The Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) hosted its Strategic Planning Session in Kimberley, bringing together leadership and programme teams to review strategic priorities and align plans for the 2026/2027 financial year.
The session focused on refining the Department’s strategic direction and ensuring that programmes, plans, and resources are effectively aligned to support the implementation of the 2026/2027 Annual Performance Plan (APP). This process reinforces the Department’s commitment to responsive governance, strengthened service delivery, and sustainable development for communities and municipalities across the province.
Delivering the opening address, MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Bentley Vass, emphasised the importance of maintaining focus on service delivery, particularly during an election year.
“In an election year, the noise is loud, but the work must be louder.”
MEC Vass highlighted the urgent need to strengthen the connection between government and communities through visible service delivery and clear, consistent communication.
“From the outskirts of Kimberley to the remote corners of the Namakwa District, communities are calling for reliable water, sanitation, and dignified housing basic rights that government remains committed to advancing,” he said.
The session reinforces the Department’s focus on aligning programmes, resources, and communication to ensure communities are informed, engaged, and empowered.
Enhancing Teamwork Through Strategic Planning
The Strategic Planning Session also served as a platform for programmes within the Department to present progress reports, reflecting on key achievements, challenges, and the impact of budgetary constraints on targets outlined in the Annual Performance Plan.
Despite financial pressures affecting certain deliverables, the Department continues to demonstrate strong governance practices and remains committed to achieving a clean audit outcome.
The engagement enabled programmes to reaffirm strategic alignment through improved performance and coordinated planning. Key focus areas included:
- Enhanced service delivery across municipalities
- Effective management and control of illegal initiation schools
- Delivery of title deeds and housing construction
- Job creation initiatives and project identification
- Strengthened community and stakeholder engagement
These priorities contribute directly to the advancement of Human Settlements and Cooperative Governance objectives across the province.
The session further reinforced teamwork, accountability, and a shared commitment to responsive governance and sustainable development, ensuring that the Department remains focused on improving the lives of communities it serves.
