Hon Speaker of the Provincial Legislature, Hon Members of the Executive Council,
Hon Deputy Ministers Present
Hon Members of the Provincial Legislature, Foreign Dignitaries,
Leaders of Political Parties Represented in this House, Our Esteemed Traditional Leaders,
Your Worship Executive Mayors and Mayors of our Municipalities, Speakers of our Councils,
Heads of Our Security Agencies,
The Acting Director General and Heads of Provincial Departments,
Leadership of Chapter Nine Institutions,
Chairpersons and Chief Executive Officers of State-Owned Enterprises,
Leaders of Labour Movements,
Civil Society,
Faith Based-Organisations and Business,
The South African Local Government Association Chairperson,
Comrades and friends,
Ladies and gentlemen.
Mmusa Kgotla, Gompieno ke Letsatsi le le kgethegileng Ke letsatsi le o le laotsweng ke Mmopi.
Ga go kitla go diragala gape mo ditiragalong tsa lefatshe gore, go nne le pulo se mmuso ya kgotlatheo molao e ya rona e, matsatsi morago ga go goroga ga bo kgakakgolo kgaratlhong e leng Malome Moses Kotane le JB Marks.
Ga go kitla go bo go diragala gore, go nne le kgothakgothe ee tswhanang le e, malatsi pele ga tlotlo poloko ya digatlhamela masisi tsa kgaratlhokgolo tsenelela ya Bosetshaba. Ga go kitla go bo go diragala jalo gape.
Re bua ka Dikgakakgolo tsa kgaratlho. Batho tota ba o ba tsetsepetseng, ba ema ka leoto le le lengwe kgatlhanong le:
- bopelo tshetlha
- bonwa madi
- bogagapa
- mokgwa wa boilakgaka bonwa moro
Jaanong bagaetsho, gompieno ke tshimologo ya loeto logolo. Seno ga se bokhutlo jwa kgaratlho. Letsatsi la gompieno ke tshono ya go ithuta, go anya morokotso wa botshelo go tswa mo botshelong jwa digatlhamelamasisi tse pedi tse.
Rona, sa rona se o re tshwanetseng ra se ithuta ka kelotlhoko e e tseneletseng, ke gore, re dikgakana. Re dikgakana tsa dikgaka tse pedi tse. Bona ga bana mebala. Mebala ya bona e bonwa go rona Dikgakana.
Letlepu le le kanakana le o re leng mo go lona la kgololosego, ke ka ntlha ya bona. Tlotlo e kanakana e dinaga di le di ntsi di re neelang yona, ke ka ntlha ya bona gonne ba re tsheletse, ba re kgaratlhela, ba re sireletsa, ba re direla, ba re ruta mme kwa bofelong ga tsotlhe ba re swela sefapanong sa kgaratlho ya Afrika Borwa.
Re kopa Modimo o o tshelang go tswelela go sireletsa mewa ya bona gore e robale ka kagiso. Se se diragalele le rona dikgakana, e kete Modimo o ka tiisa, wa re sireletsa kgatlhanong le baba, mme re se itibale. Ka metlha yotlhe re ikanye thapelo gonne phenyo e mo thapelong.
Madame Speaker we thought it was necessary for us to commence this address in the manner in which we did today.
As Honourable Members are aware, on the 1st March 2015 we received the remains of two of our stalwarts Moses Kotane and JB Marks from Moscow in Russia.
Today’s sitting is therefore a fitting tribute and honour to be in the midst of the revolutionary spirits of Moses Kotane and JB Marks.
In order for this legacy to live forever, we will be initiating a public participation process led by the Provincial Geographic Names Committee, in line with relevant legal prescripts to test the idea of renaming Bokone-Bophirima, the “Moses-Kotane Province”.
This Honourable Members, is the little we the beneficiaries of Moses Kotane’s sacrifices can do to repay him and his generation for the gift of freedom they have given us.
I would like to take this moment to recognise and pay tribute to Mama Rebecca Kotane who celebrated her 103rd birthday on 12 February 2015.
We thank God and our ancestors for their enduring love to keep Mme Mma Kotane with us until today, and are proud to have fulfilled your wish to see your beloved laid to rest in the land of his birth.
Hon Members, We are a Province on the move towards RRR. To do the best, produce the best and be second to none in the regard. Let us take this opportunity to pay tribute to patriots of Bokone-Bophirima who singularly and collectively put our Province in the map in the last year and recently.
The Matric Class of 2014 whose excellence has ensured that we retain our 2nd position in the national senior certificate results; all Bokone-Bophirima nominees for the National Teacher Awards, Casper Nyovest for winning 5 Metro FM Awards held in Durban last weekend and DONALD for winning the Metro FM Awards Best Stylish Artist Award. Thank you for making us proud and putting us on the map.
The year 1994, on the 27th of April, was a culmination of the success of the people's struggle. This day of Freedom in our country, culminated in the triumph of good over evil. The man made, constructed and concocted evil which sought to perpetuate the impossible was defeated.
