Madame Speaker
Honourable Members
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is a great honor to be provided with an opportunity to present the Annual Report of the Office of the Premier to this August house. This annual report is the reflection of the strides made and hurdles surmounted in pursuit of the political mandate given to us by the people of Gauteng. In all our work the motivation has been the quest for the achievement of the transformation agenda that together with our residents we are committed to attain.
The 2010/2011 financial year has been characterized by efforts to refine our ideas, solidify our plans and align our budgets. The adoption of the outcomes-based approach by Cabinet in 2010 provided Government at all levels with a new way to prioritise and focus on what really matters.
In Gauteng, the key outcome areas identified are:
- Quality basic education
- A long and healthy life for all South Africans
- All people in south Africa are and feel safe
- Decent employment through inclusive economic growth
- Vibrant, equitable and sustainable rural communities contributing towards food security for all
- Sustainable human settlements and improved quality of household life
- A responsive, accountable, effective an deficient local government system
- Creating an efficient, effective and development-orientated public service and an empowered, fair and inclusive citizenship
Madame Speaker
The Office of the Premier is the political nerve centre of the provincial government whose responsibility amongst others is to pull together and harness the energies of different departments for the achievement of government strategic priorities. It is in this area of work that we have been able to marshal our forces so that tangible change can be effected.
The dedication and commitment by men and women in the Office of the Premier is beginning to yield tangible results. For two consecutive financial years, the Office of the Premier has obtained clean audits. During the 2010/2011 financial year the Office once again passed the audit test nearly in flying colors. While we appreciate that there is room for improvement, we view this achievement as an indication of the seriousness with which we have resolved to approach our work. The investment in human resource development with an emphasis on core values of honesty, hardwork, discipline, commitment and productivity has made it possible for us to turn the corner. This test of our financial, corporate governance and performance information systems, processes and controls highlights not only to sustained and consistent levels of management within the Office but also points to the fact that it is possible for all departments to achieve this goal. The rigorousness with which we approach the internal audit process and our preparedness for the audit has led to a successful outcome.
I am satisfied with the performance of the Office in this regard. I have also been assured by the management that preparations for the next audit are already underway with our internal auditors. And we will strive to equal this achievement in 2011/2012 financial year. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that all departments and agencies in Gauteng Provincial Government achieve unqualified audits by 2014 as part of our commitment to creating an efficient, effective and development oriented public service.
Madam Speaker
While the annual report presented in this house captures the detailed work that has been done, I will therefore present in my input the highlights of the 2010/ 2011 financial year in relation to the strategic objectives of the government.
Since the establishment of the Gauteng Planning Commission (GPC), the implementation of the Outcomes-Based Approach, approved by Cabinet in 2010 was a significant focus of the 2010/ 2011 financial year. Based on these, an Intergovernmental Programme of Action (POA) was approved by the Executive Council (EXCO) as the foundation of government service delivery, focusing resources into priority areas with a clear framework for monitoring and evaluating. During the year under review Vision 2055, a long range-planning framework, together with the Spatial Development Framework was approved. In 2011/ 2012, the Vision 2055 document will be part of a wide consultation process to ensure that all stakeholders are aware of and are part of the process.
As we indicated in many of our public engagements and addresses, the strengthening of monitoring and evaluation tool is critical in achieving quality service delivery. In the year under review, the GPG-Wide Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy, which is now aligned to the outcomes-based approach, has been systematically implemented to improve planning and governance. A process was undertaken to assist provincial departments to use the integrated performance and financial planning and reporting templates. Monthly and quarterly reports on performance against the POA were drafted and submitted to EXCO. Two impact studies, an investigation into the impact of Early Childhood Education (ECD) programmes and a baseline study of the 50 Poorest Wards were also conducted in the period under review. These studies, in conjunction with other research projects such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Territorial Review initiated in 2010 will inform future policy decisions and programmes.
