The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), in partnership with the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), hosted the prestigious Municipal Innovation Recognition Awards (MIRA) at the Elangeni Hotel in North Beach, Durban, on Monday night, 30 June.
The awards aim to celebrate and encourage municipalities that are embracing innovation and technology to improve service delivery. MIRA stems from the Municipal Innovation Maturity Index (MIMI), launched in 2021, which assesses how ready municipalities are to adopt innovative solutions for better service delivery.
MIRA is also part of the Viability and Validation of Innovations for Service Delivery Programme (VVISDP), which helps municipalities pilot technologies that improve access, availability, and efficiency in basic services.
This year, 57 municipalities participated in the MIMI programme, competing in several categories, including Special Recognition Awards, Top Innovative Municipality, and the prestigious Trailblazing Innovations Award. The latter received 51 entries, covering areas such as water management, waste solutions, revenue systems, and public participation.
Among last year’s success stories was uMhlathuze Municipality, which used drone technology to reduce water losses and improve supply planning — a response to rising population demands and illegal connections draining resources.
The evening was hosted by UKZN Vice-Chancellor Professor Nana Poku, with dignitaries including SALGA President Bheke Stofile, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, and Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance Dr Namane Dickson Masemola in attendance.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Nomalungelo Gina applauded the municipalities taking steps to innovate despite widespread challenges.
“It is with great excitement that we gather for an event that shines a spotlight on one of the most important spheres of government — municipalities,” said Gina. “This initiative falls squarely within our department’s mandate. I am confident that the Municipal Innovation Recognition Awards will continue to grow, attract more support, and become a major force in promoting smart ways of working within municipalities.”
Quoting Albert Einstein, Gina added:
“‘Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.’ We cannot continue to deliver services the same old way and expect change. These awards encourage municipalities to adopt new ways of thinking, embracing technology to build local economies and improve service delivery.”
Addressing critics who question how struggling municipalities can be celebrated, Gina explained:
“Some may ask why we honour municipalities when the Auditor-General’s reports often paint a bleak picture. The answer is simple — we are recognising those who are making a pivot towards innovation and technology. These are the municipalities lighting the way forward.”
She stressed the importance of partnerships, urging municipalities to collaborate with government agencies like the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA).
“The CSIR develops world-class innovative solutions, and the TIA helps bring these technologies into practical use for businesses and municipalities. No municipality should claim they lack support — the tools and expertise are there. What’s needed is the willingness to adopt them.”
The biggest winners of the night were Emalahleni Municipality and the City of Cape Town, the latter walking away with the top honour in the Trailblazing Innovations Award category. Meanwhile, eThekwini Municipality received a Special Recognition Award for its commitment to driving innovation in service delivery.
Gina concluded with a call to action:
“Congratulations to all the winners. Let this inspire those still lagging behind. Our hope is that in future, every municipality will meet the criteria — fully embracing innovation and embedding technology into their operations. This is how we secure a better future for all our communities.”
