18 May 2006
The R208 654 million budgets tabled by Premier Edna Molewa today is expected
to perform its functions effectively and optimally in the year 2006/07. Top of
the list is to advance the accelerated and shared growth initiatives of the
national government, Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa
(AsgiSA).
Molewa said AsgiSA would influence the North West Province to move with
speed to create more jobs, more opportunities for the people and improve their
quality of life in the quest to restore their dignity and respect.
âHaving launched our Provincial Growth and Development Strategy in July last
year, its implementation has continued unabated including assistance with the
facilitation of the District Growth and Development Strategies that have been
integrated with the PGDS but also speak to the Integrated Development
Plansâ.
Molewa described the budget as an epitome of the Provinceâs success which
will see capacity building being a critical strategic thrust.
She outlined to the Legislature her Departmentâs core functions which
include among others Co-ordination, integration and consolidation of services
between all spheres of government; Special policy implementation and protection
of vulnerable groups; Provincial policy formulation and review; Provincial
planning and integration; Monitoring and evaluation of provincial performance;
Facilitating project management capacity building and coordination.
She added the rendering of provincial information services; Co-ordination
and support to the North West Research Co-ordinating Committee; Provincial
communication and protocol; Provincial corporate services; legal service and
legislative review; and rendering of administrative and secretarial support to
the executive council structures, strategic functions that would justify the
allocation of such funds.
âIn this financial year, we will increasingly invest in the human resource
of the province across the board as part of the Joint Initiative on Priority
Skills Acquisition (JIPSA).
An important aspect of this drive will be the utilisation of our retired
engineers to help us in the task of growth and development, particularly as it
relates to Local Government and infrastructure.
Among the number of developments in the Office of the Premier is the current
drive for aggressive utilisation of Information Communication Technologies
(ICT), which saw the placement of a Government Information Technology Officer
(GITO) located in the Office and reporting directly to the
Director-General.
âWe are determined to take advantage of technologies and the advances therein
to become a Government that is a leader in e-governance, thus enhancing good
governance within government and in the province as a wholeâ, said Molewa.
The budget will also consolidate the Office of the Premierâs role of
strategic leadership in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
âThis strategic thrust will also include leadership of all efforts to
achieve unity, reconciliation, peace, stability and prosperity in the
Provinceâ.
Referring to major developments in the province, Molewa said with the
conclusion of a major part of the work on the Platinum Corridor, focus will now
be placed on finalising the detailed business plan of the N12 Route, better
known as the Treasure Route.
She said the Province has developed its Social Accounting Matrix (SAM)
project and has produced its first comprehensive report, adding this would
better position government in its struggle to alleviate poverty.
âWe have prepared poverty profile for the province and plan to have a Social
Indaba where poverty alleviation and matters of the Second Economy will be
dealt withâ.
Enquiries:
Russel Mamabolo
Media Relations Manager
Tel: (018) 387 3103
Cell: 082 800 6610
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
18 May 2006
