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The Lekgophung
Lodge occupies a place within a larger web of structures,
relationships and processes for coordinating development efforts
and processes in the area.
A key
planned outcome of the MI has been the establishment of "project
steering mechanisms effectively integrating the local communities
and other key stakeholders". A MI Steering Committee
has been established. Four
community representatives, each carrying briefs of key community
constituencies, represent the Lekgophung community on the
Madikwe Initiative SC. The chief represents the larger community,
while other represent respectively the Trust, the RDP Forum,
and community-based SMMEs.
The Madikwe
Steering Committee (SC) has been strengthened through a number
of mechanisms and principles:
- A
"serious" inclusive stakeholder workshopping process
to establish the SC
- Representation
on the SC at senior level of stakeholder bodies
- Written
mandates from stakeholder body principals stating the responsibilities
and accountability of SC representatives
- Adherence
to the principle of transparency
- Leadership
from the formal regulatory body, the NWPTB, with expansive
vision and clear commitment to building effective partnership
with community structures, through the chairperson role
of the top manager of NWPTB Protected Areas, Mr. Matsima
Magakgala
- A
particularly important liaison function carried out by the
NWPTB Community Development Officer, established in 2001
as a direct outcome of the MI
- Other
levels and resources of the NWPTB used for secretariat,
follow up and contracting functions
In the
view of the SC chairperson, the SC has played a major role
in building trust between stakeholders. In particular, relationships
between traditional leaders and elected councillors under
the new local government system, and between the NWPTB and
local government have improved markedly through the brokering
and facilitation role of the MI and the MI SC.
This
has material significance for the Lekgophung Lodge in that
it is now part of two integrated rural development service
centres being piloted by the NW Provincial government, in
particular through the Departments of Housing and Local Government
and the Department of Economic Affairs and Tourism, through
the Madikwe West Service Centre. Seven lodges in the western
part of the MGR near the Lekgophung settlement. Funding for
local economic investment through local government is being
channelled into the physical infrastructure development of
the centre. Community owned enterprises will provide to community
and privately owned lodges services including laundry, cleaning,
and waste removal. The Madikwe West Service Centre is linked
to piloting of the new IDP (Integrated Development Planning)
system.
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