In this episode of Business Engineering's !Engage Connected Communities Podcast, host Philip de Bruin and guest Charmaine Du Plessis explore the impact of digital platforms like the Collaborator Citizen App and Collaborator Portal revolutionise municipal interactions.
In this episode of Business Engineering's !Engage Connected Communities Podcast, host Philip de Bruin and guest Charmaine Du Plessis explore the impact of digital platforms like the Collaborator Citizen App and Collaborator Portal revolutionise municipal interactions.
They highlight a key success story: Architects can now submit building plans remotely, reducing travel and bureaucratic delays. The discussion emphasises the platforms' accessibility features, such as validated fields and 24/7 access, ensuring inclusivity for all users, including those in rural areas or with limited tech skills. Feedback mechanisms allow citizens to rate services and suggest improvements, fostering direct communication with municipal managers.
However, challenges like the digital divide, skills gaps, ICT infrastructure limitations, and cybersecurity concerns persist, requiring solutions like funding, training, and public-private partnerships. Philip and Charmaine conclude that these tools are already transforming governance by enhancing transparency, efficiency, and responsiveness, urging listeners to engage actively to drive change.