Lekgotla
10 September 2007
1. Introduction
Provincial and local government leaders in Gauteng have concluded a
successful two-day Lekgotla to review progress and identify common
inter-governmental priorities for the Gauteng city region over the next few
years.
The deliberations, held on 5 and 6 September, involved Premier Mbhazima
Shilowa, Members of the Executive Council, metropolitan, district and local
mayors in Gauteng as well as provincial heads of departments and municipal
managers.
The lekgotla emerged with a common programme of action for the three-year
Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) period from 2009 to 2011 under the
theme, "Completing the five-year mandate: Laying the foundations for Vision
2014". This programme and priorities will inform the budget allocations for
this period.
The programme aims to address both the 2004 national and provincial
electoral mandate in the province, a people's contract to create work and fight
poverty as well as the 2006 local government electoral mandate; a plan to make
local government work for you. It also takes into account priorities identified
at the national Cabinet Lekgotla in July 2007.
It was noted that 2008/09 is the final year of the current provincial
government term of office as well as the mid-term of the local government term,
while 2011 represents the conclusion of the local government term of
office.
The Lekgotla noted significant progress in fulfilling local and provincial
government commitments and improving the lives of the people of the province,
but identified the need to focus on remaining challenges, particularly poverty,
underdevelopment and unemployment. While important strides have been made in
broadening wealth creation and in improving access to social services and
infrastructure, social and economic exclusion of sections of the population
remains. To address this, a key challenge is to step up efforts to attract
investment in the productive sector of the economy, create more jobs and
stimulate shared economic growth.
In line with the electoral mandate, there is a need to intensify initiatives
to work in partnership with the people and build the people's contract. Other
key challenges identified include the building of sustainable communities,
enhancing government's capacity to deliver and ensure accelerated
implementation of policies and programmes and the empowerment of youth, women,
people with disabilities and vulnerable groups.
The Lekgotla agreed on three overarching high-level priorities at provincial
and municipal level. These are:
* building Gauteng as a globally competitive city region
* implementing the Gauteng Social Development Strategy
* building the capacity and organisation of the state.
It was agreed that these priority areas will ensure the effective
implementation of the provincial government's five year programme of action
from 2004 to 2009.
2. Building Gauteng as a globally competitive city region
Gauteng municipalities and provincial government agreed on the need to build
Gauteng as an integrated, globally competitive city region over a year ago. A
roadmap to give effect to the initiative was approved by the province's
inter-governmental decision-making structure the Premier's Co-ordinating Forum
in October last year.
2.1. Key challenges
The Lekgotla noted progress in this regard and reiterated key challenges in
building the Gauteng city region's global competitiveness. Based on the
perspective that government and other forces in Gauteng need to co-operate
internally in order to enhance the city region's socio-economic competitiveness
in the global arena, the Lekgotla agreed on the need to strengthen common
visioning, integration, co-ordination, planning, policy development and
implementation capacity across spheres.
Other city region priorities include:
* interventions to promote shared growth and job creation
* creating conditions for a single metropolitan system of governance in Gauteng
and reviewing powers and functions of various spheres of government to improve
service delivery
* creating a safe and secure environment
* boosting the province's integrated transport system
* prioritising a range of measures to ensure social inclusion.
2.2. Global City Region (GCR) roadmap
The Lekgotla agreed on a number of key projects which will lay the
foundations of a successful city region over the next few years, including the
following:
* aligning economic development agencies in the province and establishing a
GCR development agency
* an economic footprint study with a view to enhancing the city region's
linkages within the country, the region, the continent and the world
* establishing a GCR urban observatory in partnership with institutions of
higher learning in Gauteng to undertake GCR socio-economic research,
benchmarking, monitoring and evaluation
* a services sector project to better understand and support the growth of the
services sector of the economy
* the completion of a proposal on the establishment of a metropolitan system of
governance in Gauteng for discussion by the Premier's Co-ordinating Forum (PCF)
and submission to the Demarcation Board later this year
* the adoption of a branding Gauteng framework to brand and market the province
in line with South Africa's country brand
* the development of a system of local and provincial innovation to enhance
innovation within the economy and social development initiatives
* the development of a strategic approach to long-term planning and the
development of an integrated long-term plan for the city region.
