Premier Ace Magashule: Free State State of the Province Address

State of the Province Address By Hon Ace Magashule Premier of the Free State Province

Honourable Speaker & Deputy Speaker of the Free State Legislature
Honourable Judge President and esteemed members of the Judiciary
Leaders of the African National Congress and the Alliance
Honourable Members of the Executive Council and Legislature
Honourable Members of the National Assembly and the NCOP
The leadership of SALGA and all local government leadership
The Head of the SANDF in the Free State, Brigadier General G.K. Sibanyoni
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant-General T.S. Mpembe and senior management of the SAPS Free State,
The Chairperson of the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders
Leaders of the business, sports, traditional and religious sectors
Veterans and stalwarts of our struggle
Comrades, compatriots and friends,

On the 15th of June 2009, we gathered here for the first State of the Province Address of the fourth term of the Free State Legislature. Today, I am humbled by the opportunity to deliver the final State of the Province Address as we conclude this fourth term of democratic government in the Free State Province and the Republic of South Africa.

Hon. Speaker, allow me to also appreciate the presence of our guests, viewers and listeners who have joined us on this occasion. I also want to appreciate and acknowledge our special guests from Lesotho, parents of our martyrs - those who fought against apartheid, those who were massacred in Lesotho, children and families of our brothers, sisters, fathers and leaders who died in exile, prison and all over the streets of South Africa.

Ek is oortuig daarvan dat ek namens alle Lede van die Wetgewer praat wanneer ek sê dat dit ‘n voorreg en eer was om as die verkose verteenwoordigers te dien in die Vrystaat Wetgewer gedurende hierdie termyn.

As we prepare for the general elections on the 7th of May this year, I am confident that all political parties will renew their commitment to the Electoral Code of Conduct as we must uphold an environment in which free and fair elections, the cornerstone of our democracy, will be conducted.

Hon Speaker, we approach the end of this term of government today with a deep sense of the gratitude and debt that we owe to those who chartered our road to freedom. Seldom before have we, as a nation, seen the remarkable celebration of life and the outpouring of grief, as we did with the passing of the former President of the African National Congress and the first President of the democratic Republic of South Africa, the late Isithwalandwe, Seaparankwe Nelson, Rolihlahla Mandela.

The past 20 years and the 102 years of the existence of the African National Congress – the ruling party and the movement of the people of South Africa – have provided us with many opportunities to showcase and celebrate the unique character and the spirit of the Free State and South Africa. On behalf of the people of the Free State, I wish to extend our appreciation as the ANC government to South Africans and the international community for having given our beloved Madiba, the leader and product of the African National Congress and of the struggle waged by the oppressed masses, a befitting funeral.

The year 2010 marked the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the release from prison of the icon of our people. At that time, the people of the Free State, joined the rest of the country in honouring Madiba as we instituted the annual celebration of international Nelson Mandela Day on 18 July. Today we re-confirm our commitment to honour this day and to bring about positive change in the lives of our communities.

The late President Nelson Mandela once said, “I have walked that long road to freedom… I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.”

Let there be no doubt that we are acutely aware of the enormous responsibility facing us to continue unwaveringly with our quest to ensure that the ideals of the Freedom Charter, enshrined in our Constitution, become the daily reality of each and every South African citizen.

We must walk unwaveringly, not only in the footsteps of the Madiba generation but of all the men and women who chartered this road and created the milestones that we are taking forward. During this term, we have also suffered the loss of men and women such as Winkie Direko, Fezi Ngumbentombi, Joel Mafereka and many others at provincial and local government level who made their own significant contributions to our developing democracy.

Hon. Speaker, we must also acknowledge the contributions of the former Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant-General KJ Sithole, and the former Commissioner of the Public Service Commission in the Free State, Mr Paul Helepi. The leadership of Lieutenant-General Sithole enabled us to achieve a new level of practical cooperation between the provincial government and the South African Police Service that benefited stakeholders from all sectors of society.

Mr Paul Helepi completed the legally permissible two terms as Commissioner of the Public Service Commission in the Free State. During these terms, he made an invaluable contribution to improve the state of the public service in the Free State province. I am sure that all hon. Members will join me as I express our appreciation for the service both Lieutenant-General Sithole and Mr Paul Helepi rendered to the Free State province.

We welcome their successors as they take up the challenging demands of their respective positions. Allow me to acknowledge the new Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General T.S. Mpembe who has taken up the baton with vigour. “Commissioner Mpembe, be assured of our total support in the execution of the important responsibilities that have been entrusted to you.” We have full confidence that we will continue the constructive cooperation and engagement with the SAPS under the leadership of the new Provincial Commissioner.

20 Years of Democracy

Hon. Speaker, we cannot deny the harsh reality of the painful history of black South Africans. Every single aspect of the lives of black South Africans was dominated by laws that paved the way for "grand apartheid". These laws determined where and how we lived, went to school, got medical treatment, worshipped, worked and played. Black South Africans were provided with services greatly inferior to those of whites.

From its establishment in 1912, the ability of the African National Congress to represent the voiceless and disenfranchised, together with the support of our allies, culminated in the adoption of the Freedom Charter in 1955 at Kliptown.

The opening demand of the Freedom Charter proclaims that; “The People Shall Govern”. This demand was detailed by stating that; “Every man and woman shall have the right to vote for and to stand as a candidate for all bodies which make laws.” On the 27th of April this year, we will celebrate the historical 1994 general elections in which all South Africans, black and white, gave effect to that proclamation in the Freedom Charter.

The 1994 general elections brought to an end the painful history which denied the majority of South Africans the right to vote as a result of a detailed and orchestrated legislative campaign.

This campaign, inherited from the colonizers and expanded by the National Party included the;

• 1905 General Pass Regulations Act which denied black people the vote,
• 1910 South Africa Act that enfranchised whites, giving them complete political control over all other racial groups while removing the right of black people to sit in parliament
• 1936 Representation of Natives Act which removed previous black voters from the Cape voters' roll and allowed them to elect three whites to Parliament
• Bantu Authorities Act of 1951 which created separate government structures for blacks and whites
• The Black Homeland Citizenship Act of 1970 which changed the status of black people to citizens of one of the ten autonomous territories.

Our history reminds us that a nation that forgets its past, cannot move forward. It is only when you have fought for such basic rights as the right to vote and to have the freedom of movement, association and speech that you will begin to understand that exercising the right to vote in 1994, was only the beginning of the new chapter in the National Democratic Revolution.

It will serve us well to remember the thousands of ordinary men and women who, despite being displaced, harassed, arrested and imprisoned, fought relentlessly to secure these basic rights. The blood of our martyrs indeed nourished the tree of freedom, democracy and justice.

The Freedom Charter also proclaimed that “South Africa belongs to all who live in it – black and white”. Black and white South Africans joined hands under the banner of the ANC to fight apartheid, racism and ethnicity. This demand for and commitment to a non-racial society is also enshrined in our Constitution. This year, we as South Africans, free and equal, shall exercise our inalienable right in the fifth national and provincial democratic elections.

We shall do so, knowing and understanding the undeniable progress the ANC government has made over the past 20 years in pursuing a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous society as a strategic objective of the National Democratic Revolution. It has not been an easy road to travel but our achievements have assured us that we will reach our goal of eliminating poverty and reducing inequality by 2030.

Bofuma ke bothata bo aparetseng lefatshe lena kaofela, le mafatshe a ruileng haholo a ntse a lwana ntwa ena le kajeno. Ntwa ena e hloka ho kopanelwa ke Mmmuso le Setjhaba.