The impossible was represented by an ailing legislated philosophy that sought to present white people as having inherent superior genes of intellect to blacks in general and Africans in particular.
As a people, we need to praise ourselves that both black and white in this country rose against this philosophy and defeated it in 1994.
The spectacular defeat of the impossible philosophy of whites superiority was as a result of the resolve by the people's struggle, when Moses Kotane, JB Marks and their generations, declared in June 1955 that, South Africa belongs to all who live in it black and white. We concur with the call made by President Jacob Zuma in this regard, when he said during the state of the Nation Address “This is also the year of rededicating ourselves to eradicate racism and all related intolerances in our country”.
The people`s revolution, executed in precision and single mindedness, emerged triumphant in 1994. This was a consequence of the people's resolve that no government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of the people. So, we can all now say, indeed on 27 April 1994, a government that could claim legitimate authority was born because, it was based on the will of the people.
Madame Speaker, the people's revolutionary triumph in 1994 was not the end of the revolution itself.
The election of a democratic Government marked the beginning of a protracted second phase of transformation for the reconstruction and development of our country.
We do hereby say today that, a nation that does not engage in necessary reflections about its future which is dependent and shaped by its past, is like a journey whose direction is based on a malfunctioning compass.
In the past twenty years, collectively as a people of this province, we have held successful democratic, transparent, free and fair elections because in 1955, our forebears declared that the people shall govern in the Freedom Charter.
In the past twenty years, Madame Speaker, as a province we have been part of an all-round agenda to entrench through legislation and various policies, the culture of accountability as part of the 1955 Freedom Charter declaration; That the People Shall Govern.
Part of the comfort the Freedom Charter Declared and called for in 1955, resulted in 84.9% households gaining access to electricity, for the first time in their lives and this brought dignity to them.
Hon Members, the Freedom Charter has declared that, the Door of Learning and Culture Shall be Opened to All.
In pursuance of this commitment, the democratic government has opened the doors of learning for all South Africa’s Children in the last 20 years. The number of children receiving free education has increased significantly. The percentage of people in the Province without any formal education has decreased to only 8% by 2013.
As part of our resolve, commitment and resoluteness to ensure that we pursue the objectives of the Freedom Charter, over the last twenty years we have increased access by the people to health and roll-out infrastructure to bring services closer to the communities. Even if we still have some challenges in this area of our work, the reality is that more people than ever before in this province have access to improved health services.
Madame Speaker and Hon Members, we have already indicated that a society that does not do the necessary self-reflection on its future dependent on its past, is like a journey with a malfunctioning compass.
For purposes of predictability and certainty, our compass in this regard is to pursue the objectives of the National Development Plan, RRR, ACT, RHR, Setsokotsane and Bua Le Puso. This is our compass!
In response to the general challenges we face and in particular, poverty, unemployment and inequality, our visionary President JG Zuma developed a necessary all-round consultative process, out of which the National Development Plan (NDP) emerged.
We as the province of Bokone-Bophirima, are not denialists. Whilst we report that a lot of work has been done in the last twenty years to respond to the accumulated legacy challenges of 352 years of apartheid and colonialism, a lot still needs to be done.
The complexity of our current phase of struggle as a nation is in no measure a reflection of our failure, but a demonstration of our necessary character and resilience as a people. Collectively as a province we face challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality.
The massive programme of cooperatives we intend to roll out as a transition from the Extended Public Works Programmes, is intended to target youth and women in particular.
Gradually, we have managed to drag majority of our people out of poverty since 1994. We are aware that many still require on-going sustained attention in the province. We will in this regard, intensify all efforts aimed at eradicating poverty, working together with the private sector and all the municipalities in the province.
Whilst, 89% of people have access to clean drinking water, 11% still struggle to access this basic need.
Whilst our economy grows at 3.6% the desired growth of at least 6% will go a long way in creating necessary conditions to successfully tackle challenges of unemployment, as we committed ourselves to in the last state of the province address.
It is projected that our economy will grow by 4.0% in 2015, 4.8% in 2016, 5.0% in 2017 and 2018 respectively. The period leading up to 2018 will require tighter policy management and prudent control of our public purse in order to remain within our growth target of 6%.
There shall be houses security and comfort
We have succeeded in ensuring that 223 591 houses are built since 1994, costing Government R13 billion.
Today the housing backlog stands at 237 000, which is only reflective of informal settlements. Measures are being put in place to cater for people who are neither serviced under the RDP programme nor can access the bond market.
In order to mitigate against financial constraints, the Province will be embarking on alternative building methods in order to achieve more with the limited resources at our disposal.
The MEC for Local Government and Human Settlements will accordingly announce plans for provision of housing going forward and much tighter processes of managing the Provincial Housing beneficiary lists.
