The MIG Management
Unit in dplg is responsible for the effective execution of the MIG
Programme. In assisting them in their demanding task, the Unit welcomed several
new members to their team at the beginning of the year. Says the Executive
Manager of Municipal Infrastructure Ms Molatelo Montwedi, “we
are gearing towards becoming a one-stop MIG service for all national,
provincial sector departments and municipalities.”
In addition to the
permanent team members, the MIG Macro Control Unit was appointed in
December 2004 as the Macro Control Auditors for the MIG Programme to assist and
support the MIG management structure with the planning, execution, monitoring
and evaluation of the MIG Programme.
The
overall scope of the macro control audit service incorporates a blend of
management and auditing functions to ensure sustainable implementation of the
set MIG Programme objectives.
These
objectives aim to ensure that the MIG funds are used for the intended purpose
and that projects meet the set standards.
The macro control
audit function does not aim to substitute the micro responsibilities of
municipalities for the accounting of funds transferred and the implementing of
projects in a sustainable manner. It does not replace the function of the
Auditor-General, as it is not aimed at auditing the municipalities, but only
the projects implemented with MIG funds. It also does not replace the role of
sector departments, who are responsible for sector norms and standards.
A communication
campaign team was also appointed by the end of December 2004 to assist the MIG
Management Unit with information dissemination and the strengthening of
communication between the MIG stakeholders.
Read more about the communication
campaign on the next page.
The roll-out of the
MIG Programme over the next ten years needs to be supported by an effective
communication campaign that will increase acceptance and understanding of, and
participation in the MIG Programme. Effective stakeholder mobilisation and
involvement is critical to the success of the implementation of the MIG.
Zitholele
Consulting was appointed in December 2004 to assist the MIG Unit with their
communication function. The objectives of the campaign are to:
·
Facilitate technical information flow (two-way, interactive
communication process) and better understanding of MIG and Free Basic Services
by those who have to implement MIG to ensure a better life for all – the
intention of the MIG policy and programme
·
Promote the benefits and opportunities of the MIG Programme to all
stakeholders
·
Make stakeholders aware of their responsibilities and mandates in
implementing MIG
·
Build on activities already undertaken by dplg and sector
partners to promote better understanding of the tasks at hand for
municipalities
·
Develop the necessary capacity to implement MIG meaningfully, therefore:
-
building the capacity of PPMUs and PMUs to conduct
information sessions
- building
the capacity of stakeholders (municipalities) to tackle the tasks to benefit
their communities
The specific activities
of the communication campaign will be communicated to you regularly, however
the following workshops are planned for March to April 2005:
March 2005 Provincial workshops with PMUs, municipal officials, and
political heads
April 2005 Workshops with the National Sector Departments
The purpose of these workshops is to
confirm the
roles and responsibilities of the
provincial and
national sector departments.
Upgrading of the
MIG web page
The MIG web page, which is part of the dplg
web site is to be updated to ensure user-friendly
access by all who visit the site. A discussion forum forms part of the new
facilities on the MIG web page. Anyone can now air their views, make
suggestions and ask questions about anything to do with the MIG Programme. You
are encouraged to use the facility to your advantage.
Should the discussion forum meet the set
criteria, it could be the beginning of a dedicated MIG helpdesk. Visit the MIG
web page on www.dplg.gov.za
