Innovation: The major innovation of the CMDA was against a background of community insecurity and violence, to bring together community representation, government resources and Non Governmental Organisational expertise in a singular organisation to deliver public services and economic opportunities that have since being adjudicated to be of exemplary quality in an international context and with a level of project efficiency that now serves as a benchmark for other projects in the region.
Effectiveness: Approximately 30 projects on new enterprise development have been completed. 7000 people have received skills training. Homes have been secured for tens of thousands of poor people. 14 kilometres of roads have been built and 24 projects on bulk services and draining infrastructure have been completed. 12 schools, 8 sports fields/parks have been established as well as 3 community halls, 3 libraries and 2 health centres.
Poverty Impact: Since the introduction of the CMDA and the implementation of its various projects at least 7000 people have benefited directly from these initiatives as indicated above.
Sustainability: This model provides services within budget and best practice 'manuals' and course modules have been drawn up.
Replication: The CMDA is used as a role-model by two of its main donors, the European Union and the Durban Metropolitan Council. With its manuals and course modules replication is assured.