The MEC shall give more details on the clean-up and verification process of all housing beneficiaries lists across municipalities, to ensure that only deserving people remain on the beneficiary lists. All public representative and government officials who are found to have allocated themselves RDP houses will be dealt with accordingly.
The state of performance of municipalities is of concern. When the fifth administration assumed office in May last year, 15 municipalities were in intensive care as reported by the Auditor General. Through dedicated intervention and leadership, seven have been rescued and eight still require on-going attention.
The situation at Ngaka Modiri Molema is receiving our undivided attention. Since May last year the fifth administration has successfully implemented the following measures to bring stability in the municipality i.e:
- EXCO invoked Section 139 (c) which led to the dissolution of the council and the holding of by-elections
- We deployed an Administrator
- We have established Operation Centre on Water issues
- We have reached an agreement with Development Bank of Southern Africa on water issues;
- A new Acting Municipal Manager has been deployed
- An experienced CFO will be appointed, whose mandate will be to ensure a reduction of irregular appointment of staff from 400 to over 1000 employees against approved staff establishment
- This turn-around strategy is expected to bear results in 12 months.
Hon Members, we congratulate the newly elected councillors of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality. We further congratulate the voters in the District for the participation in the by-elections.
We have decided to introduce a local government reward system through the introduction of Provincial Local Government Awards. These awards will be held within the spirit of Batho Pele Principles, Back to Basics and encouraging clean administration, amongst others.
This exercise will be done in collaboration with the Department of Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development.
Municipalities will be rewarded on the five key performance areas as follows:
- Financial management
- Basic service delivery
- Governance and administration
- Local Economic Development
- Public participation
A Provincial Training Academy will be established in the 2015/16 Financial Year to improve quality leadership and skills development in local government to the tune of R 2 million.
In the context of introducing a shared services model, a decision has been taken for Department of Local Government and Human Settlements to take over refuse collection services from Mahikeng and Matlosana Local Municipalities.
Hon Members, we pronounced last year on ambitious 4 cities development initiative targeting the creation of new cities in Taung, Mahikeng, Dr Kenneth Kaunda Metro and the new Bojanala Eco-Tourism City. The Eco-Tourism City will integrate existing Tourism and Conservation estate around the Pilanesberg, Madikwe, Moruleng and all neighbouring villages.
The Eco-Tourism City will require minimal additional funding from Government because eco-tourism infrastructure is already available in the area.
Government will facilitate consultation forums with all Dikgosi, land owners and tourism property owners in the areas for their participation and inclusion within the boundaries of the envisaged city.
Mahikeng recovery, renewal and repositioning plan
During our inaugural SOPA in June 2014, we committed Government to develop Mahikeng to become one of the best cities in the country. In this regard, we have already made the following progress:
- R140 million has been set aside for Recovery, Renewal and Repositioning Plan of Mahikeng across some of the identified 23 infrastructure projects. The plan is aimed at focusing on immediate, short term, medium term and long term tasks of Recovering, Renewing and Repositioning Mahikeng to be a real capital city.
- We have contracted for the installation of a state-of-the-art street illumination technology using the very latest solid-state light emitting diode (LED) technology that will save very nearly 60% of the electricity consumed by the old system, and which, moreover, will save about 90% of the previous maintenance costs and will significantly reduce our greenhouse gas output associated with municipal street illumination. Once successful this initiative will be expanded to other parts of the Province.
- Long-term ambitious projects have been identified to put our Capital City in the same league with major cities in the Country. We intend to extend Mmabatho Convention Centre into an International Convention Centre, linked to an adjacent five Star Hotel.
- We have also agreed to look for investors who will work with us to commence with the process of building a world class football stadium next to Mahikeng Airport (soon to be named Kgosi Montshioa Airport).
- Upgrading to the tune of R40 million is already taking place there to introduce a shuttle services to Pilanesberg International Airport.
- The soon to be renamed Kgosi Montshioa Airport will also be massively turned into a world Airport Logistics Cargo Hub.
- Resuscitation of Mahikeng-Johannesburg rail services (Tshipi sebokolodi segopa ka mpa) through cooperation with PRASA at the tune of R30million. The MOU will be signed on 20th March 2015. The project will include refurbishment of rail related infrastructure in Magalies, Koster, Swartruggens, Zeerust, Groot, Marico and Mahikeng.
- We have also announced last year plans to acquire the Mahikeng Rhino Recording Studios. Hon Members, the process to acquire this facility has proven to be more complex than initially expected given the nature of how this facility was originally disposed-off by PIC.
- Government has since taken a decision to establish its own recording studios across all municipalities in the Province whilst we engage on all complexities around this matter.
Ward based planning model
Hon Speaker, EXCO has adopted an unprecedented Ward Based Planning Model in the context of Setsokotsane which will integrate Provincial Annual Performance Plans (APP’s) of Government Departments and Integrated Development Plans (IDP’s) of municipalities.