Re fanne ka Dibasari ,re kopile batho ho ikopanya ho theha dikoporasi ,re butse di Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges ho fa batjha monyetla wa ho etsa dithuto tse ka hlahisang mesebetsi. "Moketa ho tsoswa o itekang"

Today, those who connived with the apartheid racist regime and those who collaborated in torturing and murdering our leaders, brothers, sisters and children continue to serve their own masters. Some of those who actually like to call themselves “leaders” have left the ANC. Their thirst for power, status and positions and their bitterness at not having that, is at the heart of their betrayal of the National Democratic Revolution. Their resentment at the successes of the ANC government causes them to proclaim loudly that the ANC has not delivered to the people of South Africa. This is rather surprising because when they were MPs, MPLs, Premiers, Ministers, MECs, mayors and councillors and leaders of the ANC, they campaigned vigorously and told the people of South Africa how well the ANC has delivered.

During the election year, it is expected that opposition parties will also like to distort the truth. They do not want to give credit to the ANC government under the leadership of President Jacob Zuma for the substantial changes and improvements that have been brought about in the lives of our people. There are former, bitter leaders who today seem to have forgotten about the legacy of neglect that they left in the Free State.

Perhaps it is time that such leaders be reminded of the legacy of umbrella houses in Bothaville, the failure to replace dilapidated 2-roomed housing structures and the one-room houses they build in Bluegumbusch, QwaQwa and other areas of the Free State and their failure to issue title deeds. One is left to wonder what makes them so sure that the people of South Africa are less happy today than with previous administrations. The ANC Free State government have dedicated significant time and resources to address the legacy left by such leaders who have today established so-called political parties.

Die mense van die Vrystaat en Suid Afrika sal nie mislei word nie. The people of the Free State and South Africa know the truth. The ANC made all of these people leaders but today, they establish political parties because they love status and power. They just want to be called President – all of them. The traitors of the National Democratic Revolution have been exposed.
South Africa and the Free State is a better place than it was before 1994. The current term of national government has built, strengthened and improved the foundation laid by the previous ANC governments. This is also the case in the Free State. It is an irrefutable truth that South Africa and the Free State is a better place than it was before 1994. The ANC has a good story to tell that I don’t hesitate to share with you.

The current term of Government

Hon Speaker, in 2009 the African National Congress, led by President Jacob Zuma, obtained a new mandate from the people of this country to continue with the implementation of its policies and programmes that have brought about significant change in the lives of our people since 1994.

This term introduced the outcome-based approach of government, based on the 2009 ANC Election Manifesto priority areas of education, health, the creation of decent work and sustainable livelihoods, rural development, food security and land reform and the fight against crime and corruption. This approach was introduced in recognition of the fact that despite all its achievements since 1994, significant levels of poverty, unemployment and inequality persisted in South African society. The outcome-based approach essentially ensured that government is focused on achieving the expected real improvements in the lives of all South Africans.

Another major new initiative and accomplishment of the 2009 government led by President Zuma was the appointment of the National Planning Commission, charged with the development of a long term vision and strategic plan for South Africa. The National Development Plan - Vision 2030 – is the product of this initiative. The African National Congress declared in December 2012 that; “We embrace Vision 2030 and the National Development Plan as a platform for united action by all South Africans to eradicate poverty, create full employment and reduce inequality as critical building blocks towards a truly united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous society.”

The New Growth Path (NGP) was adopted in 2010 as the framework for economic policy and the driver of the country’s jobs strategy. The NGP addresses the core challenge of mass joblessness, inequality and poverty and identifies five key job drivers. Social Accords concluded as a result of our dialogues with our social partners gave further effect to our belief that; “Working together, we can do more”.

The Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission (PICC) was established to ensure appropriate coordination, integration and acceleration of the implementation of the New Growth Path and the development of a National Infrastructure Plan that was subsequently adopted in 2012 and 18 Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs) have been developed. The National Infrastructure Plan will transform our economic landscape while simultaneously creating significant numbers of new jobs, and strengthen the delivery of basic services.

Under the leadership of President Zuma, the national government has achieved massive development. These developments include;

• Two new universities and 12 Further Education and Training Colleges have been delivered.
• 370 new schools replacing mud schools and other unsuitable structures around the country have been built.
• 300 new health facilities have been built, including 160 new clinics. Ten new hospitals have been built or refurbished.
• The number of people who are receiving anti-retroviral treatment has doubled from one million to 2.4 million people in 2013
• New power stations are being constructed in Medupi in Limpopo, Kusile in Mpumalanga and Ingula near Ladysmith.
• Two large new dams were completed, De Hoop in Limpopo and Spring Grove in KwaZulu-Natal, while phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project will be launched soon
• The construction of the first telescope of the 64-dish forerunner to the Square Kilometre Array, the MeerKAT, is in process.
• The construction of new rail lines has started in Mpumalanga and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa will spend over 120 billion rand over the next 10 years to buy new trains.
• A 700 kilometre fuel pipeline from Durban to Gauteng that will transport 4 billion cubic litres of petrol, diesel and jet fuel a year has been built.
• Close to 1 500 kilometres of new roads or lanes have been built.
• 37 000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable has been laid by the private and public sectors in the past five years.
• Joining the Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) group in December 2010 is a major achievement of the term of government of President Zuma.

The undeniable truth is that President Zuma cares about the poor, the uneducated, the sick and the disadvantaged. There can be no denying that South Africa, under the leadership of President Zuma, is a much better place than before 1994!

This is the inherent nature of the African National Congress. We recognise that there is responsibility in succession as government transits from one electoral term to another. We learn from each other and build on each other’s strengths whilst working relentlessly to bring about real and meaningful change in the lives of our people.

The founding principles of the African National Congress of 1912 are as relevant today as it has been throughout all phases of the struggle for freedom. The African National Congress has been the movement that gave voice to the aspirations of our people in the past and will continue to do so as we embark on the next chapter of the struggle to free our people from poverty, unemployment and inequality.

The Free State today

Hon Speaker, only the sceptics and the cynics will deny that the African National Congress government of the Free State has a good story to tell about each of our identified priority areas.

We have gradually expanded the social grant system and pushed back the frontiers of poverty and hunger. Today the social-net has been drastically expanded with grant recipients in Free State increasing from just 90 000 in 1996 to approximately one million in 2013.
Daar is geen twyfel nie dat die Vrystaat vandag „n beter plek is as voor 1994!

In 2009, we commenced with the review of the organisational design of the provincial government which resulted in the reconfiguration of provincial departments more suitable to respond to the needs and demands of our people.

We reviewed the mandates of the provincial public entity environment and reduced the number of entities to ensure that we introduce more focused, effective and efficient mechanisms such as the reconstituted Free State Development Corporation, the Free State Tourism Authority and the Free State Gambling and Liquor Authority through which we can achieve the strategic objectives relevant to each of these public entities.

We have improved our financial management and accountability capacity as is evidenced from the most recent audit outcomes of the provincial government for the financial year ending 2013 which produced an increase in “clean audit” findings with the Provincial Treasury obtaining a clean audit for four consecutive years, the Office of the Premier for 3 consecutive years and the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation and Fleet Management Trading Entity obtaining clean audits for the first time. Equally important, for the first time since 1994, not one provincial government department or provincial public entity received a “disclaimer” audit opinion.

Hon. Speaker, allow me to quote from President Zuma’s reply to the State of the Nation Debate yesterday; “We had also taken over some departments in the Free State in 2011 and they have also registered a good story. Major financial management improvements in the Free State Provincial Treasury and the Department of Police, Roads and Transport are clearly evident. Both departments are observing high levels of compliance to budgetary and other legislative prescripts as well as achieving positive audit outcomes… We congratulate the Free State as well for this successful turnaround.”

We are pleased that the improvements in our financial management arrangements are receiving due recognition from the President.

We took bold new steps to transform Free State communities through our Operation Hlasela methodology. We have improved the coordination of our strategic planning, resourcing and implementation initiatives – not only between provincial departments but also across the national, provincial and local government levels.

We have partnered with the private sector in many initiatives implemented throughout the province as we gave effect to our belief that; “Working together, we can do more.”

We established the provincial infrastructure to manage the Presidential Hotline with designated officials in provincial departments and municipalities to enable us to respond with the required urgency to matters reported by citizens that affect the Free State Province.

Our approach has enabled us to consistently maintain one of the highest resolve rates in the country of 95%.