In addition the centrality of the Office of the Premier is vital in ensuring that Executive Council’s (EXCO) support and coordination of governmental programs is effectively and efficiently managed. The facilitation and management of the GPG cabinet system, under the leadership of the Premier, is one of the core functions of the Office. Beside providing secretariat services to the system, the Office sets EXCO agendas based on the POA, analyses and provides commentary on documentation submitted to EXCO and provides legal advisory services to EXCO. To strengthen the cabinet system, numerous developmental sessions and policy support to Gauteng Provincial Departments for the implementation of the cabinet system were facilitated during the year. In addition, two capacity building workshops were held to start the process of embedding the cabinet system and its processes.
From a more technical perspective, the efficiency of the cabinet system has been the focus of a multi-year project. The first phase was completed in 2009/ 10, and in 2010/ 2011 the focus shifted from the development of the meeting space to the development of the systems necessary to automate the process. Fundamental to this have been the creation of a policy and legislation database and also the development of electronic systems for document archiving and access.
On the issue of Intergovernmental Relations (IGR), the Framework approved by EXCO has been circulated widely to ensure that there is broad understanding of how intergovernmental relations functions. To give effect to this framework, regular Premier’s Co-ordinating Council (PCF) meetings have been held and an IGR conference was hosted to discuss matters of mutual interest. To promote integration between national and provincial government and local and provincial governments, MECs have regular interactions with Ministers through MinMEC structures and with Members of the Mayoral Councils (MMCs) through MEC/ MMC meetings. Reports of these engagements are tabled in the Cabinet system.
The International Relations (IR) Framework approved by EXCO has informed the development and implementation of an International Relations Programme for the province. An International Relations Forum has been constituted for effective co-ordination and monitoring of the programme, which has focused on:
- The review of the sisterhood agreement with Ille-de-France and the drafting of a new agreement to be signed in 2011/ 2012.
- The development and signing of a new agreement with the Free State of Bavaria.
- Involvement in the World Regions Forum.
Madam Speaker
The mandate adopted in 2009 has required a renewal of service delivery efforts across the province. The restructuring of the institutional landscape of the province was an essential aspect of this work. The 2009/ 10 financial year saw the development of new mandates and departments in support of the GPG priorities. In 2010/ 2011 the Office of the Premier continued to co-ordinate this work through the Change Management Project Team (CMPT), which comprises representatives of all departments and also completed a review of agencies that was presented to EXCO. In addition, the Office has worked with all department on the development of new organisational structures that are aligned to these new mandates, many of which have been submitted to the Minister of Public Service and Administration for approval in terms of the Public Service Act of 1994. The Co-ordinating Chamber of the PSCBC: Gauteng Province (CCPGP) engaged in extensive consultative processes that culminated in an agreement meant to regulate the reconfiguration for all employees on levels 1-12. The CCPGP Resolution 1 of 2010 set in place a synchronised plan for the management of change in the GPG in all departments affected by the reorganisation.
As the lead department responsible for the Outcome 8A which focuses on Efficient, Effective and Development-oriented Public Service, the Office of the Premier take initiative in planning and coordination of aspects of the Programme of Action (POA) pertaining to service delivery improvement which include amongst others activities to prevent corruption and improving business processes.
In 2010/ 2011, the Office of the Premier revised the Provincial Anti-Corruption Strategic Framework and hosted a successful Anti-Corruption Summit. The conference declaration and plan have been approved by EXCO and will guide and inform all future anti-corruption efforts across the province. A high level Provincial Anti-Corruption Forum has also been established to monitor implementation of the plan.
In the year under review, EXCO approved new policies in support of gender development and people with disabilities. These policies have created POAs which encompass departmental programmes and projects for women, youth and people with disabilities that will be monitored and reported on regularly. An event celebrating the International Day for People with Disabilities was successfully hosted and Service Delivery Expos were held during the 16 Days of Activism Campaign.
In all our endeavours communication in its various forms remains central. Improving access to information about service delivery and mechanisms to facilitate service delivery were key features of the activities of the Office of the Premier in 2010/ 2011. Public participation such as izimbizo has been held across the province, along with Economic Opportunity Roadshows which provide the citizens of Gauteng with information on opportunities and access to services.