A consolidated Infrastructure Budget for the Province inclusive of all Provincial Departments and all 23 Municipalities across economic classification exceeds R100billion over the MTEF.
This budget will be used to fund construction of roads, water and sanitation, schools, health infrastructure, houses, agriculture, arts and tourism infrastructure across all 383 wards in the Province.
Department of Water and Sanitation has made available R1,9b to address various water and sanitation infrastructure challenges in the province. Projects are at different stages ranging from planning to implementation while some phases have been completed.
This excludes commitments of R705m and R312m for Provincial Roads maintenance and construction funded through Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Committee (PICC) under Strategic Infrastructure Projects Programme 4 (SIP 4).
Successful implementation of these projects will to a greater extend address the current challenges of water supply at various areas such as Madibeng, Bloemhof, Schweizer Reneke, Setlagole, Mafikeng etc.
The delivery model shall be through a shared services model coordinated by the Department of Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development.
Whilst we encourage and promote investment in the Province and welcome the creation of much needed jobs, it is unacceptable that businesses like mines should receive first preference in the supply of public services like water at the expense of communities. Bokone-Bophirima Government will oppose renewal and issue of mining licences to all mines which do not comply 100% with Social Labour Plans.
Economic development and energy challenges
Processes of calling for partnerships with private entities and individuals in dealing with alternative energy sources are at an advanced stage to assist Government to develop and implement a comprehensive alternative energy strategy. Priority will be given to government buildings.
We are already examining proposals submitted by emerging entrepreneurs in the fuel technology. Relevant industry players are being engaged to assist and facilitate Bokone-Bophirima ideas to be introduced into the energy retail sector.
To overcome the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality which are complicated by sluggish economic growth, we have embarked on the necessary Rebranding, Repositioning and Renewal (RRR) of this Province as an instrument to implement the National Development Plan. In this regard amongst other things, we must strive at all times collectively, to be the best on all aspects of life as a Province. Mediocrity should not be our perpetual refuge of comfort.
In pursuit of this excellence, we have placed Agriculture at the top of our economic development strategy, followed by Culture, Arts, and Tourism.
The strategic choice to the economy
The Province will amongst others implement the following projects led by the Department of Rural, Environment & Agricultural Development
- Food Security and Crop Massification Programme is budgeted at R28 million.
- Development of Livestock Breeding Material R3 million
- A feedlot will be established in Mahikeng with a budget of R5 million.
- The resuscitation of the Taung Skull World Heritage is on track and we have allocated at least R50 million for the project.
As per MRRRP, the Mahikeng Buy Back Center will be established to recycle waste with a budget of R5 million.
In the spirit of Saamwerk-Saamtrek, the Industrial Development Corporation has committed to partner with the Provincial Government to support the following initiatives in Agriculture:
- Develop and fund a competitive meat processing (poultry & red meat) value chain by supporting emerging black farmers and communities within the North West province;
- Develop and fund a competitive field crop processing industry (soya, oil seeds, wheat, animal feeds, advanced maize processing) with a focus of increasing supply from emerging black farmers and farmers on communal land
- Establish and expand the aquaculture industry in the North West province.
The Land Redistribution Programme has acquired 26 farms in extent of 23,000 hectors to the value of R192 million. More than 36 black farmers have benefitted from this programme. Through the Land Restitution programme the Department has acquired 36 farms (24,000 hectors) worth more than R206 Million.
The new lodgement of land claims has been opened from the 1 July 2014 for a period of five years ending the 30th of June 2019. In the North West province two offices are operational in two of the three prioritised Districts being Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati in Vryburg and Ngaka Modiri Molema in Mahikeng.
The following communities have benefitted for the 2014-2015 financial year: Barolong Boo Maiketso; Barolong Boo Mariba; Barolong Boo Makgobi; Barolong Boo Modiboa; Bahurutshe Boo Moiloa; Bahurutshe Boo Mokgatla; Baphiring and Dipati Community.
Government is in negotiation and has accepted a proposal to use SANDF footprint in rural and semi-rural areas in terms of units, land and spending of resources in conjunction with villages, townships, provincial governments and other stakeholders to augment rural developmental initiatives by providing nodal points or hubs from which community engagement, stakeholder coordination and structural requirements toward creating viable sustainable local economies can take place.
Hon Speaker, it is opportune at this moment to announce to the House that the Minister of Trade and Industry Dr Rob Davies, has approved the issue of the 5th Casino Licence to Bokone-Bophirima in due course, after due processes have been followed.
We welcome the decision by Minister Davies which will go a long way in Rebranding, Repositioning and Renewal of our province.
Dikgosi tsa rona, Maaparankwe lona ba puso ya lona e tlhomilweng ke Modimo le go nna ya leruri go etelela baagi ba rona pele. Mo ngwageng o fetileng puso e itlamile go tokafatsa le go godisa serodumo sa bogosi mo setshabeng.