Hon Speaker, this is an appropriate time to remind ourselves of the road we have travelled over the past 20 years whilst focusing on the achievements of the ANC Free State government during the current term of office and providing some insight into what can be expected from the new ANC provincial government following the forthcoming general elections.

Improving the quality of basic education

Hon. Speaker, we have a good story to tell in so far as the transformation of education in the country and our Province in particular is concerned! Let us not forget that education was segregated by the 1953 Bantu Education Act, which crafted a separate system of education for African students and was designed to prepare black people for lives as a labouring class.

This is the foundation on which the ANC Free State government was required to build a new Education Department and to implement a transformed education system focused on comprehensively addressing all factors affecting education. Notwithstanding this, the achievements of the ANC Free State government include;

• The permanent employment of 1069 temporary teachers within 90 days of assuming office in 2009.
• 85.5 % of schools in the province is No Fee Schools, benefitting 533 thousand, 681 (533 681) learners in the Free State.
• The ANC Free State Provincial Government started a hostel project in 2001 with one hostel and just over 100 learners. This gradually increased to 12 hostels by 2009. Over the past 5 years, 16 additional hostels were added to the project, resulting in 29 operational hostels accommodating 3 thousand 426 learners (3426). The hostel in Majweng was most recently completed and is operational. The hostel in Ventersburg is being renovated. The Phillipolis and Bainsvlei hostels will become operational at the end of 2014. The target for the next administration is to upgrade and open the Edenville boarding school and to renovate the Steynsrus boarding school.
• Beneficiaries of the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) in the Free State increased from 166 thousand 304 (166 304) in 2004/2005 to 438 thousand 937 (438 937) in 2009 and to 535 thousand and 28 (535 028) in 2013. The NSNP is one of the critical elements of the social security net which ensures that every learner in a no fee school receives at least one nutritious meal per day.

In 2009, the ANC government directed that local women cooperatives should benefit from the provision of meals as part of the NSNP. Currently, 236 local women cooperatives are providing services to 481 schools in our five school districts.

• The expansion of Early Childhood Development, through the implementation of Grade R classes in the Free State has gradually increased. In total the number of Grade R classes increased from 1 thousand 167 (1167) in 2009/2010 to 1 thousand 938 (1938) in 2013/2014, thereby giving access to Early Childhood Development (ECDs) to about 43 thousand 286 children (43 286).
• In support of the priority outcome of Education, 18 Early Childhood Development Centres have been built and a further 4 ECDs have been renovated over the past five years. In addition, 2 disability centres have also been constructed. In partnership with the Al-Imdaad Foundation, Sasol and the National Development Agency we built more ECD centres. This is even more evidence of our belief that; “Working together, we can do more!”

 

• The provincial matric pass rate improved from 69.4% in 2009 to 87.4% in 2013, exceeding our own target of 85 %. We must acknowledge that the Free State had the highest matric pass rate in the country in 2013 and congratulate the broader education community for this excellent achievement. We have been particularly impressed with the 100 % pass obtained in maths and science by some of our black learners. The number and rate of bachelor passes has also significantly increased over the past 5 years, from 5 987 in 2009 to 8 961 in 2013.
• The Adult Education and Training (AET) sector is expanding education, training and development opportunities to 613 000 Free State citizens over the age of 16. These are the citizens who do not have education equivalent to Grade 9 as estimated by the 2009 General Household Survey conducted by Statistics South Africa. The number of adult learners enrolled at AET centres since 1994 to date has increased from 2000 to 12 000 learners per year. Tomorrow on the 22 February 2014, MEC Makgoe will preside over a graduation ceremony where 15000 older people will be receiving their certificates.
• Prior to 1994, 16 % of Free State people aged 20 years and older were regarded as being without schooling. According to Stats SA, the percentage of persons with no schooling in the Free State decreased to 7.1% in 2011.
• We have successfully eliminated mud structures and platooning across the Province. During the past 20 years, 185 new schools were constructed of which 18 were constructed during the past 5 years.
• During this term, we have also delivered infrastructure projects which included 497 additional class rooms, 45 computer centres, 33 schools halls, 22 school libraries, 13 science laboratories, Grade R classrooms in 33 schools, major renovations in 153 schools and minor renovations in a further 93 schools as well as fencing, electricity, water supply and sanitation facilities in various schools across the Province. A new school will be constructed between Ward 45 and 46 in Mangaung.
• At the end of the current financial year, we would have completed an additional 140 maths labs, bringing the total of number of maths labs in the Province to 500.
• Working together with the National Department of Basic Education, we are implementing the Accelerated Schools Delivery Initiative (ASIDI) programme which focuses on provision of water, sanitation and electricity in farm schools. To date, 83 farm schools benefitted from this programme and a further 137 schools will be provided with these services during the next financial year.
• In support of the priority outcome of Education, 35 community libraries have been built in the Free State since 1994. Construction of libraries in Wepener, Smithfield, Soutpan and Arlington are in progress and construction of libraries in Clarens, Oranjeville and Hobhouse are expected to commence soon.

Bursaries and skills development

Hon Speaker, another of the outstanding characteristics of this term of the ANC Free State government has been our commitment to empower the youth and through the provision of full-time bursaries, learnerships and internships.

Over the past five years, we have increased the full time bursary allocations from only 129 in 2009 to 7 thousand 521 (7521) in 2013. We allocated 500 new bursaries in 2014 and presently we are maintaining 4989 bursary holders. In pursuance of our belief that South Africa belongs to all who live in it – black and white – we have ensured that white students also benefit from this programme by allocating more than 500 bursaries to white students across the Free State.

In addition to the above, we are also supporting students to pursue their studies at international universities in various fields such as medicine, engineering, agriculture and international trade. We will be supporting 194 students in Cuba, 316 in China and 40 in Turkey this year. We are honoured to have the parents of two of our students who are pursuing their studies in Turkey with us today. Mr and Mrs Tsotetsi, are the parents of Lefenya Tsotetsi who is studying medicine and Mr and Mrs Nyama are the parents of Maseti Nyama who is studying international trade.

Last year I called upon the private sector to join hands with government to support our skills development initiatives such as Bursaries, Internships, Learnerships and Work Integrated Learning.

The private sector responded very well and contributed approximately R10 million directly to the relevant institutions of higher learning for 1150 students. We must also appreciate the support and assistance that many students have received from municipalities in the Free State.

In 2009, we established an internship programme to prepare graduates for work readiness and absorption. More than 2000 graduates have participated in the programme since 2009. We also provided 1350 learnerships in 2009/10, 2598 in 2011/12 and 1996 in 2013/14.

The process of implementing the facilitation of experiential training required by students at FET Colleges commenced last year with the collaborate effort of the public and private sector. Through the Sector Education and Training Authorities, the first 850 of the students are receiving stipends and a further 2071 students will start receiving stipends in the new financial year. Students are now able to complete their experiential training requirements in a broad range of placement fields.

Over the past five years, more than 2000 bursary holders were absorbed and supported to get permanent employment in the public and private sector. Another outstanding achievement is the fact that the 6 students we supported to train as pilots have now also completed their training. These students are C. Maclachlan, MB Mopeli, HP Otto, LB Ramabulana, NT Monaneng and K. Seoe and we are engaging South African Airways and other airways companies regarding their employment.

Hon Speaker, we have made a difference in so many people’s lives by providing them with an opportunity to pursue their further education. One of the students who benefitted from our bursary programme shared with us her appreciation in a letter that we received from her. Allow me to share this with you and I quote;
“Good day, my name is Dr Serialong Molieleng; I am 23 years old and currently in my first year of medical internship.

I am the second born from three girls at home. I lost my mother at the very young age of 11 years, I was brought up by grandmother and my dad until he too left this world when I was in grade 11, sadly my grandmother soon joined him the following year. Through very hard work, dedication and the support I got from home, I managed to be in the Top 100 matric class of 2008. This is when I was blessed by receiving a bursary from Ntate Ace to study medicine for 5 years at UFS.

