IS "INSTITUTIONALISING" THE DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT MODEL (DDM) IN SOUTH AFRICAN MUNICIPALITIES A VIABLE STRATEGY TO IMPROVE CORPORATIVE GOVERNANCE AND ENHANCE SERVICE DELIVERY ?

IS "INSTITUTIONALISING" THE DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT MODEL (DDM) IN SOUTH AFRICAN MUNICIPALITIES A VIABLE STRATEGY TO IMPROVE CORPORATIVE GOVERNANCE AND ENHANCE SERVICE DELIVERY?
INTRODUCTION: The District Development Model (DDM) is a strategy adopted in the middle of 2019 by the South African cabinet , to improve corporative governance and enhance service delivery . According to the adopted strategy, planning, budgeting, and implementation of development goals should be led by municipal districts and metropolitan municipalities. The District Development Model (DDM) will be "institutionalised" according to the new laws published by mid-2023 in the South African government gazette. Unfortunately, some municipal stakeholders believe that it is unlawful for the national government to impose "instutionalisation" and control municipal and provincial spending. Hence, the importance of this study.

GOALS AND METHODS: The aim of this study is to determine whether "institutionalising" the district development model (DDM) in South African municipalities is an effective way to strengthen corporate governance and improve service delivery. The qualitative research methodology is used for this investigation. Interviews are used to collect data. The study uses thematic analysis to analyse the data that has been gathered. Since this is a qualitative study, the preferred research designs used to carry out the study are an exploratory design and an interpretive design.

RESULTS: The anticipated results include knowledge of the viability of "INSTITUTIONALISING" The District Development Model (DDM) in enhancing service delivery and strengthening corporate governance. The outcome is also anticipated to demonstrate innovative methods the DDM can use to keep up with the modern times.

CONCLUSION: The study concludes by supporting the need for South African municipalities to "institutionalise" the DDM and resolve any inconsistencies with other corporative governance and service delivery-focused policies. This study advances the integration and alignment of planning and spending among all three spheres of government.