South Africa, Free State: Following the successful hosting of the National Youth Day held on the 16th of June 2023 at Dr Molemela stadium, Free State is once again ready to host a programme of national importance; the Extended Interprovincial IGR, IR, ODA and Protol Forum.
The two day intergovernmental programme commenced yesterday night, 19 July 2023, with a Gala held at OR Tambo House.
The forum provides a platform for delegates (officials) from all nine provinces of the country to share experiences and exchange ideas on how to innovate and be efficient in executing their functions in line with the new demands and changing intergovernmental space.
In his opening remarks, Free State Premier Dukwana Mxolisi underlined the fundamental importance of leadership in strengthening intergovernmental relations across the different spheres of government.
The Premier said, “The responsibility to lead should be accepted with gratitude and humility. However, many leaders still need to improve in this regard. Instead of accepting the responsibility with meekness, many have become demagogues emboldened by the power to their ultimate demise.
This wrong perception of leadership has disarmed people and taken away their ability, to be honest with those in positions of authority. Leaders must be defined by love, not the position they hold.”
He added, “Chapter three of the 1996 constitution of RSA envisages a government that is cooperative in its operation, interconnected and interrelated. However, this has yet to find expression in how governments across all levels have related to one another in the past. Such platforms serve as stepping stones to actualizing this objective.
This gathering provides a rare opportunity for the institution of government to harness intergovernmental development in line with the District Development Model that fosters cohesiveness, thus enabling government at different levels to cooperate and deliver services to communities.”