During my studies I managed with the bursary money to not only cover all my fees and expenses but also to assist at home financially and help my younger sister through school.

I completed my MBChB and graduated in 2013 at UFS. I’m currently a medical doctor at Manapo Hospital in QwaQwa. I am now giving back my services and making a difference to my patients in this very rural area, and this is all thanks to the opportunity I received from the Premier who believes in the youth of the Free State and him living his passion to make a difference.

Dr Molieleng

The appreciation expressed by Dr Molieleng should also be directed to the dedicated officials and mentors in all provincial departments who work tirelessly to ensure that our students are consistently supported throughout the period of their studies. It is equally important to note that we extend this support to the students who study at international universities as we maintain regular contact with these students.

We are proud that South Africa is a much better place than it was before 1994 because of the ANC Government!

Youth Development

The ANC Free State government continues to unapologetically prioritise youth development. We convened a Youth Summit to create a platform where they youth of our province could interact and engage with the challenges facing the youth sector. The implementation plan that was developed from the resolutions of the Youth Summit addresses focuses on short, medium and long term approaches. We are committed to convening the report back youth indaba later this year.

The envisaged inaugural presidential youth employment indaba scheduled for 28 February to 3 March 2013, will invigorate impetus on youth development, in particular employment challenges among the youth.

Long and healthy life for all Free State citizens

Hon Speaker, the ANC government has a good story to tell about its creation of a long and healthy life for all South Africans. We inherited a fragmented health system with poor health outcomes when it took office in 1994. We successfully transformed the national health care delivery system. Free comprehensive primary health care services are now provided in clinics and community health centres throughout the Province to guarantee basic treatment. We have also greatly improved access to primary health services, particularly for rural communities.

Our achievements as the ANC government in the provincial health sector include;

• Over the past 5 years, we have added significant resources to our medical staff through the appointment of 736 medical practitioners, 111 medical specialists and 2 thousand and 35 (2035) nurses.
• People are living longer. The provincial average life expectancy at birth for males has increased with approximately 18 % over the period 2001 to 2013 whilst the provincial average life expectancy at birth for females has increased with approximately 15 % over the same period.
• This administration has made significant progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS. A total of 3 million, 151 thousand and 947 (3 151 947) people were tested for HIV since the launch of the Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) for HIV in 2000 and the National HIV Counselling Testing (HCT) Programme in 2010.
• Over the past 5 years, we have expanded our antiretroviral treatment programme and currently 193 thousand, 869 (193 869) patients receive antiretroviral treatment. This is an increase from the 53 thousand 152 (53 152) in 2009.
• Over the past 5 years, we have also achieved universal coverage on ART Sites.
• Real progress was made in the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV over the past 5 years: from 7.6% in 2009 to less than 2 % currently.
• More than 122 000 males were circumcised since the launch of the Medical Male Circumcision (MMC) Campaign in April 2010.
• 183 youths were recruited, screened and trained as Child and Youth Care Workers (CYCW) to implement the Isibindi model in 12 sites established in Tweeling, Reitz, Qwaqwa, Odendaalsrus, Gariep Dam, Dewetsdorp, Memel, Vrede, Harrismith, Steynsrus and Thaba Nchu. A total of 1587 children were reached.
• Over the past five years, we have made remarkable improvements in the provision of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), including the procurement of 95 additional ambulances and 20 additional patient transport vehicles. We introduced 30 inter-facility and 18 obstetric ambulances, opened 2 additional EMS stations in Deneysville and Oranjeville as well as District Control Centres in Bethlehem, Kroonstad, Welkom and Mangaung. We also appointed an additional 200 permanent EMS Officials, 100 interns, 7 advance life support officials, 90 shift leaders, an EMS Monitoring and Evaluation Team, 14 EMS Health & Safety and 9 EMS Infection Control Representatives per District as well as 3 station managers.
• 49 New health care facilities were constructed and 21 were completed between 1994 and 2014. Infrastructure projects completed over the past 5 years include;
  • 2 big new hospitals, namely the Senorita Ntlabathi Hospital in Ladybrand and the Albert Nzula hospital in Trompsburg will be opened soon.
  • New clinics in Dealesville, Villiers, Parys, Bultfontein, Bolata, Heilbron and Memel.
  • 2 new forensic mortuaries in Bloemfontein and at the Fezi Ngubentombi Hospital in Sasolburg
  • Upgrading/Renovations of 7 hospitals: Elizabeth Ross Hospital (Qwaqwa), Thebe Hospital (Harrismith), Diamant Hospital (Jagersfontein), Phuthuloha Hospital (Ficksburg), Tokollo Hospital (Virginia), Boitumelo Hospital (Kroonstad) and Pelonomi Hospital (Bloemfontein) as well as the upgrading of the Fauresmith Clinic.
• The incoming ANC government will continue to strive to make health services accessible to all Free State communities and to extend quality health care to the poor. This will be done through the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) pilot in Thabo Mofutsanyana District and the further expansion throughout the province as the NHI unfolds.

In addition, more new clinics and renovations to existing structures will be prioritised during the forthcoming term. The towns of Jacobsdal, Rouxville, Amelia and Deneysville will benefit from the extension of the clinic building programme. We have also noted the plea from our people that they need more and bigger clinics in the bigger towns of the Free State.

All people in the Free State are and feel safe

Hon Speaker, the ANC government has a good story to tell of the fight against crime and corruption. Together with the South African Police Service, we have successfully implemented a number of strategic and tactical interventions over the past years to fight crime and corruption;

• We have strengthened community-police partnerships and encouraged Community Policing Forums (CPFs). 110 CPFs have been established which is equivalent to the number of police stations in the Province.
• We do regular searches with SAPS in schools, in order to curb the use and selling of drugs, gangsterism, bullying and violence as we move forward in creating a safe environment for quality teaching and learning to take place.
• As per President Zuma’s injunction following his visit to Botshabelo, we have taken decisive action against organised gangs. During 2012 and 2013, gang related activities reached alarming proportions, especially in Botshabelo and Meloding. Following various interventions, a number of arrests and successful convictions of prominent gang members are beginning to reverse this trend.
• The Provincial Crime Prevention Summit took place in April last year. The summit resulted in the development of a multi-sectoral provincial crime prevention strategy which was launched during July 2013.
• We once more want to say to our people, especially the youth, that crime does not pay.

A significant joint initiative that has come from the close cooperation between the FS provincial government and the SAPS, is the envisaged establishment of a Fusion Centre in 2014. This will be a multi-disciplinary rapid response centre, which seeks to provide better and improved coordinated services for disaster, crime and service delivery complaints calls. Various working groups have been established to deal with the implementation plan of the Fusion Centre.

We have also intensified the fight against corruption in the public sector. Payroll verification and supply chain management reviews were conducted in all provincial government departments at the commencement of the current term of government.

Resulting from last year’s announcement that public servants will not be allowed to do business with government, the implementation of this directive has been prioritised. Database purification is underway to delete public servants that are registered as service providers on the provincial centralised supplier database. This forms part of a comprehensive review to ensure that the supplier database is updated and strengthened.

Our cooperation with the State Security Agency to do thorough vetting of all supply chain management practitioners, including those at local government level and provincial public entities, has supported our determination to ensure that the appropriate persons are employed in the critical area of supply chain management.

The establishment of a central tender board, as announced by the President, will be another effective measure in strengthening our resolve to eliminate crime and corruption in the public sector.

We continue to provide our full support to the National Anti-Corruption Hotline and the Public Service Commission, the Office of the Public Protector and the Human Rights Commission. I also wish to call upon the private sector not to engage in irregular and fraudulent activities with the public sector. We place on record that we condemn those individuals who continue to use the name of President Zuma and even provincial government leaders to attempt to secure access to tenders.

We have expanded our participation in the annual International Fraud Awareness campaign and have partnered with professional organisations such as the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners as well as the public and private sector to ensure that this campaign is implemented at provincial and local government level. This year, the South African Revenue Service, will also join us in this campaign.

