14 June 2007
The Mpumalanga Executive Council held its regular fortnightly meeting on
Wednesday, 13 June 2007 in the Riverside Government complex to deliberate on a
number of issues of public interest.
The Executive Council noted with concern the lack of resolution on the wage
negotiations between public sector unions and government, which has resulted in
the protracted strike that denied members of the community access to services
rendered by government, as well as the disruption of schools and health
services. The Executive Council reiterates its view that law must be upheld at
all times by all of us, as we exercise our various rights, including the right
to strike. The Executive Council therefore welcomes the peaceful conduct that
was shown on Wednesday, 13 June 2007, during the national strike and the march,
which was different from the continued intimidation that happened in the
previous days.
On the implementation of the flagship projects (Mpumalanga "Big 5")
Mpumalanga Premier Thabang Makwetla earlier this year announced five key
flagship programmes that the provincial government will focus its resources and
investments on.
The flagship projects, otherwise referred to as "the big five" are:
* Moloto Rail development corridor
* Maputo Corridor
* Heritage, Tourism and Greening Mpumalanga
* Accelerated Capacity Building
* Water for All
On the implementation of the flagship projects, the Executive Council
discussed progress made on the implementation of the "Water for All" Project
aimed at allocating water to all households in Mpumalanga by 2010. The
Executive Council, therefore approved the allocation of R15 million for
facilitation of the commencement of the project and the verification of the
data collected on the backlog in the province, which is indicating a
preliminary estimation of 171 586 households, at a cost of R3,769 billion.
Treasury presented a reported on the consultations that were held with
various funding institutions with regard to the role they might play in the
implementation of the Mpumalanga flagship projects. The Executive council noted
the progress and welcomes the willingness of the finance institutions to
partake in various areas of the "big 5" and directed that information on the
flagship projects be provided in order to concretise the commitments in their
various areas of interest. This should not be limited to these institutions
only, but to the broader private sector is invited to help strengthen efforts
aimed at attaining the realisation of the "big 5".
As part of the "Heritage, Tourism and Greening Mpumalanga" flagship project,
Premier Thabang Makwetla, will tomorrow launch a 544-page book that he
commissioned in 2005, on the history and heritage of the province. The book is
the culmination of a three-year multi-disciplinary study by a group of
academics led by Professor Peter Delius of the University of Witwatersrand. The
launch will take place at Botshabelo, Steve Tshwete Municipality, 11h00.
The second launch will be held at the Cape Town book fair on Wednesday, 13
June 2007, where Premier Makwetla, Professor Delius and some contributors will
give brief addresses. "The book examines Mpumalanga's economic heritage,
including the development of its powerful mining, agricultural and energy
sectors. It further records a series of pivotal land struggles as well as
political resistance in the 20th century, leading up to South Africa's
transition to democracy" said Premier Makwetla.
On safety and Security
The Executive Council received and discussed the progress Report with regard
to the implementation of the Africa Concept, a strategy by the South African
Police Service (SAPS) towards combating crime in Mpumalanga. The Executive
council applauded the police for the progress they are making towards realising
their goal, which ultimately become a goal of us all to see the crime reduced
and allowing communities to live in peace. The police in Mpumalanga have, among
others, clustered policing into 145 sectors, 47 of which are already in
operation and have to date recruited 2 396 police reservists and incorporated
86 commandos into the reservists. These bold initiatives have seen a drastic
decline in the crime statistics in the province.
The Executive Council also approved the commencement of the process of
applying for the declaration of the Mpumalanga Government Complex as a National
Key Point, in line with the National Key Point Act (Act 102 of 1980). This
declaration, if successful will allow for the prioritisation of the protection
of the building, its content and business by the SAPS.
Cabinet approved the following appointments:
* Mr TB Bongo as Director Legal Services in the Department of Local
Government and Housing as from the first of July 2007. Mr Bongo is admitted as
an advocate by the High Court and currently serving his sixth year as Deputy
Director Legal Services in the Department of Local government and
Housing.
* Mr SJ Mkhwanazi as Director: Further Education and Training in the Department
of Education. Mr. Mkhwanazi holds a number of qualifications, including
Bachelor of Education (BED) in Educational Management, Development and Training
and Master of Science (MSc) in Science Education. He is currently acting in the
position of Director: Further Education and Training.
Issued by: Mpumalanga Provincial Government
14 June 2007