Go tsweletsa maitlhomo ano, re tlhomile letsholo la go lema Tshimo ya Kgosi (Phasha) mo mafelong a latelang Gaanalaagte, Mabalstadt le Khayakhulu. Selekano sa masimo a a lemilweng se feta dihectara di le 360.
Traditional Authorities need to be resourced with finances as well as skilled personnel in order that they can play a meaningful role in the development of their localities.
Hon Members, following our engagement with organized Arts & Culture industry role players we have resolved to introduce a dedicated Provincial statutory body tasked with the responsibility of building sustainable arts & culture economy in the province.
We are determined to use the endowment of skill and talent in our province in the arts to build a thriving industry to benefit the people of Bokone-Bophirima. The Department will implement the following radical socio-economic Development projects to grow and sustain the arts in Bokone-Bophirima:
- Mahika-Mahikeng Music and Cultural Festival will be implemented with an initial Budget of R5 million.
- The department will promote the Motswako and Setswana Cultural and Dance Brands across the province, spending R1million.
As part of promoting Arts in public spaces a budget of R5million has been set aside for the Beautification of government buildings. Four Recording Studios will be established in all Districts as part of Rebranding, Repositioning and Renewal of Bokone-Bophirima.
The Department will embark on a massive project to establish Arts & Culture Forums across all 383 wards in all municipalities, which once established will form 383 Arts & Culture Cooperatives to leverage opportunities in the sector.
Department of Local Government and Human Settlements will be requested to identify and make available unoccupied RDP houses to be converted into 19 Municipal Recording Studios over the next five years.
Bagaetsho, “A RE YENG BOKONE-BOPHIRIMA”, Government through Tourism Department has already initiated a public process to call for proposals for the development of our Provincial Tourism Strategy as part of the ACT strategy.
As a consequence of the reconfiguration of government Departments, Bokone-Bophirima Tourism Growth and Development Agency is also being established pending the finalisation of the Legislative legal process which will result in the promulgation of an Act of parliament that will split the tourism function from the current North West Parks & Tourism Board.
The IDC in Bokone-Bophirima has committed itself to continue to develop and fund tourist attractions within the province, focussing on culture, accommodation services throughout the province with specific focus on villages, townships and small dorpies as part of radical economic transformation approach.
Rebranding, repositioning and renewing villages, townships and small dorpies economies
Hon Speaker, our province is predominantly rural. Majority of our people come from villages which have seen very little economic activity for many years. In order to reverse this apartheid pattern in which villages were seen merely as supply centres of cheap labour, we need to take bold and unpopular decisions to redirect development to areas where majority of our people reside.
Hon Members, with this determination we will implement over the next three years deliberate programmes to foster development and growth in our villages, townships and small dorpie leveraging from the BRICS initiatives.
People basically go to town to access the following amenities, shopping for groceries, banking services, postal services, social services, schools, government meetings, workshops, hair salons, transport, arts & cultural activities, connecting to other etc. It is possible to provide all these services in the villages if our political will is backed-up by necessary redirection of resources.
In our endeavour to respond to these challenges, government will:
- Direct 70% of the procurable items to villages, townships and small dorpies
- Create cooperatives for bulk buying and establishment of massive warehouses for vendors operating in the taxi ranks.
- Deploy Community Development Workers to collate information about all formal and informal businesses operating in villages, townships and small dorpies in all 383 wards by end of April 2015.
- This process will assist with the development of the Village, Township and Small Dorpies Enterprise Development Strategy (VTSDES) will provide practical interventions for all types of business which would include tuck shop and taxi rank economy.
Each department will indicate during their budget speeches, specific things to be done in all villages, townships and small dorpies across the Province, covering Delareyville, Sannieshof, Ottosdal, Vryburg, Schweizereneke, Bloemhof, Christiana, Wolmaranstad, Ventersdorp, Haartebeesfontein, Swartruggens, Derby, Koster, Zeerust (Sefatlhane), and Coligny etc.
Our intention is to do everything in our power to create conducive environment for small enterprises to conduct business by reviewing or relaxing municipal by-laws to meet requirements and needs of villages, townships and small dorpies enterprises, without compromising necessary regulatory and legal prescripts.
Our experience over the last 20 years is that necessary compliance regimes such as feasibility studies, strategic plans and norms and standards are abused to hinder development.
Hon Speaker, we are aware that successful implementation of this strategy may be a protracted struggle. Ordinarily this will not be welcome by everybody, some will oppose and seek to derail it but we must forge ahead.
Fighting crime and corruption
Hon Speaker, We remain resolute, fearless and determined to fight against crime and corruption. We have already instituted forensic investigations in the following Departments; Health, Public Works & Roads, North West Parks & Tourism Board and Potchefstroom Agricultural College.
Investigators are on site in Ditsobotla Local Municipality, Ngaka Modiri Molema District and Matlosana Local Municipality. In line with the commitment made in this House last year, once completed and subject to necessary legal requirements all outcomes of these investigations will be shared with this House and the public.
