of infrastructure of the Samora Machel Memorial Site
1 June 2006
The Mpumalanga Executive Council (ExCo) yesterday approved the planned
renovation and upgrading of infrastructure of the Samora Machel Memorial Site
at Mbuzini. The memorial site which was unveiled on the 19 January 1999 is an
initiative of the national Department of Arts and Culture and was erected in
memory of the assassinated Mozambican leader Samora Machel and 33 others.
Meeting at the Albert Luthuli Municipality Chambers in Carolina on
Wednesday, the ExCo received and approved a detailed report on the R11,2
million earmarked for what is considered a major economic boost for the rural
community of Mbuzini and surrounding areas. The money would be spent on
widening the access road to the site; improving the electricity, water and
sanitation supply for both the site and surrounding communities in the area and
ensuring the protection and preservation of the site.
The memorial site is expected to create jobs and business opportunities and
become a massive tourist destination that will benefit the community of Mbuzini
and the Inkomazi Municipality. This investment will contribute to the economic
development of the area of Mbuzini. It is expected that a number of much needed
jobs would be created during and after the construction of the road and
improvement of the parking area; the building of an amphitheatre, a landing
strip for a helicopter (helipad), and a library and resource centre.
The commemorative statue of Samora Machel is a donation from the
Anti-Apartheid Norwegian Artists. The Department of Culture, Sport and
Recreation intends to apply for the site to be declared a national heritage
site. The library is expected to be opened well ahead of the official 20th
anniversary commemoration on 19 October 2006. There will also be an exhibition
on the history of Samora Machel and his role in the liberation struggle in
Southern Africa.
The provincial Cabinet also approved the establishment of Mpumalanga
Management Centre aimed at addressing the skills gap identified by last year's
skills audit. The Mpumalanga Management Centre which will be run in conjunction
with the University of Witwatersrand is expected to accelerate management
development. The centre which will function as an in-service facility for
developing and training senior and middle managers in the public service will
eventually be part of the National Institute of Higher Education (NIHE).
The ExCo also approved the appointment of Mr Desmond Golding as the Deputy
Director-General of the World Cup 2010 Project in Mpumalanga. Mr Golding has
had extensive experience in both the public and private sector especially in
financial services. Among the roles he has played has been Director of credit
policy and governance in Standard Bank, Group Credit Officer of Investec Bank,
and Senior Manager Strategic management of the Reserve Bank. He has also been
the Chief of Staff of the office of the Premier in the North West Province and
Head of the Africa Desk in the Department of Labour. He passed his matric at
Ekulindeni Senior Secondary School at Carolina in Mpumalanga. He is in
possession of masters degrees in law and arts. As is usual with appointments at
this level, a rigorous process of selection was undertaken with a view to
getting the best available candidate for the job. The ExCo was heartened by the
quality of applicants for the job.
Enquiries:
George Mokope Mohlamonyane
Departmental Liaison
Tel: (013) 766 2288
Fax: (013) 766 2495
Cell: 082 802 8460
E-mail: mokope@nel.mpu.gov.za
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Mpumalanga Provincial Government
1 June 2006
