The Role of ICT’s in E nabling Effective Services at Local Government

1. The Role of ICT’s in Enabling Effective Services at Local Government

2. Objectives of Local Government • According to the South African Constitution (Chapter 7 - Local Government: Section 152) the objects of local government are - • to provide democratic and accountable government for local communities; • to ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner; • to promote social and economic development; • to promote a safe and healthy environment; and • to encourage the involvement of communities and community organisations in the matters of local government. How does technology assist LG in achieving these objectives?

3. Responsibilities of Local Government Schedules 4B and 5B of the Constitution lay out the responsible functions of local government What role does technology play in supporting LG deliver on these functions?

4. ICT’s @ LG Technology is a powerful tool that enables inclusion, participation and governance

5. The Opportunity… • "In the recent two decades, we have witnessed an extensive use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by national and local governments worldwide to enhance the efficiency of governments and bring them closer to citizens’ demands. • Evidence from numerous projects and initiatives worldwide shows that, well used, ICTs offer new possibilities for improved governance efficiency, new ways of citizens’ engagement and their more active participation in policy-making, resulting in re-building of trust and transformation of relations between governments and their citizens. • ICTs for Good Governance – Experiences from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean • http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/files/25676/11969497169IST_Africa_paperrev.pdf/IST%2BAfrica%2Bpaperrev.pdf

6. The Reality… • “Some municipalities see the vision of ICT as a tool that enables world class service delivery. • Some municipalities still view ICT as a computer instead of seeing the bigger picture.” • Municipal ICT Researcher, Forge Ahead

7. ICT’s @ LG Why ICT’s can change Local Government: • Deployment of ICT systems can enhance management of local government, as well as streamlining of processes and flow of information and hence service delivery • Technology in service delivery is crucial and ICT can transform local government by promoting good governance through an increased capacity to deliver.

8. ICT’s @ LG Why ICT’s can change Local Government: • More effective and efficient processing and delivering information results in greater involvement on the part of residents • Not only does ICT assist in speeding up and improving delivery of services, it encourages transparency and accountability. • Citizens and business community have the ability to transact online and engage in other e-Government activities. However the more challenging question is not the “why” but the how?

9. User Centric Models Municipal operations from an ICT perspective can be divided into three areas: Internally Interaction across and within Government and externally with the public Beyond, focusing on more equitable access to, and spread the benefits offered by, ICT’s, to all. User led approach to e-government (NAO 2002)

10. User Centric Models Citizen Centric Service Delivery Model

11. User Centric Models Corporate Service Centric Delivery Model

12. User Centric Models Socio-Economic Centric Delivery Model

13. ICT’s @ LG What needs to be addressed for Local Government in driving such a citizen-centric ICT agenda? • Political support and oversight • Addressing budgets constraints • Investing in and retaining the “right” skills • Improved planning between IT and other departments • Standardising on defined business processes • Replacing outdated fiscal management & reporting systems • Managing partnerships with the private sector • Ensuring affordable connectivity & access • More effective ICT tendering and procurement • Leveraging all levers for economies of scale

14. Emakhazeni Local Municipality A Citizen Centric SMS Solution • South Africa now boasts almost 100% mobile phone penetration. Hence there is an expanding the use of Mobile Technologies for e-Democracy / eParticipation • The introduction of Emakhazeni Local Municipality SMS Hotline • The participation in the IDP review process has been better than during the third revision particularly in the townships and farm areas. The municipality is showing signs of improving particularly with the introduction of the SMS Hotline. There has been an improvement in attendance where this SMS Hotline has been used notably Belfast and Dullstroom. • http://www.emakhazenilm.co.za/IDP.pdf

15. http://www.emakhazenilm.co.za/SMS_HOTLINE_NOTICE.pdf

16. iLembe District Municipality A locally grown Shared Services Solution • iLembe is the Municipality for the following local municipalities: • Ndwedwe, Maphumulo, Mandeni, KwaDukuza. • 2008/09 a shared service centre was established. • The Shared services model, focused on streamlining municipal services by offering shared; Firefighting, GIS; Building regulation; Development plans (EIAs, RODs, DFA) across the municipalities.

17. LESSONS ARISING FROM THE DISTRICT WIDE DEVELOPMENT PLANNING SHARED SERVICES PROJECT IN KWAZULU-NATAL (FEBRUARY 2009) http://www.kznlgta.gov.za/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=fQpw6pwxkbA%3d&tabid=148&mid=630&language=en-US

18. The Role of Salga SALGA mandate: • Representative of Local Government (Voice) • Advisor to municipalities • Profiling Local Government SALGA therefore becomes a platform for… • Consolidating local government policy perspective on ICT policy matters and lobbing National Government on such issues • Sharing experiences and providing guidance on good practices on ICT matters • Building capacity and awareness to best leverage ICT’s • Developing partnerships within, across and beyond Gov.

19. Questions & Discussion