The Premier will announce during his Budget Speech all processes to be followed when these reports are ready. We can also report to the people of this Province that the report to the Legislature on this matter will also have clear action plan on recommendations from such reports.
In the same vein, we are still in consultation with all relevant law enforcement agencies in South Africa on the establishment of the Forensic and Fraud Unit in the Office of the Premier. It is our commitment that by the middle of the next financial year we would have finalised this task.
Fraud and Corruption impede proper functioning and efficiency of the public service, and hampers delivery of services to the people.
During the Budget Speech, the MEC for Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development will announce a detailed plan for physical verification of all public servants in the employ of the state. We will commence this with the Department of Health, followed by Education & Sport Development and Public Works & Roads.
Monitoring and evaluation
Hon Members, we are engaged in a process to restructure the Office of the Premier to position it to play its central strategic role of monitoring and evaluation. The intention is that all programmes in the Office of the Premier should be reviewed to focus their activities 80% of the time on monitoring and evaluation.
Following successful completion of the reconfiguration process, Prof Job Mokgoro who is currently our Acting Director General will be redeployed to head a new Unit in the Office of the Premier established to focus on public service transformation with specific mandate on issues of efficiency, professionalism and monitoring and evaluation
Hon Members, the Province will be embarking on an integrated ICT programme that will create an interface between all stand-alone ICT programmes across including municipalities.
Litigation cases
Hon Members, most of you may be aware of recent media reports suggesting that property of government has been attached because of non-payment of service providers. In the period since we took office, we have come across instances where the state opposes cases it should settle and settles cases which should be opposed.
We shall be setting up a panel of expert advisors comprising internal and external experts, expert legal advisors, expert human resource practitioners and expert project managers to consider litigious matters against the state working with existing capacity within the Premier’s office. Terms of Reference for the panel will be announced in due course.
The D-Account
Hon Members, we have taken a decision to decentralise the D Account to allow each beneficiary community to have own its account and establish proper reporting and accounting frameworks.
Last year we met with the Public Protector, and investigations initiated by her Office are ongoing. In the meantime, Government is doing its own investigation and verification of accounts which is a tedious process as all kinds of deposits were done into the account.
The auditing process will commence upon verification of deposits. Departments of FEED and CATA will continue to engage with Dikgosi to keep them updated of the process.
The doors of learning and culture shall be open
Government in the past five years has spent a minimum of at least R68 million per annum to provide bursaries for just over 560 students of Bokone- Bophirima. Hon. Members, the spirit of Saamwerk Saamtrek continues to inspire dynamic relationship between Government, organised labour, business and civil society.
In this regard, we would like to appeal to all role players in the Province to join Government in the establishment of a dedicated Provincial Bursary Fund (Kgetsi Ya Tsie Education and Skills Development Fund) to be set up with its Regulatory Board representing Dikgosi and all relevant role players led by Government through voluntary contribution of all citizens of at least R100 per annum.
On behalf of the Executive Council, we commit ourselves to donate own personal money to take the lead and set example as leaders in this regard, the Premier will lead by example by personally contributing R 10 000 and MEC’s R5000 to fund the initial seed fund.
Hon Speaker, an unacceptable number of learners drop out of the education system between grades 1 & 12. We have now decided to convene a meeting of all such learners, educators of affected schools and parents individually every-time this is detected and reported for accountability in this regard.
The Platinum Soccer Challenge announced in June last year will take place in July this year. We are working with experienced football administrators such as Dr Molefi Oliphant including those coming from the Province like Prof Lesole Gadinabokao.
We are also in negotiations with grain producers in the context of the maize triangle initiative to change the name of the soccer challenge to Maize Triangle Football Challenge.
Hon Members, we call upon people of Bokone-Bophirima to support our Provincial Team Platinum Stars so that they continue to represent us in the competitive Premier Soccer League.
Current challenges are a necessary platform for success, Nko Ya Kgomo Mogala Tshwara Thata, e se re Go utlwa Sebodu wa Kgaoga!
Dealing with unwanted and avoidable forms of expenditure
Following the tabling of the Minister of Finance’s Budget Speech and announcement of Provincial Budget cuts, EXCO has taken a decision for MEC’s including the Premier to provide and pay for all catering needs in Government meetings using personal resources.
This decision will be extended to cover all senior managers in Government from Director level upwards.
Revenue enhancement measures
To further enhance revenue collection measures, the following actions will be implemented:
- All civil servants will be encouraged to register their vehicles in Bokone-Bophirima;
- Ensure that Businesses operating in Bokone-Bophirima and National Government Departments register their vehicles in the province
- As part of enhancing efficiency in Government Services we will introduce a more enhanced fleet management services for both Executive and Government fleet in general.
- Investigate the possible introduction of a Provincial Tax Legislation to raise revenue for the Provincial Revenue Account.
We will welcome additional suggestions from communities on more measures to raise revenue.
