• 51 lack a named CEO
  
• only three have an active email address
• only four have a working phone number
• only eight have a postal address or website

It’s surprising that 45 of 96 DDAs don’t have a named CEO. Having a clear leadership structure is essential for decision-making, coordination and accountability in these districts.

Communication channels are severely restricted when only three DDAs have active email addresses. Email is a basic tool of official correspondence, collaboration and transparency. In its absence, it becomes challenging to engage with stakeholders, receive feedback or share important updates.

Having just four DDAs with working phone numbers further exacerbates the communication gap. Phones are essential for immediate communication, addressing urgent matters and facilitating community engagement.

Another area of concern is that only eight DDAs have postal addresses and just eight have websites which could serve as a central hub for information dissemination, project updates and reports.

“The absence of named CEOs, active emails, phone numbers and postal addresses obstructs the work of governance institutions and effective citizen engagement,” said Cathy Tukne, Information Coordinator for Act Now.

Other analysis by Act Now reveals that:

• only 21 out of 96 Districts have a five-year development plan and only seven plans are publicly available
• only 24 have lodged their financial acquittals for 2022 or 2023 and none of the acquittals is publicly available
• no Inspection reports from the Department of Implementation and Rural Development are publicly available
• no financial audits are available
• only six Districts have publicly announced an annual budget

Act Now recommends that:

• all DDAs must publish the names of their CEO and contact phone, email and postal addresses
• the Ombudsman Commission should take action under the Leadership Code against CEOs and DDA Board chairs who fail to publish plans, acquittals or contact details
• the Department of Finance should stop distribution of further District Services Improvement Program funds and District Infrastructure Program funds to districts with no plans, acquittals or contact details
• the government should increase funding to the Auditor-General’s Office to enable it to conduct audits for all 96 districts

These measures will help promote accountability and ensure public funds are used effectively and transparently.

Together, we need to build Districts that serve our communities and thrive through transparency.