Decent employment through inclusive economic growth

Hon Speaker, there has been tangible economic development in communities throughout the Free State during the past 20 years. This is evident from various developments, including Langenhovenpark, College Square and the Kenworth Shopping Centre’s expansion in Mangaung, the establishment of malls in QwaQwa, Bethlehem, Sasolburg and Parys.

The Free State economy is historically based on the primary sectors of agriculture and mining. We did not escape the consequences of the global economic recession and the economic growth remains severely subdued. We have seen the impact that this has had on the growing unemployment statistics of the Free State.

Strategic Integrated Projects (SIPs)

The Strategic Integrated Projects, coordinated by the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission, include specific focus areas from which the Free State economy stands to benefit. The progress with some of these projects include;

• The Durban – Free State – Gauteng Development Corridor will serve as a logistic hub for the country. The project will be a special economic zone for Maluti-A-Phofung comprising of the Harrismith Gateway and Tshiame Industrial Development Area.
• Our investment in critical infrastructure in the energy sector forms part of SIP 9 and 10. The Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme Project is one of ESKOM’s major energy infrastructure projects which is hosted by the Phumelela local municipality as well as two municipalities in KZN. The project is in construction stage will be completed at the end of 2015.

The first Independent Power Producer (IPP) in Soutdrift near Bloemfontein, was energised on the Eskom side earlier this year. Eskom is also assisting with the construction of the 2nd IPP project in Boshof.

• The Free State has done exceptionally well in eradicating most of the historic backlogs in basic water supply infrastructure. Key projects completed during previous years include the bulk water supply to Edenville, the QwaQwa areas including Kestell, Tshiame and Mokgolokweng, Paul Roux as well as Jagersfontein and Fauresmth.
• Various water resource interventions throughout the Free State are included in SIP 18 of the PICC and are in the process of being implemented through the national Department of Water Affairs. [Details set out in Annexure B]
• We are continuously creating an environment conducive to investment. Working together with the Mangaung Metropolitan on the N8 Corridor Development, the Mangaung Airport Development Node (ADN) is the largest municipal owned and driven airport city development in the SADC region. It constitutes the servicing and release of 2000 hectares of prime land with anchor developments. Planning for this node has been completed and work has started on site. 350 people have gained employment so far and, by the end of the site-servicing phase, 11,000 people will have been employed. The full value of the Airport Development Node at completion, including both public and private sector investment, will be R100 billion.
• Hon Speaker, I am also particularly pleased to announce that after many years of speculation about bio-fuel projects, the bio-fuel project at Bothaville has finally received approval from national government and can now move forward to implementation. This project will soon be launched and will contribute significantly to our job creation initiatives.

Tourism

The spectacular beauty of the Free State, together with the geographic centrality of its location, holds the key to unlock the potential of the tourism industry as a major economic development initiative. The ANC government has embarked on a range of initiatives to increase our share of the tourism industry.

We successfully launched the Naval Hill Planetarium in June 2013 with the University of Free State. This is the first digital planetarium in sub-Saharan Africa. The planetarium forms part of the overall development of Naval Hill. The towering statue of former President Mandela erected on Naval Hill adds a spectacular dimension to the prospective Naval Hill development.

Through the Free State Tourism Authority, the Big Five Tourism Routes have been launched in the province, as a mechanism to market the province and also to direct tourism related investment along the tourism corridors. The next administration must intensify its efforts to explore the potential of sport tourism.

Other infrastructure development

Our road infrastructure is the mainstay of our economy. We have over the past 5 years completed the condition assessments of our Road Infrastructure and developed a Road Asset Management System and long term plan for the maintenance of our roads.

• We have completed various road infrastructure projects over the past 5 years, including the rehabilitation and upgrade of certain roads as well as the fogspray of 231 km of roads across the province to prolong the lifespan. [Details in Annexure A]
• The planning and design for the upgrading of the Thaba Nchu Public Transport Route has been completed. The contractor is on site to prepare for the construction. The remaining construction work on the Wepener - Zastron, Bultfontein – Wesselsbron, Reitz – Kestell, Deneysville – Vereeniging, Warden – Newcastle, Frankfort – Villiers and Kroonstad-Vredefort roads have been prioritised for the next financial year.
• With regards to the 8 priority roads with completed designs, 6 of these roads will be funded during the MTEF. Construction on the Harrismith – Oliviershoek road has been transferred to SANRAL who will take responsibility for construction in 2014. Construction of the Meadows road in Mangaung will soon commence.

Die ANC regering sal in samewerking met die Nasionale Department van Vervoer voortgaan in die volgende termyn om ons belegging in die instandhouding en konstruksie van ons pad netwerk te volhou.

The transformation of the Maluti Bus Service has been completed and the New Company (NEWCO) was established with 60 % shareholding to the taxi industry and 10 % to current employees. This is an important milestone in the transformation of the public transport industry in the Free State. The transformation process of Interstate Bus Lines has commenced.

There has been engagement with Transnet Freight Rail in pursuance of the re-opening of the Xhariep grain line which will provide a business case for the establishment and introduction of a passenger line. We are currently pursuing the second phase through discussions on the establishment of the grain route which will connect the Eastern Cape with the Free State via the Xhariep district. This will follow the success we achieved with the re-opening last year of the Kroonstad–Vierfontein line.

Hon. Speaker, this term of government has actively promoted partnerships with the private sector to encourage investment and economic growth. All stakeholders departments will continue to support established white-owned business and white farmers, whilst also creating big black business and big black farmers. We will continue our close collaboration with them to create a conducive environment within which job creation will take place.

Support to Cooperatives and SMMEs

Cooperatives will assist the Free State to stimulate economic development, reduce poverty and improve livelihoods. Over the past five years, we have strengthened our support and development of cooperatives. A total number of 583 cooperatives were registered during this term and I have made reference earlier to the utilisation of cooperatives in the National School Nutrition Programme.

The utilisation of cooperatives will be extended to supply identified goods and services to other public institutions, including provincial departments, municipalities, hospitals and Early Childhood Development Centres.

Our vision is to optimise employment opportunities through labour intensive construction and utilisation of cooperatives and SMMEs. The number of infrastructure projects implemented utilising labour intensive construction (LIC) methodologies and targeted procurement from cooperatives and SMMEs must be increased. A team has been established to review all the infrastructure projects planned for the next financial year and the most procured items with the aim of developing an appropriate action plan that will realise our vision for this sector.
Mesebetsi e tshwanang le matshwao a mebila, e etswe ke batho ba lehae. Ya ho lokisa dikolo, dikreche, diholo, mmoho le ho hlwekisa dibaka tse itseng. E sa hlokeng dikonteraka e wele matsohong a batho hore ba e sebetse. Se na se tla thusa baahi ho ithuta mosebetsi, le ho hlokomela tseo e leng tsa bona.

Job creation initiatives

The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) continues to be a vehicle for creating jobs in the province. We have created 233 thousand 359 (233 359) work opportunities over the past five years through programmes such as the Township Revitalisation Programme, Community Work Programmes, National Youth Service

Programme, Cemetery Maintenance Programme and Food for Waste Programme and the Door-Knocker programme.

One former leader of the ANC initiated a programme that privatised the provision of cleaning and security services to the Free State government. Over the years, this proved to be profoundly detrimental to the workers as it never translated to decent jobs. In 2009, we recognised that this could only be corrected through the insourcing of cleaning and security services.

I am pleased to announce that the insourcing of cleaning services was implemented at the Universitas Academic Hospital, the National District Hospital, the Phekolong District Hospital, and the Nketoana District Hospital. This resulted in the creation of 371 decent and permanent job opportunities. The insourcing of security and cleaning services will be expanded to the Bongani Hospital by 1 April 2014.

The ANC Government also introduced the Contractor Development Programme (CDP) to redress the intentional exclusion of historically disadvantaged individuals from participating in the economic mainstream. Currently, 226 learner contractors are registered on the CDP in the Free State.

