Strengthening Collaborative Leadership for Regional Development
Published by Somila Rozani, Elsona van Huyssteen in Strategic Development Planning · Tuesday 26 May 2026 · 5:00
Tags: collaborative, leadership, regional, development, teamwork, community, engagement, leadership, strategies, stakeholder, collaboration, local, governance, capacity, building, sustainable, development, partnership, models
Tags: collaborative, leadership, regional, development, teamwork, community, engagement, leadership, strategies, stakeholder, collaboration, local, governance, capacity, building, sustainable, development, partnership, models
In March 2026, political and administrative leaders from the Gamagara and Tsantsabane Local Municipalities came together in Kathu for the second groundbreaking session as part of the Municipal Capability and Partnership Programme’s (MCPP’s) Developmental Leadership Programme. Hosted by MCPP, and facilitated by MCPP, EUP (Enterprises University of Pretoria) and the Kagiso Trust, the two-day programme forms part of a three-session learning journey aimed at strengthening collaborative leadership and advancing cross-border collaboration in the Gamagara-Tsantsabane mining corridor. The programme is designed to dovetail with (1) efforts of the two municipalities and Office of the Premier, Northern Cape and other collaborators (see here) who are actively working towards regional economic diversification and transformation in the mining region, as well as (2) municipal specific planning and development processes. It also provides participants with the opportunity to access certificate training of EUP designed to strengthen capacity for cross-border regional development. Participants from Tsantsabane, included the municipal manager, 5 officials, the mayor and 8 councillors. From Gamagara 8 officials and 9 councillors participated in the session.
The session helped with clarifying planning instruments, strengthened confidence, particularly among councillors and technical teams, and highlighted the value of clear communication, shared responsibility and collective problem-solving. Feedback from participants reflected meaningful shifts in mindset, improved relationships between officials and councillors, and a growing appreciation that working together across municipal and political boundaries is essential to achieving sustainable regional development outcomes.
Reflections from Session One (October 2025)
Session one of the Developmental Leadership Programme laid a strong foundation for collaboration by creating a shared space for political and administrative leaders from Gamagara and Tsantsabane to engage as peers, build trust and deepen mutual understanding. Through experiential learning, participants critically examined leadership behaviours, the importance of collaboration across roles and institutions, and the central role of Spatial Development Frameworks (SDFs) in responding to regional challenges such as mine closure, service delivery pressures and economic transition.
From Learning to Action (March 2026)
Building on insights from the first session, participants reflected on how learning was applied from session one and the progress applied within their municipalities while strengthening alignment around regional collaboration. Municipal teams from Gamagara and Tsantsabane shared progress and practical lessons applied across planning, governance and service delivery. Municipal teams presented tangible examples of shifts already underway, including improved public participation processes, policy reviews, revenue enhancement initiatives and early steps toward joint regional planning.
By grounding learning in real work that is underway and identifying agreed next actions, this second session served as a checkpoint in the learning journey that supports municipalities to reflect on practice, strengthen collaboration and prepare for deeper consolidation of learning and action in the final session.
“In terms of planning, we are stronger and we understand the purpose of working together.”
Engaging on a Shared Regional Vision
A highlight of the programme was a cross-municipal group exercise provided an opportunity for the participants to engage and familiarise themselves with the regional vision and strategic pathways to enable them to articulate the long-term developmental vision for the region. Mixed teams (officials and political leaders) worked together to synthesise elements of the regional economic strategy into a clear and compelling narrative that the community could understand and relate to.
“The importance of collaboration, communication and better service delivery is clear. I am very happy to have participated.”
Growing Leadership Insight and Practice
The programme, supported by SALGA, provided a space for leaders to step back and think differently about what leadership looks in practice. Through hands-on, experiential learning activities, participants were encouraged to explore the balance between leading and following, highlighting the importance of shared responsibility in both political and administrative roles. These conversations highlighted how leadership behaviours affect relationships, decision-making and the ability to collaborate and work efficiently with others.
Learning on collaborative regional development helped participants to connect their everyday municipal and political work to the bigger picture. By placing local actions within broader economic, spatial and policy frameworks, participants were able to better their understanding of how leadership and municipal level contributes to longer-term regional goals and more effective collaboration across municipalities.
“This has opened my mind on why teamwork is important.”
Demonstrated Value and Insights
Feedback captured through the programme’s SenseMaker tool included 26 participant responses and indicated strong perceived value from participants. Development planning emerged as the strongest municipal functional area where change is being perceived, with participants describing planning processes as more intentional, coordinated and purpose‑driven. Most respondents reported positive shifts in planning quality, coordination, collaboration and organisational mindset.
Additionally, 73% of participants reported noticeable organisational or team‑level shifts, including improved confidence, clearer roles, stronger coordination and growing technical understanding, particularly in spatial planning. Overall, participants reported a stronger commitment to working across silos and municipal boundaries.
“Seeing teams shift from relying heavily on consultants to taking ownership and building internal expertise can be a gamechanger.”
Looking Ahead
Whilst the municipalities are busy with IDP and Spatial Development Framework engagements and finalisation in April and May, it is expected that the third session of the Developmental Leadership Programme, will continue to build momentum around a shared regional narrative and collaborative approach to local and regional development–laying a critical foundation for stronger relationships, reflective leadership and coordinated action.
“Together we stand, divided we fall — together we can.”