure constant contact with communities through effective public participation platforms. Secondly, creates conditions from decent living by consistently delivering municipal services of the right quality and standards. Thirdly, be well governed and demonstrate good governance and administration. Fourthly, ensure sound financial management and accounting and prudently managed resources so as to sustainably deliver services and to bring development to communities and lastly, build and maintain sound institutional and administrative capabilities, administered and managed by dedicated and skilled personnel at all levels.
The Back to Basics approach has been implemented in municipalities with various successes in relation to the key elements underpinning the five pillars of Back to Basics. Non-performance of municipalities is managed by the local government performance regulations for municipal managers and managers directly accountable to municipal managers of 2006. Thank you very much, Chair.