Vibrant, equitable and sustainable rural communities with food security for all

Hon Speaker, the good story that we have to tell as the ANC government becomes even better when we talk about rural development and land reform!

Since the inception of the land reform programme in 1994, the Free State has made significant progress in redistributing land to targeted citizens. To date, more than 370 000 ha of land has been transferred. From the 370 000 ha of land transferred, a total of 834 farms were acquired over the 19 year period. Within the same period, over 7900 beneficiaries benefited from the redistribution programme.

A total number of 3 thousand and 81 (3081) land claims were lodged in the Free State. A total number of 3 thousand and 66 (3066) of these claims have been settled, whilst 6 claims are currently outstanding and 9 claims are subject to further judicial processes.

The implementation of the War on Poverty at the pilot site of Jacobsdal transformed that community.

Makgolokoeng and Diyatalawa, the Free State pilot sites of the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme, as well as Vanstadensrus and Cornelia are vivid examples on what the transformation of rural communities through a comprehensive approach focusing on all aspects of community life can achieve. The cynics amongst us will persist in spreading the message that these projects are of no value. The people of these rural villages, however, experience on a daily basis the real and meaningful change that the ANC government has brought about in their villages.
Last year, we announced that two major agriculture projects will be implemented, namely the Xhariep Fish Hatchery and the Dorper Sheep International Stud Breeding project in Brandfort.

We are pleased to announce that in partnership with the People’s Republic of China, the demonstration Fish Hatchery was launched in Xhariep. The first phase of the project has been completed and phase 2 is in progress.

The project has already created 126 jobs. To ensure optimal capacity of the Fish Hatchery, six fish projects with the capacity of 78 tanks for production and processing of fingerlings has been established in Springfontein, Koffiefontein, Bethulie, Petrusburg, Zastron and Fauresmith. We will further construct a fish processing plant in Xhariep to the value R11 million.

The Dorper Sheep International Stud Breeding project was established in Brandfort to improve black stud breeders. Three commercial farmers were assisted with Dorper sheep, infrastructure and pasture establishment. The project has also been assisted to flush embryos to assist other farmers and have been supported with 784 breeding animals. Twelve (12) permanent job opportunities were created.

The Grain Field Chicken (GFC) Project: On the 28th of February, the President will attend the formal launch of this project which brings together various stakeholders in the public sector, including the provincial government, IDC and the Department of Labour, together with VKB.

Six broiler houses have been established in Tweeling with the capacity of 40 000 chickens each were established to supply a state-of-the-art abattoir in Reitz with the current capacity to slaughter 120 000 chickens per day. This initiative has created more than 1100 direct job opportunities and has the potential of creating more than 2000 jobs once in full operation. Working together with VKB, we are considering a project of approximately 25 to 30 million rand from which black cooperatives and black farmers could benefit. This project will be implemented during the course of 2014.

The Vrede Dairy project initiated during July 2012 is progressing well. I am particularly pleased that the National Farm Animal Protection Unit of the National Council of SPCAs confirmed on 19 February 2014 that it had undertaken an inspection at the facility and found that; “No welfare concerns could be detected at the facility at the moment and everything appeared to be up to standard.”

The first phase of this project entails setting up of a dairy parlour with an in-house capacity of up to 1,000 cows. The diary construction will also include feed storage, feedlots and land cultivation for feed. A total number of 87 local beneficiaries have been identified who will directly benefit from this project. 92 temporary jobs during the first phase of planting and construction were created and it has the potential of creating 200 jobs once in full operation.

Hon. Speaker, MEC Qabathe says that those amongst us that believe that these projects have had no impact on the quality of the lives of local communities and that it is not sustainable, should take the effort to actually go and visit these projects and engage with the identified beneficiaries instead of instigating dubious media coverage.

Sustainable Human Settlements and improved quality of household life

Hon. Speaker, one of the biggest challenges the ANC government faced when it assumed office in 1994, was the apartheid legacy of spatial development that marginalised the poor, locating them to live far from job opportunities and major services.

Post 1994, we began to reverse the apartheid legacy and accelerated delivery of housing opportunities. The beneficiaries have been inclusive of all the people of the Free State. We have recorded substantial growth in formal housing since 1994. Households living in the formal settlements increased significantly from 62.9% in 1996 to 81.1% in 2011 whilst households living in informal settlements declined from 26.2% in 1996 to 15.7 % in 2011. The target for the next administration is to accelerate formalisation of townships across the province.

We have a good story to tell about the creation of human settlements and the multiple ways in which we have improved the quality of household life of the people of the Free State.

• The ANC Free State government delivered bigger and better houses than before. We have built houses of between 50 and 70 square metres utilising different architectural designs. The houses constructed in Kroonstad, Bethlehem, Bothaville, Viljoenskroon, Parys, Welkom, Bloemfontein and many other towns serve as examples of this. This was not only aimed at improving the quality of housing delivered to the poor but also provided equity through ownership. This consequently directly impacted on the potential for further economic empowerment of the poor.
• More than 270 thousand 846 (270 846) subsidies were allocated since 1994, benefiting a total of 270 846 households whilst the Social and Rental Housing Programme yielded 323 Units.
• Over the past five years, we have issued 147 thousand and 5 (147 005) title deeds. It is important to note that we have transferred ownership of houses previously owned by government to white people in Ehrlichpark (Bloemfontein), and beneficiaries of all sectors of society in Nick Ferreira in Sasolburg and Kensy Town in QwaQwa. We will soon be transferring ownership of houses that belonged to the previous Bophuthatswana homeland in Thaba Nchu to the rightful owners.
• Eight land parcels have been acquired for the development of the Botshabelo - Thaba-Nchu New City Node and six (6) more are in the process of being acquired to promote sustainable human settlements.
• Nine land parcels in Thaba Nchu are in the process of being transferred from the National Department of Land Reform and Rural Development to the Mangaung Metro.
• Thirty agricultural small-holdings were acquired for the formalisation of Grassland IV (Khayelitsha), and four more were acquired to formalise Bloemside Phase 7 as well as a portion of Plot 82 Rodenbeck to formalise part of Sonderwater.
• The water and sewer reticulation of Thandanani, also known as “2010” in Matjhabeng, will be completed in the next financial year. The construction of houses in Thandanani will be divided into 2 phases with the first phase of 1653 houses to be completed in the next financial year and the second phase of 2771 houses the year thereafter. In 2014, the focus will be in Bloemfontein, Freedom Square, QwaQwa, Botshabelo, Thabu Nchu, Refengkhotso, Peter Swart and Phokeng next to Thandanani.
• One of the tasks faced by the new administration will be to continue to address the provision of housing for military veterans from Umkhonto we Sizwe, APLA, the SANDF and other organisations during 2014.

We can be proud of what we have achieved with the replacement of dilapidated houses in Batho location, Phahameng, Heidedal, Bronville, Viljoenskroon, Schonkenville, Baken Park and QwaQwa. This programme will be extended to Freedom Square, Pieter Swart, Boiketlo, Sedibeng, Rietpan and the whole of QwaQwa. We have made sure that we retain the inclusive nature of the ANC in this programme.

Upgrading of townships

Hon Speaker, the ANC Government has made remarkable progress post 1994 on upgrading of townships. Significant projects under the Urban Renewal Programme that upgraded some of the townships in the province include the Mangaung Activity Corridor and the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the R26 Road between Baken Park and Bohlokong in Bethlehem.

These projects of new towns will be accelerated during 2014 to 2019. People of the Province will also see new towns in Wesselsbron, Bothaville, Kroonstad, Sasolburg, Harrismith and Welkom.

One of the outstanding successes of this term was the piloting of the Township Revitalisation programme aimed at improving the image and value of townships as decent places of residence. We have a good story to tell about Township Revitalisation Programme!

We must, proclaim as one of our most significant achievements the revitalisation of Paul Roux where we successfully completed the construction of the stadium, swimming pool, roads, houses and the provision of clean, drinking water. House connections to a water-borne sewerage system are being installed. Perhaps those leaders like a certain former Premier who now fearlessly claim that people are less happy today than during previous terms of government, should rather go and ask the people of Paul Roux how they feel about the changes brought about by the ANC government during this term of office!

