Transcript South African NGO Coalition OR Tambo Multi Purpose Centre

Presentation
to
KwaZulu Natal Department of Economic Development
LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE
“Working Together with Government in Pursuit
of Local Economic Development (LED)
…………………………………………………………………………………
Presented by: Jimmy Gotyana
National President : SANGOCO
29 October 2012
CONTENTS
•
Introduction
•
Policy Context for LED in South Africa
•
Why Civil Society has to work closer with the GOVT./State in Local Economic
Development (LED)?
•
Who is Civil Society?
•
Role of Civil Society in LED /SANGOCO
•
Challenges facing Pro-poor LED
•
Way Forward
•
Conclusion
INTRODUCTION
• Purpose – Civil Society in particular the NGO’s and the general
public provide constructive and practical inputs that are
sustainable and that relate to how they can assist and partner
the State/Government in Pursuit of local economic development
beyond.
• Reflect on Civil Society’s positions and attitudes in relation to
why LED has to be pro-poor led.
• Comment on Policy Context for LED in South Africa.
• Come up with implementation modalities and strategies of how
this partnership can be effected.
• Come up with recommendations to input to future framework
by the both the State/Govt. and Civil Society.
• Add community and civil society voice for consideration into
future Local Economic Development programs
POLICY CONTEXT FOR LED
•
White Paper on Local Govt. (1998) introduces the “developmental local
government” which is defined as “Local Govt. committed to working with
citizens and groups within the community to find sustainable ways to meet
their social, economic and material needs, and improve the quality of their
lives.”
•
However, same document makes it clear that “ Local Govt. is not directly
responsible for creating jobs. Rather, it is responsible for taking active steps
to ensure that the overall economic and social conditions of the locality are
conducive to the creation of employment opportunities”
•
LED is about creating a platform and conducive environment to engage
stakeholders in implementing strategies and programs.
•
Community participation and active involvement of citizens in LED process is
paramount as they have to shape their own in terms of change, rather than
passive citizens to whom services must be delivered.
POLICY CONTEXT FOR LED
CONTINUED
•
Constitution (1996) places a great responsibility on State to facilitate LED
•
The National Framework for LED in SA -2006 -2011 provide a necessary
framework within which the local; district; regional and national government
can shape the development trajectory.
•
This Framework takes into consideration that LED in its totality has to
consolidate democracy and integrate citizens as beneficiaries of a growing
economy
•
Civil society, fully backs the Framework as this presents the Govt. with a
clear plan for fighting poverty, underdevelopment and social inequalities.
•
Also, Civil Society’ perspective is that the Framework fully recognizes people
as the biggest asset and that they need to be supported. Civil society fully
support a pro-poor led Local Economic Development.
WHY CIVIL SOCIETY HAS TO WORK
CLOSER TO GOVT?
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•
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Government has a plan in place to address the many social and
economic problems facing our country. It cannot do this on its own.
The State has since 1994 been trying to correct market and apartheid
legacy distortions, but it must be noted that it has had only partial
success.
It is now the right time for business, labour and the civil society to
practically engage and partner government in order to realize these
objectives.
We are saying this precisely because this limited success has been
due to a fragmented and piece-meal approach, un-sustained by a
shared understanding and vision across State and social actors of the
needs and potential of different local economies .
This Summit or Conference is a necessary platform as it has to
cement stronger and cohesive relationship between State as well as
the voice of the civil society sector in particular NGO’s -(SANGOCO).
WHO IS CIVIL SOCIETY?
•
Civil Society is the arena outside of the family, the state and the market
where people associate to advance common interests. It is sometimes
referred to as the “third sector "of society or essentially to the so called
“intermediary institutions” such as religious groups, labour unions and citizen
advocacy organization professional associations and to some extent Non
Profit Organizations that give voice to various sectors of society and enrich
public participation in democracies.
•
Other definition are: (1)Aggregate of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO)
and Institutions that manifest interests and will of citizens (2)Individuals and
Organizations in a society which are distinct and independent of the
Government and Business.
•
NGO’s/Non-Profit Organizations, Faith Based Groups, Labour Unions,
Research and other Professional Association constitute a core in Civil Society
matters as they raise voice from ordinary people.
ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN LED/SANGOCO?
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Mobilise Communities to participate in LED processes.
Ensure the fullest participation and involvement of Community Based
Organizations and other stakeholders to take the LED initiatives and work
together for growth and development.
To forge stronger and cohesive relationship with Government and Business
and facilitate “Social Contract” between all stakeholders(Institutionalise
Partnership with Government & Business).
Be the voice of the ordinary and vulnerable groups by forming part of LED
Forum at Ward and Community Level.
Develop Training and Capacity building programs that will benefit all those
involved in LED Projects. Ascertain Skill level and gaps and develop Training
Plans.
Advocate for creation of new jobs or new sources of employment and
economic activity.
In this regard, we will ensure labour targets are met including employment of
women, disabled people and other vulnerable groups.
Helps in the development of Sustainability Plans for community owned LED
Projects and Initiatives.
CHALLENGES FACING PRO-POOR LED
•
Community centred, people driven and controlled LED. Active
involvement of people and residents / Recognition of communities as
their own change agents, rather than being passive participants in
their development.
•
NGO Capacity Building and Resources on LED initiatives.
•
Limited budget for LED projects generated from programs of
government institution, municipal entities and business.
•
Lack of formalized community LED forums at community/ward/local
levels thus weakening community participation and involvement.
•
Never-ending differences between government, business, labour and
community sectors on implementation of LED strategies.
WAY FORWARD
•
Establish community driven LED forums in each local/ward and proper
prioritization of LED programs /projects initiated IDP process.
•
Provision of capacity building resources and financial support and aid to
community owned LED projects and NGO’s.
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The State providing a clear strategic direction in policy making process and
implement its electoral mandate by enhancing its developmental role and
working together with communities in a “peoples contract’ to find solutions to
their economic; social and material needs.
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Formalized relationship and mutual agreement between Govt./State and civil
society around the LED campaigns and programs.
CONCLUSION
•
Genuine development cannot take place without the full involvement of the
community and their representative structures.
•
Community and civil society participation is central in all efforts by
government /state to improve the quality of lives of the poor and marginalized.
•
Community must actively and practically contribute on efforts initiated by the
government /state to eradicate poverty, hunger and that of bringing
development to its citizens.
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Promote community/public/private partnerships so as to enhance enterprise
development at community level.
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Community ownership on LED related projects/programs will form the basis
for community centred, people driven development for the benefit of the
community and the citizens of our country.
•
Formalized and strengthen relations between the State and broader civil
society.
National President: SANGOCO
Cell: 073 615 7665
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]