Governance and service delivery

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Department of Cooperative Governance (DCoG) plan to collaborate to strengthen governance and service delivery by enhancing the capacity of government structures to deliver services efficiently and effectively.

The CSIR and DCoG signed a memorandum of understanding detailing the planned collaboration on Tuesday, 23 July 2024. This strategic partnership aims to leverage the CSIR’s resources, research, and development (R&D) capabilities and facilities to bolster the DCoG’s mandate as outlined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.

The partnership will support the DCoG’s initiatives to promote sustainable development through innovative technology solutions and data-driven decision-making. Furthermore, both parties aim to enhance stakeholder engagement by improving communication and collaboration among government entities, communities, and other stakeholders. This will help create a more inclusive governance process and develop strategies that use targeted R&D outcomes to mitigate risks and build resilience against disasters and other significant challenges.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Pretoria, DCoG Director-General, Mbulelo Tshangana, emphasised that while the DCoG continues to fulfill its mandate, this partnership will be crucial in fostering innovation and supporting the National Development Plan's vision of an efficient and effective cooperative governance system, as well as aligning with the objective of building a capable and developmental state.

The CSIR aims to support the DCoG through various R&D capabilities, including geospatial technologies for effective disaster risk management and comprehensive environmental monitoring, capacity-building programmes to help bolster the competencies of government officials and stakeholders and technology solutions in areas such as infrastructure management, health informatics and agricultural technologies. These integrated solutions are intended to boost productivity and improve quality of life.

CSIR Chief Executive Officer, Dr Thulani Dlamini, highlighted the CSIR's position as a multidisciplinary hub of resources and R&D capabilities, adept at addressing critical challenges and enhancing government efficiency. He noted that this collaboration is a pivotal step towards advancing governance, service delivery and sustainable development in South Africa.

"The signing of the MoU between the CSIR and the DCoG represents a pivotal step towards advancing governance, service delivery and sustainable development in South Africa. This partnership provides a platform for the CSIR to utilise its extensive resources and R&D expertise aimed at effectively addressing critical challenges, enhancing government efficiency and significantly touching lives through innovation,” said Dlamini.

The collaborative effort will focus on several key areas to enhance the performance of local government. This includes developing disaster management systems with advanced software, infrastructure, techniques, and processes to improve preparedness, response, and recovery. Professional services such as advisory and consulting will support effective decision-making and strategic planning. Implementing smart city infrastructure and technologies will optimise urban management, improve service delivery, and enhance the quality of life for citizens.

Establishing rapid response and intervention control services will ensure timely and effective emergency interventions. The application of research and development in digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, remote sensing, blockchain, and the Internet of Things, will drive innovation in public service delivery.

The signing of this MOU highlights the shared commitment of both organisations to enhance governance and service delivery, ultimately contributing to the well-being of South African communities.

--ENDS--

Issued by the CSIR and DCoG

For more information, contact:

Phetolo Phatsibi, CSIR Media Relations Practitioner
Email: PPhatsibi@csir.co.za
Mobile: 081 396 8871

Legadima Leso, Head of Communications (DCoG)
Email: LegadimaL@cogta.gov.za 
Mobile: 066 479 9904 

About the CSIR:

The CSIR, an entity of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, is one of the leading scientific and technology research, development and implementation organisations in Africa. Constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1945 as a science council, the CSIR undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research and technological innovation, as well as industrial and scientific development, to improve the quality of life of all South Africans. For more information, visit www.csir.co.za.

Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @CSIR. Facebook: CSIRSouthAfrica. Instagram: CSIRSouthAfrica. LinkedIn: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). YouTube: CSIRNewMedia

About the DCoG

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional AffairsMinistry consists of the DCoG and the Department of Traditional Affairs. The Municipal Demarcation Board, South African Local Government Association and South African Cities Network are entities reporting to the CoGTA Minister. The Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent reports to the DCoG. For more information, visit www.cogta.gov.za.