2.3. Shared growth and job creation
In stimulating shared economic growth and job creation in the city region,
the Lekgotla identified key job creating growth sectors which require targeted
government support as well as initiatives to invest in strategic economic
infrastructure, broaden wealth creation, promote Gluten's comparative
advantages and address energy and sustainable development issues.
2.4. Job creating growth sectors
Among the sectoral interventions identified were the following:
* The manufacturing sector, including the need to focus on value added
manufacturing, exports and minerals beneficiation. In this regard, the
establishment of a jewellery precinct in Ekurhuleni is being finalised. The
expansion of the automotive and component sector in the province, the
implementation of a tooling and moulding project as well as the need to
finalise the future of Ekandustria with the Mpumalanga provincial government
were identified.
* Within the tertiary sector, strategies to strengthen the business process
outsourcing (BPO) sector and the freight and logistics sector will be concluded
for implementation. Further work will also be done on venture capital and
increased financial support for emerging businesses, especially small, medium
and micro enterprises (SMME).
* In line with the aim to extend Information and Communication Technology
(ICT) infrastructure and broadband connectivity across the Gauteng city region,
the G-link project will be initiated, to co-ordinate and build on existing
initiatives in municipalities. Further work will also be undertaken to
strengthen e-governance and the provision of electronic public services and
information.
* A comprehensive tourism development strategy will be concluded in the
current financial year, with new initiatives planned in the Cradle of
Humankind, Dinokeng, along the Vaal water ways and within municipalities.
* A range of initiatives are underway and planned to strengthen the
development of the creative industries. In addition to existing initiatives
such as the Pale ya Rona carnival, further work is underway to develop and
implement strategies in the craft, music and performing arts sectors. A film
summit is planned for later this year and the film sector strategy will be
further implemented.
* Significant progress has been made in building Gauteng as a home of
competitive sport, with plans to stimulate the sport sector of the economy and
improve co-ordination on the bidding and hosting of major events including
motor sports. Particular attention is being paid to preparations for the
hosting of the 2010 Federation International Football Association (Fifa) World
Cup and ensuring that investment in infrastructure, transport, stadia, sport
facilities, healthcare, youth volunteer programmes and other initiatives leave
a lasting legacy for the development of our people. The province and local
government will also be co-operating on initiatives linked to the hosting of
the Fifa international broadcast centre to be situated at Nasrec.
* To further implement the Gauteng Agriculture Development Strategy, plans
within the agro-processing and biotechnology sectors will be completed this
year. Further work will be done to explore options related to bio-fuels,
including their possible impact on the supply of food.
2.5. Broadening wealth creation
In addition to supporting broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) in
the key job creating growth sectors of the economy, the Lekgotla reiterated its
commitment to ensure that the provincial government's own spending power is
effectively used to broaden access to wealth creation by those sectors of the
population historically denied such access. In particular, the provincial
government is on track in achieving its target of 70% of procurement to BBBEE
companies by 2009.
SMME promotion will also continue to enjoy priority, with 50% of funding
going to women and 30% to youth owned enterprises. The development of a
strategy to strengthen the co-operative sector is to be concluded in the
current financial year.
A range of other initiatives are underway and planned to promote youth and
women-owned enterprises in key economic sectors.
2.6. Strategic economic infrastructure
With a range of strategic economic infrastructure projects concluded and
underway, including Gautrain, the priority remains the strengthening of an
integrated transport system in Gauteng. Key initiatives in this regard include
ensuring the single transport authority in Gauteng is functional in 2008, the
approval of a plan to implement the Gauteng freeway improvement plan and the
upgrading of provincial and township roads.
The Lekgotla also agreed to support a regional initiative to upgrade the
Sedibeng sewer works. This will not only have a positive impact on basic
services for residents in the district, but will also help improve conditions
of the Vaal River and create greater potential for tourism in the area.