The same question can be asked of the communities in all other towns where the Township Revitilisation programme was implemented through our Operation Hlasela methodology. The communities of Arlington, Bethlehem, Bethulie, Boshof, Bothaville, Botshabelo, Clarens, Cornelia, Dealesville, Edenville, Fauresmith, Gariep Dam, Heilbron, Hennenman, Jacobsdal, Jagersfontein, Kroonstad, Luckhoff, Mangaung, Odendalsrus, Oranjeville, Parys, Petrusburg, Petrus Steyn, Phillipolis, QwaQwa, Senekal, Steynsrus, Thaba Nchu, Vanstadensrus, Viljoenskroon, Villiers, Welkom, Wesselsbron and Zastron. I have no doubt that they are much happier in this term of government that at any other time!

A specific focus area of the Township Revitalisation programme is the upgrading and paving of township streets. A total of 133.9 km of township streets have been paved over the past five years in Allenridge (14km), Arlington (7.5km), Odendaalsrus (26km), Parys (29km), Virginia (22km), Vredefort (9km), Batho (16.6km), Heilbron (0.775km), Marabastad (10.8km), Petrusburg (1.2km), Cornelia (7.9km), Thaba Nchu (1.4km), Jagersfontein (3.6km) and Hennenman (5.7km). This programme will continue for the next 5 years. It does bring about real change in the lives of our communities.

The target for the next administration is to improve safety on these newly upgraded streets by constructing speed humps; upgrade more township streets and to further expand the programme to upgrade streets in Parys, Kroonstad and Harrismith with specific focus on the former white suburbs.

Upgrading of hostels

Over the past five years, the new Community Residential Units Programme (CRU) was utilised to upgrade the Dark City, Silver City Hostels in Mangaung as well as the G- Hostel in Thabong, Welkom. The feasibility studies have been completed in respect of all three Hostels and demolition and the new houses / CRU will commence in the new financial year. The Zamdela CRU is under construction but there is another hostel in Sasolburg that we have seen as we were doing door-to-door where people cannot live. That hostel will be demolished and it will be replaced with decent and dignified housing. MEC Mlamleli will soon launch these projects.
Another accomplishment of the current administration has been the successful completion of the Masimong (Mining) Hostel Conversion in Thabong, Welkom. The project involved a Public Private Partnership between the provincial government, Harmony Gold and the Matjhabeng Local Municipality. This project yielded 380 Units.

People’s Housing Process (PHP)

Over the past five years, we partnered with the Free State House of Traditional Leaders to build houses for various Traditional Councils’ members and communities utilising the PHP. As a result;

• 120 Houses were built by the Batlokoa Traditional Council in Qwaqwa
• 245 Houses were built by the Bakwena Traditional Council in Qwaqwa
• 100 Houses were built by the Barolong Boo-Seleka Traditional Council in Thaba Nchu

Provision of Basic Services

The 2011 Census indicated the extraordinary progress made by the ANC government in the Free State to expand access to services such as water, sanitation and electricity. Despite the fact that 78,000 bucket systems have successfully been eradicated to date, a recent survey indicated that 36 330 households in the Free State were still using buckets as a form of sanitation in formalised towns within the Province.

On behalf of the Free State, I signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Minister of Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs, Mr Lechesa Tsenoli, as well as the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Edna Molewa, in September last year to eradicate the bucket system in all Free State formalised towns. The President also highlighted this imperative in the State of the Nation Address. The implementation process considers the entire water supply value chain which includes amongst others, bulk water supply, water reticulation, toilet structures, sewer reticulation and bulk sewer. This means that in areas where there is no bulk infrastructure (water and sewer), the infrastructure will have to be provided prior to the eradication of the buckets.

The ANC Free State government and the Mangaung Metropolitan will be working together on an intensified programme to implement an extensive sanitation programme in Mangaung, with specific focus on Botshabelo, Thaba Nchu and Pieter Swart. An amount of R100 million has been made available to Mangaung for this purpose. In the forthcoming year, the Mangaung Metro will also commence with the formalisation of Khayalitsha and address the provision of infrastructure in the area.

Responsive, accountable, effective and efficient local government system

Hon. Speaker, the ANC Free State government has implemented an intensive support programme focused at improving the financial management, administration and accountability of our local government sector through the implementation of a dedicated municipal support programme. This programme has also benefited from the support of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).

The progress we continue to make is evident from one of the most recent presentations that we received from the Auditor-General on the consolidated audit outcomes of local government for the 2012/2013 financial year. I quote; “Steady progress has been made in the overall audit outcomes of municipalities over the last five years”.

We continue to engage directly with our municipalities and SALGA as we intensify the demand for the required improvements in the financial management and administration as well as performance reporting that will produce the resultant improvement in audit outcomes.

Since the start of this term, the provincial government has engaged extensively with the local government sector in our planning and budgeting processes. We are expanding this approach and will require the local government sector to engage much more extensively with the provincial government during its planning and budgeting cycles. We have seen the value that our communities derive when we bring together our resources and maximise the impact of service delivery.

Spatial integration of economic and residential activities

The Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) paved the way for the development of relevant provincial legislation. The new administration will be tasked with the implementation of this legislation that will fundamentally change the way we have been dealing with land use management.

In collaboration with the German Technical Corporation (GTZ) and the Masilonyana Local Municipality, we successfully implemented a project aimed at Spatial integration and restructuring at the Sunrise Place of Progress which was a buffer between the Theunissen Town and Masilo Township. During this term, we also invested in the Intabazwe Corridor, Harrismith as well as the Vogelfontein, Bethlehem projects which are geared at ensuring spatial integration of economic and residential activities.

Social Cohesion

Hon Speaker, the ANC government has placed a particularly high premium on the imperative to attend to nation building and the development of social cohesion. From the fragmented and divided pre-1994 South African society, we have worked steadfastly to restore the dignity of our people. The 1996 democratic Constitution as promulgated gives material value to human dignity; equality; non-racialism; non-sexism; freedom of religion, belief and opinion; and freedom of association.

In his 2010 State of the Nation Address, President Zuma stated that; “The defining feature of this administration will be that it knows where people lives, understands their concerns and responds faster to their needs.” We intensified our public participation and consultation processes throughout this term of government, commencing with the Health Summit, consulting with principals and health professionals, engaging with farmers and the broader business community, convening the Youth Summit and the Provincial Crime Prevention Summit as well as engaging with the religious sector in various forums.

We also engaged with all levels of the public sector.

These initiatives strengthened our broader engagement with our communities through door-to-door programmes, visits to towns throughout the Free State and convening broader community meetings during these visits. We must acknowledge the contribution of our first line of contact with our communities, the Community Development Workers, and their tireless and relentless efforts to address the concerns and needs of our people.

Our endeavours to deliver cultural value, create a sense of belonging and honour those who have shaped our history, has informed our programme aimed at the declaration of provincial and national heritage sites as well as the naming, renaming and standardisation of geographic names. [Details in Annexure C]

Significant progress has been made in transforming the cultural and heritage landscape during 2013 by declaring as Provincial Heritage Sites the grave of Sipho Mutsi in Odendaalsrus, the graves of Vuyo Charles Itumeleng Mokobo and Ndoyisile Xhamfu in Welkom and Martha Motlhakwana’s Grave and House in Bloemfontein.

The Thomas Mapikela house and grave, the graves of Dr Moroka and Rev Mahabane and the Wesleyan Church were formally declared as national heritage sites during 2013 and will be formally unveiled this year.

We have consciously implemented a programme through which we facilitate visits to historical sites such as Robben Island, the Apartheid Museum and Parliament to identified stakeholders. This is part of our effort to ensure that our people gain knowledge and understanding of our history.