Tackling health and social challenges
Every year on the 24th March the world commemorates World TB Day. This year, South Africa will host our national event in Kanana, Matlosana sub- district, Dr Kenneth Kaunda District. Honourable members will recall that in the State of the Nation address, President Zuma announced that the country will be launching and I quote:
“This year, we are going to launch a massive programme to turn the tide against tuberculosis (TB), with a special focus on three communities, offenders at Correctional Services facilities, mineworkers and communities in mining towns”.
The event to be held in our province will launch a massive TB screening programme. Dr Kenneth Kaunda District is one of six districts that have been prioritized for the implementation of the massive TB programme.
This will be similar to the national HIV counseling and testing that the President launched in April 2010. You will recall that through this national campaign we tested 20 million South Africans in a 20 month period. The programme that will be launched o 24 March will aim to do the same for TB.
We have many mining towns in our province and we know that mine workers, especially those working in gold mines have significantly high rates of TB! This is the reason that the Dr Kenneth Kaunda district has been chosen for this very important event.
As the North West Province we will strengthen our TB control programme in the province generally and will work closely with all stakeholders, the mining companies, the communities living in communities supporting mining operations as well as the Department of Correctional Services to ensure that all inmates in the province are screened for TB.
I am sure that when the MEC for Health, Dr Masike delivers his department’s budget speech he will provide more details on what we in the North West will be doing to reverse the burden of disease from TB.
We have mandated both Departments of Health and Finance to confront the current financial situation facing this department. Both MEC’s will give more details on this matter during their respective budget speeches.
The Department of Health is also mandated to engage with the Taxi industry to discuss creatively how patient transport could be improved with collaboration with the industry.
In response to communities’ justifiable and legitimate concerns regarding clinics operating hours, we want to say to communities that we have heard you and are committed to do everything possible to heed your concerns. The MEC of Health shall give full report back on this matter during his Budget Speech.
The province has launched a process led by the Department of Social Development to profile all 383 wards in Bokone-Bophirima to be concluded during the course of the next quarter.
The department is in the process of appointing a NISIS CHAMPION for the province with a view to make access to information and analysis more efficient and enable better planning by our Government.
In order to bolster existing citizen outreach programmes like Bua le Puso, we will introduce a new initiative of using clinics, hospitals, police stations and schools (outside school hours) to provide services to the public
Reconciliation, healing and renewal
Hon Members, the Constitution of this country enjoins to us to:
- Heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on the democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights;
- Lay the foundation for a democratic and open society in which government is based on the will of the people and every citizen is equally protected by law;
- Improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person, and build a united and democratic South Africa able to take its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations.
The Premier will be a lead champion of the Saamwerk-Saamtrek engagement forums with the Afrikaner communities of Bokone-Bophrima to send a clear message that this Province, belongs to all who live in It, Black and White.
We congratulate the Afrikaner Community of Bokone-Bophirima for their proactive cooperation and embrace of the 50-50 model presented by Minister Gugile Nkwinti. However, more still needs to be done to improve both the situation and relations between some farmers and their farm workers.
It is in this context that we have already visited and met with the former President of Bophuthatswana Mr Lucas Manyane Mangope to thank him for his contribution to Bokone-Bophirima. We wish Ntate Mangope good health and wish God heals his ailing body.
On the 27th April this on the occasion of our 21st Anniversary of democracy we intend to host a come together of all leaders who passed through our Province (Mahikeng/Zeerust) en route to exile.
The list includes President Jacob Zuma, who together with others will be requested to contribute a video recorded narrative of their experience of the national liberation route and kept for posterity. The same event will be used to honour President Zuma for his role in struggle as part of his birthday celebration.
Hon Members, on the 10th of April 2015 we will be unveiling a sculpture and honouring Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati (Mama Ruta) for the contribution that she has made and continues to make in the project led by the African National Congress to build a national democratic society envisaged in the National Democratic Revolution.
Department of Culture, Arts & Traditional Affairs will be tasked with coordinating government efforts to recognize all leaders, coordinate the search for those still missing and exhumation of identified graves to bring closure for the families.
We take this opportunity to thank the residents of Bloemhof in Lekwa- Teemane, Khunotswana in Ramotshere Moiloa, Boikhutso in Ditsobotla, Mothutlung, Marikana and Majakaneng in Madibeng for their patriotic embrace of the Reconciliation, Healing and Renewal programme of Government.
We thank members of the Police Service for the dedication and diligence under difficult circumstances during several service delivery protests, and regret instances where unfortunately lives were lost.
Hon Speaker, in the coming weeks we will embark on a massive campaign to change the names of areas which are inconsistent with the values of our democracy and our Africanness such as; Sika-lekhekhe, Serope-mperekele, Mme–ga-a-mpone, Pikinini Transkei etc.
Hon Members, we value the contribution of the workers of the Province whose labour guarantees our livelihoods and future prosperity of this Province.
