briefing
8 December 2006
The Provincial Executive Council met in its last regular meeting of 2006 on
Wednesday, 6 December 2006.The meting was about the revival of 2006 and to put
plans in place for 2007.
The Executive Council noted that 2006 was a year of many opportunities for
the consolidation of a People's contract. This year more than ever before has
seen a greater deal of co-operation and communication between the provincial
government and the Free State communities. The province experienced relative
levels of political stability which can be attributed to among others the
implementation of Project Consolidate as well as increased communication. The
readiness of government to admit its own weaknesses and mistakes has helped to
restore the integrity of government particularly at local government level.
This optimism among our people was enhanced by a positive economic
performance, improved access to basic services, increased capacity to implement
government programmes as well as readiness by our people to partner government.
This confidence in government was further demonstrated during the local
government elections whereby our people came out in their numbers to vote for
their preferred leadership.
The provincial government is satisfied with the institutional arrangements
in place to implement government programmes. The establishment of ward
committees, the appointments of Community Development Workers and the
establishment of the intergovernmental relations structures at provincial and
district level, places government on a better footing.
On the Justice, Crime Prevention Safety and Security front, Executive
Council (Exco) noted:
That levels of crime continue, are relatively low and that we are turning
the corner in the fight against crime. Figures released in June indicated a
13,7% decrease in crime way above the 10% target. Attention will be given on a
continuous basis to attempted common robbery, and robbery aggravating
murder.
The adoption of the provincial anti-corruption strategy strengthens our
resolve to root out corruption in government to promote accountability,
efficiency and effective administration and facilitate ethical conduct.
The victim support programme is unfolding well and continues to focus on a
victim centred approach to crime prevention and places emphasis on women
children, older persons and persons with disabilities.
On the Social and Human Development front, Exco noted:
With satisfaction progress regarding the provision of Free Basic Services.
The total households of the Free State is 610 409. Out of this 203 750 are
registered indigents.
Exco noted with satisfaction progress regarding the provision of free basic
services:
546 601 houses or 84,9% have access to clean water, 72% or 440 214 houses
have access to free electricity, 22% or 135 583 houses have access to proper
sanitation. Sanitation remains a challenge and it is for this reason that we
launched the bucket eradication plan yesterday in Bethlehem.
Preparations for 2010 are well on course and the provincial government will
continue to work with the local municipality. The 2007 games will be hosted in
the Motheo District and again we are well all on course. Exco noted progress
regarding youth development initiatives and welcome the R96 million investments
in skills development as well as the launch of the National youth service
programme. The school nutrition programme, the learner transport programme and
the launch of the no fee schools are some of the projects that we managed
extremely well in 2006. We remain convinced that the matric results will
reflect consistency in progress.
On Economic, Employment and Investment:
Exco noted that the provincial government has strategically positioned
itself to attend to business as a matter of urgency. This repositioning,
includes :the repositioning of the Free State Development Corporation, the
establishment of the Free Tourism Authority, the Gambling Board and the Free
State Investment Promotion Agency have all been aligned and positioned in a
manner that will ensure faster progress towards the mandate of 2014.
The Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (AsgiSA)
projects, the opening of the Voorspoed mine and the investment in skills
development and small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME) development by
amongst others ABSA and the Flemish Government are some of the major
achievements for 2006.
Highlights of 2006
* successful celebrations of all national and international events
* the launch of the progressive Women's movement
* the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) visit
* the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) visit
* Presidential Izimbizo.
Early next year the Executive Council will convene a Lekgotla to adopt the
2007 Programme of Action. A full account of progress regarding 2006 will be
presented during our State of the Province Address of 2007.
Issued by: Free State Provincial Government
8 December 2006
