5 September 2007
The KwaZulu-Natal Cabinet today, 5 September 2007, discussed a wide range of
issues but focused sharply on service delivery as the provincial government
enters the last 18 months of its mandate.
At its Cluster meeting in Pietermaritzburg, Cabinet received a report on
strategic priorities for immediate government action from the Monitoring and
Evaluation component in the Premier's Office. The focus of the priorities
should be to effectively address service delivery backlogs and also halve
unemployment and poverty by 2014 as outlined in the Medium Term Strategic
Framework (MTSF).
The priorities would be subjected to close scrutiny at a technical cluster
meeting before these go to a planned Cabinet Indaba to be held later this
month. These processes should take into consideration that there should be a
joint provincial and municipal approach to service delivery.
On the issue of targets, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sibusiso Ndebele told
Cabinet: "We should not be seen to be shifting targets. Let us have a programme
and set realistic targets. One should not be lying about that. For instance,
the issue of not having toilets at some schools is a disaster really."
Cabinet also received feedback from the National Cabinet Lekgotla that took
place in July.
The Cabinet Cluster also received a report on the R6,8 billion Dube Trade
Port. It noted that construction work had started on the ground following the
passing of the record of decision (EIA) recently by the national Department of
Environmental Affairs and Tourism. The official launch of the flagship project
would be announced soon after consultation with the Minister of Transport Jeff
Radebe.
Cabinet also praised members of the Sibonelo Vegetable Garden Female
Co-operative for carrying the Province aloft during the national Female Farmer
of the Year Competition held at Emnothweni Sun in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga
province on 31 August.
The 60 strong female farmer group, from Jozini in the uMkhanyakude District
Municipality walked away with the coveted first prize of R100 000 in the
Household Food Security category in the national competition beating the other
contestants from other eight provinces.
The Sibonelo Vegetable Garden Co-operations was representing the province of
KwaZulu-Natal in the Household Food Security category after it won in the
provincial selections at an event held on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast on 14
August.
A report was also presented on the upcoming Reed Dance ceremony at Nyokeni
Royal Palace in Nongoma at the weekend. The provincial government, led by the
Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism, is funding the annual traditional
event in which young maidens present reeds to King Goodwill Zwelithini.
The Cabinet congratulated Dr Vusi Shongwe, Head of the Department of the
Royal Household for having been awarded the best prize nationally by the South
African Institute of Government Auditors.
Enquiries:
Cecil Mandla Msomi
Cell: 082 317 3727
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
5 September 2007