The universal language of sports and recreation is another influential avenue through which we have sought to drive social cohesion in the province. We successfully hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup and recently the CHAN 2014. Through these games, we once again demonstrated the value of human interconnectedness as different nations.

Hon Speaker, today some of those who have left the ANC are unable to explain why they could not even attend to such fundamental matters as renovating stadiums to create a dignified and proper environment within which our sporting codes can be practiced! The ANC Free State government has in this term escalated this programme to correct this shortcoming.

Phase 2 of the upgrading of the Seisa Ramabodu stadium is in progress. It is anticipated that the stadium will be completed in 2015. The stadium in Paul Roux has been completed. The upgrade of the Sipho Mutsi stadium is 90% complete. The upgrading of Fezile Dabi Stadium was completed and the stadium was opened in December 2013. There are ongoing renovations at the Bronville and the Zuka Baloyi Stadiums. We intend putting seats at the Botshabelo Keizer Sebothelo and Charles Mopeli stadiums during 2014.

The National Training Centre and Academy of High Performance was launched in 2013 in conjunction with SASCOC. The Centre will assist athletes throughout the country to prepare for international, continental and national events.

We continue to support both professional and amateur sporting codes and create an enabling environment within which we can develop local talent through initiatives such as the Sipho Mutsi games, Dr Irvin Khoza Super League, Boxing Development Leagues, Games for the People with Disabilities, Senior Citizen Games, Indigenous Games and Women in Sport.

Through these social, economic and cultural infrastructure and monuments, we will continue to build capacity to unite, inspire and celebrate our being!

Conclusion

Honourable Speaker, allow me to acknowledge and appreciate the broad Free State community, including interfaith formations and the private sector, for their continued support of our Provincial Government.

Gedurende hierdie termyn het ons prakties gewys wat ons bedoel as ons sê dat deur saam te werk, kan ons meer bereik.

We have not presented the detailed programme of action for the forthcoming year or the next five years. That programme will be presented by the new ANC government after the elections.

The first 20 years of democracy laid a solid foundation for a better life for all. We are ready to enter the second phase of the struggle. Che Guevara said; “The revolution is not an apple that falls when it is ripe. You have to make it fall.” We have made it clear that the next ANC government will implement radical socio-economic transformation to meaningfully address poverty, unemployment and inequality by focusing on our identified priority areas.

In his State of the Nation Address, President Jacob Zuma said “We continue to face challenges. But life will also continue to change for the better.” Our government has made significant progress in pushing back the frontiers of poverty and despite the noise from the cynics and the sceptics, there is no changing the fact that South Africa and the Free State is a better place than before 1994!

The ANC government has a good story to tell and will continue to shape that story in the next term of government.

Modimo O re thusitse ho fihlela mona. “Eben Ezere”. Ha o ntse o sitsa ba bang, O hauhela ba bang. O se ba fete baahi ba Foreistata.
Alles sal wel wees. God Regeer.
Ke a leboga
Ke a leboha
Ndiyabulela
Ngiyabonga
Thank you
Dankie

ANNEXURE A
Provincial Roads
Rehabilitation of Roads that have been completed;

• Warden – Standerton
• Heilbron – Petrus Steyn
• Bloemfontein-Bultfontein
• Lindley – Steynsrus
• Bethlehem-Lindley
• Frankfort-Villiers
• Heilbron-Frankfort
• Rouxville –Zastron
• Zastron-Wepener
• Bothaville-Leeudoringstad
• Bultfontein-Wesselsbron
• Kroonstad-Vredefort
• Upgrading of the Springfontein to Bethulie Road from gravel to surfaced
• Repaired a section of the Lesotho Boarder Road
• Rehabilitated the Frans Kleinhans Road

ANNEXURE B

Water Resource Interventions

• Mohokare Local Municipality – Rouxville/ Smithfield/ Zastron Bulk Water Supply is progressing well. Phase 1 in Rouxville is nearing completion. The whole scheme is planned for completion December 2016.
• Tokologo Local Municipality – Tokologo Bulk Water Supply Scheme: Phase 1 in Hertzogville is at completion stage. Plans are in place for bulk water supply in Boshof and Dealesville.
• Dihlabeng Local Municipality – Bethlehem – Paul Roux Bulk Water Supply Phase 1 – The construction of the Reservoir at Meyerskop, Pump Station at Morelig and bulk water supply pipelines is 100% completed. The reservoir is still on testing phase for commissioning. Currently the scheme is providing water through existing reservoir.
• Plans are in place for bulk water supply in Fauresburg and the project is expected to start June 2014.
• Phumelela Local Municipality – Warden Dam Bulk Water Supply project. The project is progressing well and it’s a multiyear project. The whole scheme is planned for completion March 2016.
• Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality: Sterkfontein-Qwa-Qwa Bulk Water Supply. The aim of the project is to provide bulk water to alleviate the demand and shortages in the northern urban areas of Qwaqwa, including Kestell, and the rural areas which include Mokgolokweng and Diyatalawa; and upgrading of the Makwane bulk water supply system to alleviate the demand in the southern water supply areas near Makwane. The project is progressing well, Reservoir in Escol has been completed, 6.2km pipeline to supply water to the areas of Makgolokweng and Diatalawa has been completed, and 10Ml water treatment works has been completed. The construction of a new raw water abstraction facility at Sterkfontein Dam is under construction. The installation of pumps to supply water to Qwa-Qwa is under construction. A 7km raw water pipeline to Makwane WTW is under construction. The whole water supply scheme is planned for completion March 2017
• Kopanong Local Municipality – Jagersfontein – Fauresmith Regional Bulk which involves Provisioning of bulk water to Jagersfontein and Fauresmith to augment the current water supply. The project is progressing well and planned for completion in October 2014.
• Masilonyana Local Municipality – Masilonyana LM Bulk Water Supply Project – The contractor is on site to construct the Bulk water supply pipe in Brandfort which will also feed Verkeerdevlei (Phase1). Three boreholes have been drilled and equipped in Winburg. The project is planned for completion August 2015.
• For Winburg and Theunissen plans are in place. Project expected to start April 2015.
• Moqhaka Local Municipality – Moqhaka LM Bulk Water Supply Project which includes Construction of a bulk water scheme in Steynsrus, Kroonstad and Viljoenskroon. The project so far has explored, drilled and equipped new and old boreholes. The balancing dam has also been completed. Construction of a raw water pipeline work has started on site. The scheme is a multiyear project and planned for completion in March 2016.
• Setsoto Local Municipality Bulk Water Supply. Emergency scheme was done for Marquard. A raw water pipeline from Caledon river to Marquard Water Treatment work has been completed. 5 boreholes have been re-drilled & tested in Clocolan. Designs for Caledon to Meulspruit pipeline have been submitted to DWA. The project is a multiyear project and planned for completion March 2016
• Nketoana Local Municipality – Nketoana LM Bulk Water Supply Project. The project is progressing well and the upgrading of the water treatment works at Reitz and construction of the High Lift Pump Station at Reitz water treatment works is 50% complete. The project is planned for completion June 2014.
• Plans are in place to start Construction of clear water pipeline from Reitz WTW to Petrus Steyn. Project is planned to start April 2014. The entire project is multiyear project and planned for completion March 2016.
• Designs for Jacobsdal raw water pipeline are in progress. The project is planned to be completed in March 2015
• Key Water Projects launched in 2014 is the implementation of a sustainable Regional Bulk Water Supply Scheme in Tokologo LM prioritising supply to Hertzogville.

Annexure C

The following geographic names were named, renamed and standardised;

• Metsimaholo Hospital was renamed Fezi Ngubentombi Hospital on 1 December 2014.
• Ladybrand Hospital was renamed Senorita Ntlabati Hospital
• Trompsburg Hospital was renamed Albert Nzula Hospital
• Fauresmith Clinic was renamed Dr. Benja Van Zyl Clinic
• Fauresmith Library was renamed Alfred Boikanyo Library
• Fauresmith SAPS was renamed Petrus Tseka SAPS
• Road District Office was renamed Ben Fokazi Building