Municipalities urged to adopt tech-driven service delivery approaches
A national competition is calling for municipalities to ditch excuses and show what is possible through innovation.
Entries have officially opened for the 2025 Municipal Innovation Recognition Awards (Mira) which recognise unconventional solutions and new ways of doing things that offer municipal customers a different experience in the advent of the 4th Industrial Revolution and beyond.
The awards, to be held on June 30, are part of the Viability and Validation of Innovations for Service Delivery Programme, spearheaded by the department of science, technology and innovation in collaboration with the SA Local Government Association (Salga) and the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
'Municipalities across the country, many of which are under administration, besieged by community protests or struggling to maintain basic services such as water, electricity and waste management, are encouraged to showcase projects that offer innovative solutions,' said Dr Tshepang Mosiea, chief director for innovation for inclusive development at the department of science, technology and innovation.
He said while many municipalities may be in crisis, pockets of excellence must be recognised, supported and replicated.
'Innovation is a necessity for survival and progress in the local government space,' said Mosiea.
Associate professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal's school of built environment and development studies, Prof Sithembiso Myeni, said the programme offered a platform for municipalities to modernise their service delivery.
'Mira encourages municipalities to embrace innovation and digital solutions, creating a unique opportunity to drive meaningful and accountable change in service delivery. The real test is whether municipalities will fully embrace digital engagement and accountability or allow yet another promising opportunity for transformation to slip through their fingers.
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