Efficacy of district development model in coordination of support to land redistribution projects: a case of Makhado Local Municipality, South Africa

Abstract

The efficacy of the District Development Model (DDM) in coordinating support for land reform in South Africa is uncertain. This study sought to examine the efficacy of the DDM in coordinating support for land reform projects in Makhado local municipality, South Africa. Specifically, the study was guided by the following objectives: to outline and describe the institutional arrangement for the provision of support to land reform projects; to identify challenges that prohibited institutional coordination; to evaluate measures provided by the DDM to address inadequate institutional coordination against these challenges; and to recommend suggestions on how the DDM could improve coordination in land reform support. The study employed a qualitative research methodology, including document analysis and key informant interviews with officials from national and provincial Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), Vhembe district, Makhado local municipality and the land reform beneficiaries from Mulelu, Muananzhele and Tshivhazwaulu farm projects. Findings revealed that the DDM had not effectively resolved coordination challenges, as sector departments continued to operate in silos despite its introduction. Furthermore, the absence of clear legislative frameworks defining the role of local governments in land reform, coupled with inadequate financial and human resources, hindered meaningful collaboration. The study underscored that without structural reforms and enhanced accountability mechanisms, the DDM would remain an ineffective tool for intergovernmental coordination in land reform. Key recommendations included establishing structured engagement platforms to foster intergovernmental collaboration; introducing legislative amendments to clearly define and fund local government’s role in land reform; enhancing collaboration between national and provincial DALRRD to prevent siloed operations and strengthen municipal involvement; implementing performance monitoring mechanisms to track commitments and ensure accountability; and integrating land reform initiatives into municipal Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) and budgets. Future research should explore strategies to improve collaboration, assess potential legislative reforms, and investigate mechanisms for strengthening intergovernmental coordination.