From Consulting to Collaboration with Traditional Authorities (2023 – 2024)
Published by MCP-Programme in Strategic Development Planning · Friday 04 Apr 2025 · 1:45
In the Mogalakwena Local Municipality, the traditional authorities (TAs) of Mapela and of Mokopane collectively guide the growth of about 44 villages around the Mogalakwena mine. Their land, referred to in the Mogalakwena Spatial Development Framework (SDF) as the Mining Resource Area (MRA), is critical to the future of the region and management of the area is a joint responsibility. The MCPP assisted the Mogalakwena Local Municipality in 2023 and 2024 to engage with Mapela and Mokopane TAs in the drafting of a Local Spatial Development Framework (LSDF) for the Mining Resource Area (MRA).
Key Challenges:
- Fragmented development, with TAs focusing on localized issues rather than broader planning.
- Limited collaboration between TAs and the municipality, hindering sustainable growth.
- Spatial planning is not a common practice among TAs.
Interventions & Results:
The MCPP team provided education about spatial planning for TAs, explaining spatial planning concepts in Sepedi and relatively abstract spatial planning concepts were translated into terms that TAs would understand and relate to.
The MCPP team provided education about spatial planning for TAs, explaining spatial planning concepts in Sepedi and relatively abstract spatial planning concepts were translated into terms that TAs would understand and relate to.
The Impact:
Intense engagement between the municipality and Mokopane and Mapela TAs resulted in:
- A shared spatial vision for the MRA,
- Empowering TAs to move from being consulted to active participation in planning
- Fostering collaboration between TAs and the municipality.
The Outcome:
A new mode of development collaboration emerged between the TAs and the municipality, as a result of the intensive and phased collaboration, which called on all parties to address historic issues and build trust to bridge gaps. Today, TAs are empowered to engage in higher-order planning, supporting sustainable development. They are working with the municipality to ensure that growth is coordinated and aligned with the needs of the community.
Acknowledgements: Anglo Platinum, Mogalakwena Mine, Mogalakwena Planning Team, Mogalakwena Traditional Authorities, MCPP Implementation Team
