Invitation to comment.
Rated SA’s best-run municipality, Weskus Distrik hosted the “Go-To Municipality Dialogue” to hear from experts in the private sector, as well as its own stakeholders, on requirements to become a go-to municipality, thereby enhancing services, and providing a blueprint for others to follow.
We have outlined the key suggestions arising from the dialogue and invite you to comment.
INSPIRING ACTION.
Cobus “The Viking” facilitated the dialogue, inspiring action and encouraging delegates to face challenges head-on. What do you think makes for a Go-To municipality? Let us know.
EFFICIENCIES & INCOME.
Speakers suggested that a mobile district distribution hub could improve institutional efficiencies and generate income. What does moving beyond traditional municipal functions mean to you?
SUCCESS FACTORS.
What makes a municipality a world-class place to live and work? Financially stable? Sustainable, and investment-friendly? Strong economic base with excellent infrastructure, and a high quality of life. Share your thoughts with us.
BEYOND TRADITIONAL ICT.
A shift beyond traditional ICT to a “digital ecosystem” that integrates people, processes, and technology to create a responsive and resilient platform for strategic service delivery. How do you think technology can improve our community’s day-to-day life?
AI & IoT.
Using AI-led technology to enhance administration, including predictive maintenance, and real-time performance dashboards. The goal is to improve efficiency and anticipate community needs. What 5th Industrial services would you like to see soon?
COLLABORATION.
Pursuing strategic partnerships with the public and private sectors, a “social compact” based on collective innovation and shared responsibility. How can the two sectors partner to build a better community?
FINANCIAL RESILIENCE.
Improve financial resilience by exploring revenue streams not reliant on municipal rates. Proposals included a phased-in petrol levy, the User Tariff Credit Transfer mechanism, and leveraging our brand as a strategic asset. Your ideas to generate more municipality income?
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT.
Capitalising on new economic opportunities such as optimising the Saldanha Bay IDZ and developing an incubator centre to support local businesses and tackle unemployment. What can we do to create a thriving economy?
STRATEGIC BRAND.
Further development of Weskus as strategic brand to influence perceptions and attract investment, building on our brand values of solid, active, aspirational, and inclusive. How would you describe Weskus in one word?
IMPROVING EFFICIENCIES.
Weskus Distrik as “virtual metro” to provide shared services to local municipalities, consolidating infrastructure management while improving efficiencies across the region. What services should municipalities share?
CULTURE AND VALUES.
The importance of organisational culture and internal capacity building. Success depends on the attitudes, maturity, and skills of our people, with a human-centric approach enhancing team dynamics and fostering innovation. What culture and values should be embraced by local government?
Please provide any thoughts or comments to msclaasen@wcdm.co.za.
