Parliament, Friday, 6 March 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Planning Monitoring and Evaluation met for a briefing on Wednesday with the Department of Planning Monitoring and Evaluation and the National Planning Commission on the implementation of the National Spatial Development Framework (NSDF).
The briefing included an analysis of the department’s third-quarter expenditure and performance report for the period 1 October to 31 December 2025, and updates on the implementation of recommendations from the 2025/2026 budget vote report.
In her opening remarks, the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms Maropane Ramakgopa, emphasised the significance of the NSDF as a vital framework for achieving inclusive growth and social cohesion, as outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP). The Minister highlighted how the NSDF translates the long-term vision of the NDP into actionable goals, guiding infrastructure investment and promoting the integration of rural and urban areas.
The committee had concerns and questions about the lack of progress in spatial integration and the implementation of the NSDF. Spatial inequalities created during apartheid, where communities were deliberately segregated based on race and economic status, have not been adequately addressed by recent government initiatives, despite 30 years of democracy, committee members said.
Concerns were also raised about the lack of a clear institutional framework for spatial planning, which committee members said had contributed to the confusion and inefficiencies in implementing the NSDF. Members sought clarity on when the government would finalise the institutional location of this function and how this uncertainty has hindered spatial transformation efforts.
The committee called on the government to take immediate and decisive action to rectify historical injustices in spatial planning. This includes finalising the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act amendments, which members said must clarify the roles of traditional authorities in spatial planning, as legislative delays are undermining effective spatial transformation.
There was a strong sentiment among committee members that local municipalities should be empowered to take charge of their own development in light of rapid urbanisation. The committee highlighted the need to evaluate whether a centralised approach to spatial planning is still effective.
Meanwhile, the committee recognised the capacity constraints evident in local government and recommended interventions to strengthen spatial planning skills and implementation, monitoring and evaluation capabilities.
Committee members highlighted the effectiveness of the District Development Model (DDM), particularly in Mpumalanga, and recommended it be used as the primary implementation vehicle for the NSDF. However, they cautioned that the DDM must be integrated and outcome-focused, rather than simply a compilation of departmental projects.
The committee also discussed the prioritisation of the 13 national spatial action areas and recommended that government prioritise resourcing these areas to ensure progress. The committee asked for regular progress reports to be submitted to Parliament. These reports must be aligned with budget and spatial priorities and improved accountability and ownership.
Committee Chairperson Ms Teliswa Mgweba said in her inputs that the committee noted the department’s persistently high vacancy rate and its impact on capacity. In addition, the committee also noted the issues raised concerning the presidential hotline resolution rates, especially in the underperforming provinces. “Additionally, we are aware of the delays in the full operation and realisation of the MTDP digital dashboard, as well as the ongoing underspending on capital assets,” she said.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON PLANNING, MONITORING AND EVALUATION, MS TELISWA MGWEBA.
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