CHAPTER SIX: COORDINATION OF THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION 6.0. Background The Gauteng Rural Development Strategy is a comprehensive and holistic approach to an improved economic and social development of the rural and less urbanised areas. The strategy cuts across sectors and institutions, and is closely linked to the implementation of other national policies and strategies. Thus, the strategy is part and parcel of a much broader strategic change to the way in which Gauteng society functions. It is, in fact, a key part of that strategic change, and therefore requires involvement of the political authorities at the various levels. The proposed mechanisms of co-ordination and co-operation must be seen in the context of the four priority areas of the strategy: economic development, infrastructure and provision of social services, good governance, and the management of risk and vulnerability in the rural areas. Implementation of the strategic actions relating to each of these four areas will require the co-operation of several actors along the vertical and horizontal dimensions at central, regional and local levels. 6.1. Institutional Framework for Rural Development The institutional framework for the GRDS will focus on the monitoring and coordination tasks, as actual activity implementation will take place by institutions in the various sectors. However, there are some areas where new or restructured institutional arrangements are recommended in order to facilitate implementation of the proposed rural development programmes: Rural development involves many stakeholders. All GPG sector departments, local authorities and executive agencies have a role. The private sector, civil society and donors also have a major part to play. Given the diversity and number of stakeholders, implementation of the RDS will need extensive coordination and effective monitoring. Stakeholders will need to be drawn together, and assisted to work in partnership. It is therefore recommended to establish a Task Team which will have the mandate of promoting and monitoring rural development, programmes in all sectors. 6.2. Rural Development Secretariat The implementation of the RDS needs the support of an office that has recognised influence and authority. It will also need a professional permanent body to drive the implementation forward. Thus, to promote the initiatives and host co-ordination and co-operation a Rural Development Secretariat will be located where the Task Team is placed. The secretariat will be small and be given a status that will allow it to interact directly with all Departments on a continuous basis. The Rural Development Secretariat will be responsible for:
CHAPTER SIX: COORDINATION OF THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION 6.0. Background The Gauteng Rural Development Strategy is a comprehensive and holistic approach to an improved economic and social development of the rural and less urbanised areas. The strategy cuts across sectors and institutions, and is closely linked to the implementation of other national policies and strategies. Thus, the strategy is part and parcel of a much broader strategic change to the way in which Gauteng society functions. It is, in fact, a key part of that strategic change, and therefore requires involvement of the political authorities at the various levels. The proposed mechanisms of co-ordination and co-operation must be seen in the context of the four priority areas of the strategy: economic development, infrastructure and provision of social services, good governance, and the management of risk and vulnerability in the rural areas. Implementation of the strategic actions relating to each of these four areas will require the co-operation of several actors along the vertical and horizontal dimensions at central, regional and local levels. 6.1. Institutional Framework for Rural Development The institutional framework for the GRDS will focus on the monitoring and coordination tasks, as actual activity implementation will take place by institutions in the various sectors. However, there are some areas where new or restructured institutional arrangements are recommended in order to facilitate implementation of the proposed rural development programmes: Rural development involves many stakeholders. All GPG sector departments, local authorities and executive agencies have a role. The private sector, civil society and donors also have a major part to play. Given the diversity and number of stakeholders, implementation of the RDS will need extensive coordination and effective monitoring. Stakeholders will need to be drawn together, and assisted to work in partnership. It is therefore recommended to establish a Task Team which will have the mandate of promoting and monitoring rural development, programmes in all sectors. 6.2. Rural Development Secretariat The implementation of the RDS needs the support of an office that has recognised influence and authority. It will also need a professional permanent body to drive the implementation forward. Thus, to promote the initiatives and host co-ordination and co-operation a Rural Development Secretariat will be located where the Task Team is placed. The secretariat will be small and be given a status that will allow it to interact directly with all Departments on a continuous basis. The Rural Development Secretariat will be responsible for:
Final%20Gauteng%20Rural%20Development%20Strategy.docx