The RAPID programme is designed to harness the opportunities and resources of the national development plan, NDP, through the frontloading and prioritisation of investment to the 45 most deprived communities in the country – 25 urban areas and 20 provincial towns. This does not involve additional funding to that being provided under the NDP.
The RAPID programme is managed within the Department of Education and Science by the social inclusion unit. RAPID proposals are submitted, in the first instance, to the social inclusion unit through Area Development Management Limited. The social inclusion unit is responsible for examining the proposals and determining whether or not they lie within the responsibility of the Department. Relevant proposals are then disseminated to the appropriate line section within the Department for action. It is the responsibility of the line sections to evaluate proposals in the light of their remit, priorities and objectives. The relevant line section is also responsible for responding directly to the project sponsor. The social inclusion unit follows up where necessary to ensure that all proposals receive a timely response.