2.7. Comparative advantages
In promoting the province's comparative advantages, the Lekgotla agreed to
continue to improve measures to reduce the cost and ease of doing business in
Gauteng, including the development of a one-stop service for businesses
interested in investing in Gauteng. This would include addressing red tape,
streamlining approval processes and upgrading a one-stop business portal.
Attention will also be paid to the current complex legal framework for land use
management as well as accelerating skills development and attracting scarce
skills to the province.
2.8. Sustainable development
The Gauteng sustainable development strategy will be concluded in the
current financial year. In co-operation with national government, the province
will also investigate a common approach to energy efficiency, the sustainable
use of non-renewable energy sources, alternative energy sources and carbon
credits. Key in this regard will be co-ordination and the development of common
approaches across municipalities and the provincial government. Proposals on
waste management standards and greening will also be concluded.
3. Implementing the Gauteng Social Development Strategy
The Lekgotla agreed that particular attention needs to be given to the
implementation of the social development strategy in order to address
historical legacies of social exclusion as well as to actively counter the
tendency that certain other city regions have towards growing inequality.
Other key challenges include social cohesion and national unity, building
sustainable communities, improving services for the most vulnerable, developing
integrated poverty alleviation strategies to ensure maximum impact on the poor,
social crime prevention and aligning provincial and local government strategies
to build social development, cohesion and inclusion.
3.1. Protecting vulnerable children
Further work needs to be undertaken to strengthen the Bana Pele programme
aimed at providing a package of free services to the province's most vulnerable
children. This includes the completion of a comprehensive, integrated
electronic database of beneficiaries.
A further priority will be the implementation of the Early Childhood
Development (ECD) strategy, the strengthening of the ECD institute, the
finalisation of ECD norms and standards and the effective and integrated
delivery of ECD services.
3.2 Sustainable human settlements
A review will be undertaken of progress made in line with a commitment in
2004 to formalise and upgrade informal settlements, and a plan for remaining
informal settlements identified in 2004 developed.
Priority will also be paid to fast-tracking the rollout of basic services
water, sanitation and electricity in line with national targets and social
infrastructure, including schools, clinics and ECD, sport and recreation and
old age facilities as well as substance abuse centres.
The exclusionary housing policy will be implemented while the integrated
delivery of new settlements will be a priority, with a focus on addressing the
challenge of land availability and joint planning well in advance to ensure the
necessary services and facilities are provided alongside housing.
The effective implementation of the Expanded Public Works Programme will
also be prioritised.
3.3. Building safer communities
The Lekgotla noted progress in law enforcement and pointed to the need for
the accelerated implementation of the Gauteng Safety Strategy, including
improved co-ordination across spheres of government and law enforcement
agencies.
A number of measures aimed at social crime prevention were identified,
including closer co-operation between government officials in community safety,
health, social development and housing. Noting the link between social crime
and substance abuse, it was agreed that there was a need to accelerate the
campaign against substance abuse. In addition, steps should be taken to improve
access to integrated services such as health services, psycho-social support
and shelters for victims of social crime as well as improving the Victim
Empowerment Centres.
3.4. Quality education
Key initiatives in building a quality education system is to provide the
education foundations for the Gauteng city region including the development of
GCR balanced curricula. This includes mandatory programmes and targets in
gateway learning subjects, including financial literacy and
entrepreneurship.
Maths, Science and Technology education will continue to be prioritised,
with a public awareness campaign to encourage young people to pursue subject
choices and careers in these and related areas.
Hands on support for under-performing schools and the implementation of
resolutions emerging from provincial and regional education summits will be
prioritised, with particular attention to the education of the African child.
This is made more important due to time lost during the public service strike
and Congress of South African Students (Cosas) boycotts.
Attention will be paid to the priority skills pipeline project to create a
pipeline of learners and skills in areas of scarce skill and in growth sectors
such as the creative industries, tourism, sport, science and engineering,
health, social work, ICT and project and financial management.
