The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, will officially launch the National Strategic Hub next week.
This pioneering initiative is designed to transform government operations through data-driven decision-making.
According to the department, the National Strategic Hub will act as a ‘single source of truth’ by integrating, transforming, analysing and visualising country-level data to produce evidence-based insights that will inform decision-making on planning, resource allocation, implementation and monitoring.
‘This initiative aims to transition government decision making from instinct-based to strategic, insight-driven planning.
‘By recognising data as a critical infrastructure and strategic asset, this will significantly enhance service delivery and operational efficiency across all spheres of government,’ the department’s statement read.
The hub will also host a suite of decision support tools designed to empower political leadership and decision-mak
ers across various sectors with reliable insights.
One of the flagship products is the diagnostic profiles, which provide a comprehensive 360-degree view of population, economy, infrastructure, and governance across all 44 districts and eight metros.
‘These data-driven profiles, aligned with the District Development Model, support strategic planning, resource allocation, and monitoring to address municipal challenges and enhance provincial performance over time effectively.’
Cabinet adopted the District Development Model (DDM) in August 2019.
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. It also seeks to ensure that municipalities are adequately supported and resourced to carry out their mandate.
The department believes that the launch of the National Strategic Hub, scheduled for 22 October 2024, represents a transformative step towards a more efficient, transparent,
and responsive government.
‘By harnessing the power of data, the hub will empower decision-makers at all levels to make informed choices that enhance the quality of life for all citizens.’
This strategic hub marks a significant step in CoGTA’s efforts to ensure every municipality works effectively by leveraging data to guide policy and operational decisions.
Source: South African Government News Agency