It is for this reason that we have taken up the campaign initiated by COSATU with the National Department of Transport regarding the Swartruggens tollgate fees. Discussions with the Ministry are continuing and once concluded the public will be informed accordingly.
Hon Members let me take this opportunity to appeal to the House and general public to pay particular attention to what I am going to say as far as Extended Public Works Programme is concerned. We want to correct the general misrepresentation of Government position and unfair portrayal of our administration as unresponsive and not caring.
Expanded Public Works Programme exit strategy
The Fourth Administration through the November 2013 Budget Adjustment Process took a decision to create 20 000 Labour Intensive Work Opportunities for a period of 12 months. Whilst this action was commendable, the necessary resources to run this programme were never clearly defined and made available.
The Fifth Administration upon assuming Office ensured that budgets to run the programme to its legal conclusion were made available. In addition the Bokone Bophirima Provincial Administration has further taken a decision in line with the ANC manifesto developed an exit Strategy from EPWP into more sustainable and better beneficial programme of Cooperatives and Education and Training.
The Exit Strategy provides possible options that would assist people to pursue sustainable livelihoods to ensure that people do not remain trapped in poverty.
The Exit Strategy is voluntary and optional to all EPWPs and is inclusive of 3 possible options namely Cooperatives Development Programme, Further Education and Training and possible placement on work opportunity or jobs depending on the persons personal circumstances and relevant experience and qualifications..
Hon Speaker, let me take this opportunity to welcome the Saamwerk- Saamtrek gesture by LONMIN who have made available financial commitments exceeding R400 million for the next four years to work together with Government to do amongst other the following:
- Bring bulk water supply to the Greater Lonmin Communities.
- Promote public safety in the informal settlements around the Marikana area by building high-mast lights.
- Upgrade gravel roads in the settlements in and around the Greater Lonmin Community
We have received further commitment from IMPALA PLATINUM to spend R231 million over the next five years. An addition amount of R700 million will be spent on housing over a five year period within Freedom Park.
Hon Speaker, we challenge other mining houses and companies operating in Bokone-Bophirima to counter this commitment and join the Saamwerk- Saamtrek revolution.
We started the journey to continue the building of our Province and Country on the vision of Nelson Mandela, Moses Kotane, JB Marks, Oliver Tambo and others. The Freedom Charter shall remain the base document to inform any agenda of transformation we implement in Government. The ANC Government’s commitment to the Freedom Charter remains and has remained for the last 20 years as firm as it was in June 1955 when the real Congress of the People adopted this document.
We thank the multitude of the people of this Province for embracing our initiatives of Setsokotsane and Bua Le Puso since their introduction. On the 1st April 2015 we are entering the implementation phase of Setsokotsane which will cover all Municipalities every quarter for the rest of remaining years of this administration.
Following two successful launches of Bua le Puso in Taung and Rustenburg respectively, earlier this week we set up permanent presence of Government Departments at Mahikeng Taxi Rank. The feedback we are receiving from the people is encouraging and have exceeded our expectations.
Hon Members, Bua le Puso is not a temporary service delivery blitz. It is a permanent public engagement platform to continue for the entire term of Government. The commitments made during the inaugural speech last in June, will continue to form an important integral part of our five year programme going forward, as part of RRR for VTSD strategy.
We wish to thank the broader media fraternity for their partnership and support during all community engagements since May 2014. We are greatly indebted to their commitment to inform our public.
We thank organised and informal business sectors, Baruti and Dikgosi for their continued attendance of all our activities.
Hon Members, our gratitude goes to all of you across all Committees led by the able Hon Speaker of this House Mme Susanne Dantjie, the Chief Whip of the Majority Party, and leaders of parties represented in this Legislature.
Members of the Executive Council who carry the unenviable responsibilities to implement our Government programme.
Heads of Departments and entire Provincial Administration, Administrative Leadership of organized Local Government, National Department operating in Bokone-Bophirima, Boards of State Owned Entities.
Let me take this opportunity to express my special words of gratitude to the Acting Head of our Provincial Administration Prof Job Mokgoro for his sterling leadership of our administration since his deployment immediately after the fifth administration assumed Office. We are also greatful of your agreement to stay on for longer to take another task of transforming and rebuilding the service and professional orientation of our public service.
Mmusa Kgotsa o tlotlegang, ntetle go khutlisa puo ya me ka go nopola mafoko a sefela sa 305 mo difeleng tsa Wesele:
Kgakala Le Legae Lehubeng sa ga Rara
Ke maramara mo tseleng E nthatafalelang
Seo ke se eletsang Ke go ya Sione
Pelo ke yona e e akgegang Motlhang go kakangwang Tsela e thata jang
E ke e tsamayang
O nkgoge mo magwatateng O ntere kagisong
Jesu yo o ntshedisang Yo ke go ikantseng Loeto lo tla fela leng Ke tsene Kananeng.
Ke a Leboga
Thank you, baie dankie!