Improving access to and equity in education will receive ongoing attention
through the expansion of no fee schooling, the integration of scholar transport
into the public transport system, and increasing the supply of schools,
classrooms and learner support materials.
3.5. Quality healthcare
A turnaround strategy will be implemented to improve the quality of
healthcare and to ensure a minimum level of care and healthcare services at all
healthcare institutions in Gauteng.
A further priority will be the improvement of technology and connectivity at
health facilities, including an improved health information system and the
introduction of a smart card and electronic record system.
In addition, the community health worker system will be expanded and
upgraded while particular attention will be paid to preventative healthcare and
the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Strengthening local governance structures
in clinics and community healthcare centres, infrastructure delivery and
retaining, developing and attracting skills will also be prioritised.
3.6. Building social cohesion
The Lekgotla noted that rapid urbanisation and in-migration in global city
regions often impacts negatively on social cohesion. It was agreed that a
framework on social cohesion measures needs to be developed together with an
action plan for implementation. This should address a range of issues such as
substance abuse, the impact of violent crime, stress, moral regeneration,
parenting skills, teen pregnancies, gender relations, families and the abuse of
women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities.
Attention will also be paid to improving integration, co-ordination and
joint action by government and civil society with a view to increasing the
impact in addressing these challenges.
The development of provincial and local citizens awards and systems of
recognition of good citizenship will be further explored.
4. Building the capacity and organisation of the state and governance
4.1. Skills and capacity
The key priority agreed on by the Lekgotla is the establishment of a GCR
Academy which will aim to contribute to the development of the necessary skills
and capacity within local and provincial government in Gauteng to drive the
successful implementation of social and economic programmes and pay attention
to research and development and innovation capacity.
In addition, the Academy will drive the implementation of the Gauteng Human
Resource Development Strategy which aims to develop the necessary skills for
economic growth and social transformation in the province.
4.2. Integration, co-ordination and planning
The Lekgotla discussed and agreed on a report and recommendations on how to
strengthen collective planning, alignment across spheres of government and
implementation of intergovernmental priorities.
It further agreed to:
* finalise a review of the current governance model including powers and
functions of the three spheres of government, the co-ordination of
municipalities and the role of the South Africa Local Government Association
(Salga) in Gauteng
* finalise the Gauteng Intergovernmental Relations Framework including on
enhancing IGR decision-making and dispute resolution systems
* finalise a government-wide monitoring and evaluation framework and
system
* develop a five-year report on delivery for the period 2004 to 2009 and to
initiate research and planning in preparation for the next five-year term of
office from 2009 to 2014
* improve delivery by continuing to provide hands on support to municipalities
and the development of co-operation agreements between metropolitan
municipalities and districts in Gauteng
* develop service standards and service charters across government.
4.3. Mainstreaming of targeted groups
A wide range of programmes will be undertaken to promote and protect the
rights of women, youth and people with disabilities and to continue to promote
their mainstreaming within government programmes.
Particular attention will be paid to the development of key performance
indicators and monitoring and evaluation systems to monitor progress in this
regard. Targets will be set and a programme developed to ensure that government
buildings are accessible to people with disabilities, while the Gauteng gender
policy will be reviewed.
4.4. Deepening democracy
A key priority area in building the capacity of the state is in deepening
democracy. In this regard, the Lekgotla agreed on the need to support civil
society's capacity to improve its impact on society and to participate more
effectively in democracy. Other priority areas include:
* strengthening the oversight roles of the legislature and municipal
councils
* funding political parties in the legislature
* promoting the people's contract and active citizenship
* undertaking integrated community outreach including Izimbizo and broadening
public participation
* conducting public education including voter education
* building ward-level democracy, including strengthening the system of
CDWs
* boosting participation in Integrated Development Plans and ensuring the
effective management of the IDP process and expectations.
5. Protests
The Lekgotla considered a report and held in-depth discussions on the spate
of protests in various areas of Gauteng over the past six months.
