Dr David Mohale, Director of Special Projects in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal at the Durban University of Technology was once again invited to speak at a two-day National Council of Provinces Workshop held online on Tuesday, 01 February 2022 and Wednesday, 02 February 2022.
The workshop was on Cooperative Governance and Intergovernmental Relations under the theme “Taking a lead in advancing co-operative governance and intergovernmental relations”. Presenting on Day 1 of the workshop was DUT’s Dr Mohale and Dr Andrew Siddle from the University of Cape Town, addressing the workshop on principles of accounting, meaning and application underpinning cooperative governance.
Speaking about his contribution to this important Parliamentary event, Dr Mohale said it was his second time being given an opportunity to speak at this prestigious event. Last year, 2021, Dr Mohale was invited to present on the role of Parliament on financial oversight in municipalities.
“I am aware that the feedback was positive from a number of participants. My former boss called me few days later to tell me that he heard that I made a good presentation. I guess the impression I made then earned me the second invitation,” noted Dr Mohale.
The second time around, Dr Mohale pointed out that he was not sure if to accept the invitation or not because of being given a short notice.
“I got elated when I later saw the draft programme. All academic presenters are established and revered experts in public policy, local government and public administration in South Africa. I read their work for my Masters and PhD. I immediately looked forward to the session. I interacted with one of them last year, Dr Andrew Siddle, who recommended my doctoral dissertation for prescription at UCT. We spoke about collaborating in the future. Addressing the main session gives us an impetus for our vision,” Dr Mohale explained.
Looking at this year’s theme, Dr Mohale said it is important for the NCOP and National Assembly to dedicate some time to reflect on perpetual failures of the Cooperative Governance and Intergovernmental Relations. He feels there is no sphere of government that can succeed acting alone, they need to get cooperation and coordination right.
His presentation on the principles of accounting, meaning and application underpinning cooperative governance focused on how Cooperative Governance and Inter-Governmental Relations (IGR) can be used to resuscitate the stillborn developmental state.
“The realisation of Vision 2030 rests on this, which has the whole Chapter dedicated on it in the National Development Plan. I think it is important to elevate the discourse. I used the given topic as a guide to address the strategic aspects of the very topic. If the state fails on this aspect, we run the risk of becoming a failed state. The presentation was well received by both the members and scholars alike,” added Dr Mohale.
Participating in platforms of this nature, Dr Mohale reiterated that it enhances both his work at DUT and his involvement in the two Boards he serves in (Municipal Demarcation Board and the Free State Development Corporation). Furthermore, he noted that he is in a position to establish networks both for himself and for DUT.
Pictured: Dr David Mohale
Simangele Zuma