The 2010/ 2011 financial year also saw the establishment of the Public Liaison Hotline, a project that has been initiated in collaboration with all departments and local government in Gauteng to provide a single entry point for service information queries and complaints. The hotline is fully functional, and intersects with other systems across the GPG and in local government to ensure that citizens have access to information and a central place to make enquiries or complaints.
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen
The 2010 FIFA World Cup provided significant opportunities to entrench the Gauteng Brand, both locally and internationally. The province’s hosting of the event was highly successful and resulted in significant economic and social benefits for the province. Through the Gauteng Gateway 2010 project, a number of activities and projects were undertaken to help raise the Gauteng profile through brand marketing and promotion and hosting creative events aimed at igniting the fervent flame of the spirit of excess, fun-time and warm hospitality in line with the hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2010. These included:
- Premier’s call for Gauteng residents to be good hosts
- Extensive mobilisation campaign, including the Football Friday roadshows throughout Gauteng
- World celebrating SA Youth Day (Month)
- Gauteng Fly the Flag campaign, using the Gauteng 2010 campaign
- A Welcome to Gauteng campaign was undertaken for the thousands of football fans and visitors in our shores. Products included posters, street flags and billboards for airports and railway stations, towns and places of interest
- Advertising campaign to inform soccer fans and visitors of the 2010 FIFA opening and closing ceremony road closures
- Advertising campaign in support of the Gauteng International Carnival
- Gauteng support Ghana campaign (advert and leaflet)
- 2010 FIFA World Cup Thank You campaign
A media partnership with AVUSA Media House to promote Gauteng’s best offerings and attractions, especially what people could do before and after the games in our province. Six weekly magazines were produced and distributed through the AVUSA newspaper channels such as the Sunday Times promoting Gauteng as the best place to be during the 2010 FIFA soccer spectacular.
Throughout the year under review, the Office continued to facilitate media engagements through quarterly media briefings and provided information on EXCO decisions, services, projects and programmes through the media and the GPG publication, Gauteng News. A comprehensive media monitoring service continued to be offered for GPG, including daily and weekly media summaries, daily media alerts, press clippings and a rapid response system. Monthly and quarterly media environment analyses of key media issues were produced and presented to the Provincial Intergovernmental Communication Forums. This year, the GPG portal was revamped to create a more user friendly and accessible online interface with the public. Throughout the year, several campaigns, around key events such as Women’s Day and Youth Day, as well as key programmes outlined in the POA were held. Additional Thusong Service Centres were opened, such as the centre at Maponya Mall in Soweto and Open Days were hosted at existing Centres inviting citizens to reacquaint themselves with the services available. The annual communication strategy, and all communication activities continue to be informed by the annual perception survey and communications audit, which inform how GPG communicate with the citizens of Gauteng based on the information that they need. In 2010 / 2011 the study also included aspects relating to the equity of the Gauteng Branch that will assist in the roll of the brand strategy in the new financial year.
These are the highlights of work performed during 2010/ 2011 financial year. However, in the course of our work we were never daunted by the systematic and mischievous distortion and manipulation of facts so that our work can be cast in bad light. We understand that some elements in our midst will always seek to find fault and if none resort to delinquent acts to ensure that they ride the crest of the wave which they never worked for. It is in the nature of this business that those who work to fulfill the aspirations of the downtrodden and poverty-stricken masses of our people will always be the target of those who seek to protect the interests of the privileged few thus perpetuating the status quo from which they stand to benefit.
We refuse to be held hostage by such elements and their tendencies that are bent on frustrating progressive programmes pursued by this democratic government. We will not be distracted from our course by their reactionary tactics as long as we do what the popular vote expects from us.
Lastly, the achievements we have made clearly points to the power of collective effort. They point to the importance of collaboration, support and unity in a struggle to improve quality of life for all. They are a result of the close teamwork amongst departments and the Office of the Premier. In this regard, I would like to thank the Director-General and her team for the sterling work during the difficult times. I would also like to thank the Members of the Standing Committee for their support and guidance.
Lastly, the appreciation for support, patience and understanding shown by the majority of our residents in Gauteng is profound. We hope to continue working with you and enjoying your unwavering support.
Dankie. Ngiyabonga.
