By Libuseng Nyaka
QWAQWA – The Maluti-a-Phofung council on November 22,2022, withdrew discussion on the adoption of the District Development Model (DDM) Plan, to allow presentation on the details of the plan and how the municipality will be affected.
The DDM is an integrated planning model for cooperative governance which seeks to be a new integrated district based service delivery approach aimed at fast tracking service delivery and ensure that municipalities are adequately supported and resourced to carry out their mandate.
In the Free State Thabo Mofutsanyana, is among the districts mandated to implement this plan which was initiated by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The item on adoption of the DDM plan was tabled by the executive mayor of Maluti-a-Phofung Gilbert Mokotso, but was rejected by members to allow for public participation before it can be discussed and adopted.
Council whip Moeketsi Lebesa said the council was unable to adopt something that they did not have.
“We are not sure of the number of projects that cover Maluti-a-Phofung in that DDM.”
In support of the withdrawal of the item, Malefo Moopeloa said: “There must be a public hearing first. We cannot adopt this MMD before it has been taken to the public.”
Echoing his sentiments, Tumelo Thebe suggested that councillors too must be workshopped on the DDM.
But Speaker of the council Paratlane Motloung was reluctant for the item to be withdrawn.
“It is only Map, Dilhabeng and Nketoana who have not adopted this DDM. Even if we withdraw, progress has already been made and we are included. Only Thabo Mofutsanyana has developed a plan which has passed after meeting all requirements.”
