Page 3 - UKZN MIMI Report 2025
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FOREWORD:
FROM THE DSTI DIRECTOR-GENERAL
According to Vision 2030 of the National Development Plan (NDP), a capable state is about achieving the national priorities of economic transformation, inclusive growth, and efficient public service delivery through good public management and the introduction of innovation and technology to improve the capacity of the state.
A capable state is both developmental and transformative. Good financial management, evidence- based policy and decision-making processes and management support for innovation in the public sector are all prerequisites for an efficient and effective municipal enterprise. A local government sector that performs well and is supported by technology, systems, data, and innovation will help improve governance, enhance the quality of the basic services delivered, reduce poverty and combat corruption.
Converging technologies, the internet of things, robotics and artificial intelligence, data- driven governance and public policies can help municipalities realise their mandate. In this context, a capable state can be achieved through innovation and digital transformation in municipalities.
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) has sponsored the Municipal Innovation Maturity Index (MIMI) as a tool to measure, assess and encourage innovation in the delivery of basic services and to improve the way municipalities operate. This initiative aligns with the DSTI White Paper of 2019, policy intents as well as the Department’s Decadal Plan. Moreover, the initiative also supports local government’s policy programmes designed to improve the performance of municipalities through innovation.
It is envisaged that the index will cover the large percentage of municipalities participating in the innovation measurements over the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) period. The index will help transform how municipalities think about innovation while ensuring that they experience a paradigm shift.
The Department is pleased with its ongoing partnership with the University of KwaZulu-Natal on the development and rollout of the MIMI.