The Lekgotla agreed that residents have a constitutional right to peaceful
protest and to freedom of association. Peaceful protest action in a democracy
is regarded as a form of political participation and active citizenry in that
it has the potential to draw the attention of authorities to key concerns of
the citizenry on matters of public policy. It was agreed that government should
defend the right of citizen groups to organise themselves, articulate their
issues and protest peacefully.
However, the violent nature of many recent protests was a major concern.
Many were characterised by street blockades, the burning of tyres and the
destruction of property, which was also used as a way of attracting media
attention. In some cases, criminal elements or disgruntled and disaffected
members of organised formations were involved in the violence. Local
councillors often bore the brunt of violent actions, despite the fact that they
have limited control over the rollout of houses, electricity, water, sanitation
etc.
It was noted that violent protests undermine the rights and freedoms of
citizens and are illegal. Violence often serves as a distraction from the real
issues that may be facing communities or sectors of society and alienates those
who may wish to engage in legitimate, peaceful protest action. Violent protests
threaten the safety of individuals and communities and private and public
property and community facilities are often damaged. In addition, violence may
escalate further as individuals and groups seek to defend their families and
their property or as criminal elements get involved to further their own
ends.
It was therefore agreed that violence in all its forms must be dealt with
firmly and decisively by state law enforcement agencies in co-operation with
communities. Perpetrators of violence must feel the full might of the law.
It was noted that the protests often focus on issues such as housing, water
and sanitation, relocations and evictions. However, many of the protests took
place in areas where development or upgrading initiatives are underway not in
areas where service delivery problems are most acute. This implies that the
protests emanated either from groups opposed to the implementation of
development plans or resulted from poor communication and interaction with the
affected communities on progress and plans. Exacerbating the problem in certain
areas were dysfunctional ward structures and development forums and a lack of
engagement with communities.
The Lekgotla agreed that protests would not enable a group or community to
"jump the service delivery queue" or enable one community to be given
preference over another community in the rollout of housing and other
facilities and infrastructure. Nor would violent protests by particular groups
prevent the implementation of development projects aimed at improving the
community as a whole.
It was agreed that a comprehensive province wide response by government was
needed to deal with the issues raised in the protests and stamp out the
violence.
Key areas of focus include:
* improved communication and stakeholder management systems across the three
spheres of government
* effective co-ordination in responding to all the key issues raised by
communities
* ensuring the effective functioning and capacitating of ward councillors and
ward committees, including the holding of regular ward meetings to report to
and consult with residents on progress and plans
* a more effective system to follow up and feedback to communities on issues
raised with Community Development Workers (CDW), community liaison officers,
community based organisations, in ward meetings and in Izimbizo
* further empowering Ward Committees and CDWs to address community concerns and
grievances long before they turn into protests
* reviewing plans and progress on local service delivery commitments, including
in areas where there have been protests
* better co-ordination and communication with affected communities by
provincial and local government, lead by the relevant Members of Executive
Council (MECs) and Members of Mayoral Committees (MMCs)
* civic education on the role of councillors as public representatives and the
system of governance while at the same time improving the accountability of
councillors to communities
* civic education on mechanisms for raising community concerns as well as
against the use of violence in protests
* effective co-ordination between law enforcement agencies. The police should
be seen to act firmly against those who promote or engage in violence during
protests. Public order policing should be appropriately capacitated to ensure
the safety of people and property, including the safety of councillors
* the briefing of public representatives on province-wide development plans and
projects to ensure they proactively engage and respond to issues
timeously
* improving co-operation and co-ordination between provincial and local
government and the relevant agencies on service delivery issues, especially on
housing, basic services and infrastructure.
6. Conclusion
The Lekgotla agreed that both the provincial government and municipalities
in Gauteng are well positioned to address the priorities outlined above. We are
committed to continue to work together to build Gauteng as a globally
competitive city region which is both prosperous and able to address the needs
of all our people. Together we will accelerate our efforts to improve the lives
of our people and to impact positively on poverty, unemployment and
underdevelopment.
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
10 September 2007
