at the launch of Ingwavuma Social and Economic Cluster Projects
17 June 2007
Programme Director
Colleagues from the Provincial Legislature
MEC for Local Government, Housing and Traditional Affairs, Mr Michael
Mabuyakhulu
MEC for Transport, Community and Liaison, Mr Bheki Cele
Chairperson of KwaZulu-Natal Works Portfolio Committee, Mr J Vilane
Head of Departments for the various departments
Officials for the various departments
Ladies and gentlemen
The South African Government has shown its desire and commitment to
fulfilling its constitutional obligations to the citizens of this country.
Through our interaction with ordinary citizens and other stakeholders in our
historical province of KwaZulu-Natal, the need to provide services in an
integrated manner emerged as a priority.
The multi-purpose community centre (MPCC) programme of government is a very
comprehensive one and a good example of how successfully government departments
from local, provincial and national levels can work together with parastatals,
and community groups to make development a reality.
As a Provincial Government we are gathered here at Umfithi to respond to
people's needs of this province particularly the people of Ingwavuma. The
multi-purpose community centre (MPCC) we are launching today aims at
alleviating poverty through job creation, skills development and local economic
development.
The Ingwavuma MPCC and Bhekamankengane Crèche are some of the projects
within the programme that comprises of 12 multi-purpose centres namely:
* KwaMthethwa
* Bergville
* KwaJama
* Molefe
* Makhabeleni
* Obuka
* Ingwavuma/Mfithi
* Ndabeni
* Shoba-Ndlanzi
* KwaDukuza
* Sonkombo and Mbongolwane HIV and AIDS centre.
The Ingwavuma MPCC and Bhekamankengane Crèche form part of Asisebenze
Poverty Alleviation Programme. The MPCC structure will be utilised for
community-based activities such as arts and craft, meetings, workshops, small,
medium and macro enterprises (SMMEs) and other initiatives. Out of this
programme 12 MPCCs were constructed and they are based in various
municipalities namely: Ntambanana, Umhlathuze, Ezinqoleni, KwaMbonambi,
KwaDukuza, Jozini, Nquthu, Dukuza and Ndwedwe. The MPCCs were identified by the
Dept of Works and the Independent Development Trust (IDT) was appointed as a
programme implementing agent (PIA) responsible for implementation management,
capacity building, procurement of service providers and material and further
ensure that the Extended Public Works Programme i.e. 60% women 20% youth and
two percent disabled targets are achieved. Gone are those days when ordinary
citizens and our elders have to travel long distances to access government and
social services. The Umfithi MPCC will bring together different services in one
area. People will be able to walk few minutes from their home to access
services that will be provided at the MPCC and benefit them.
The MPCC consists of one office, sewing room, computer room, two stalls,
reception area, kitchenette and a hall. The budget allocated to the MPCC was
approximately R1,7 million and 17% was utilised for professional fees and the
crèche was allocated approx. R500 000, the total budget is R2 200 000
I want to thank the community of Ingwavuma for their participation during
the implementation process in terms of facilitating the identification of local
labour and local suppliers. Out of this process approximately 70 jobs were
created and 51% (35) were women, 31% (22) were youth and there were no disabled
people engaged in the project because of the nature of work on site.
In terms of capacity building the Project Steering Committee (PSC) was
offered training on leadership skills, communication, conflict resolution, HIV
and AIDS awareness and conducting meeting. The PSC membership consisted of
local representatives from women groups, councillors and members of the
community. In terms of technical skills the Dept of Labour provided accredited
training on painting, concrete reinforcement and electricity. Challenges that
were experienced during implementation were as follows:
Inaccessibility of the projects which led to delays in delivery of material
and costs were incurred since the suppliers were reluctant to deliver material
at the project site. One of the trucks was also involved in an accident whilst
delivering material, fortunately nobody was injured. Unavailability of water
was another challenge during construction and the contractors also used donkey
carts to fetch water. Nhlanhla Phiri Construction, Grade 3GB was responsible
for the construction of this project.
The introduction of providing facilities under one roof in a co-ordinated
manner will assist to address the social ills facing Umfithi community.
In conclusion, I would like to express my appreciation to everyone present
here today to grace this occasion. You are witness to the fact that
KwaZulu-Natal Government is genuinely concerned about the welfare of the
disadvantaged people of this country.
Those who do not have your interests at heart must not be allowed to destroy
these facilities, because they are not just meant to benefit you, but they will
be of benefit to your children, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers.
These services belong to the people and service delivery is informed by the
principle of Batho Pele, "People First"!
Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to hand over the keys of this MPCC to
the MEC for Local Government, Housing and Traditional Affairs Mr Michael
Mabuyakhulu as a sign that it is no longer belong to the Department of Works
but from this moment it belongs to Local Government department.
Building communities through construction, sithuthukisa imiphakathi
ngokwakha.
I thank you.
Issued by: Department of Public Works, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial
Government
17 June 2007
Source: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kwazulunatal.gov.za)
