6 September 2007
The North West Executive Council met on Wednesday as part of its regular
sittings. Among other things, EXCO discussed the following issues:
Anti-corruption Forum
The Executive Council noted progress on the establishment of the Provincial
Anti-corruption Forum. Already consultations with the business sector and civil
society have been held as part of government's commitment to launch a united
offensive against corruption both within and outside government.
It is envisaged that the Anti-corruption Forum will be constituted by
critical stakeholders from the provincial government, local government, civil
society and business.
An anti-corruption strategy and implementation plan are in the process of
being developed and will be unveiled at the public launch. The Executive
Council emphasised the need for a more inclusive process leading up to the
official launch. EXCO resolved to make the Premier the patron of the Provincial
Anti-corruption Forum.
Protest action in Ntswelentsoku, near Zeerust
EXCO was briefed on the latest developments in Ntswelentsoku and condemned
the violence and destruction of property that took place in the village.
In particular, EXCO noted the destruction of water tanks, including those in
schools, and the disruption of normal schooling in the area. EXCO expressed
concern at the abuse of young children in these unlawful activities and
regarded it as both irresponsible and unjustifiable. EXCO was satisfied with
the efforts of the Executive Mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema, Mr Themba Gwabeni,
the Mayor of Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality, Mr Peter Pilane, and the
Provincial Government in addressing the challenge of water shortage in the
area. It has since been established that the area is a water-scarce area and
that the water source identified is on the land owned by farmers in the area.
EXCO noted ongoing negotiations with farmers in this regard, and expressed its
hope that the matter will be resolved without delay.
The spate of violent protest action currently taking place in some parts of
our country and province is a matter of concern to the Executive Council. In
particular, the tendency to characterise these acts of violence and criminality
as âservice delivery protestsâ is worrying. EXCO noted that in some instances,
these violent protests could not be attributed to âlack of service deliveryâ as
there were instances where this type of violence erupted despite evidence of
ongoing development and improved service delivery.
EXCO reiterated that government would continue to address the legitimate
concerns of the people, and reaffirmed the democratic rights of all South
Africans to protest. It urged all citizens to use legitimate platforms to
express their views, concerns or complaints. However, EXCO warned that the
law-enforcement agencies would not hesitate to act firmly and decisively
against any act or behaviour that serves to undermine the values of our
democratic Constitution, threatens the safety and security of our people or
destroy property.
North West Growth Fund
EXCO deliberated on the establishment of the North West Growth Fund, an
initiative whose objective is to accelerate growth and development in the
Province. The Fund will give focused attention to infrastructure projects and
thus help to unlock infrastructural blockages.
Some of the key strategic objectives of the fund are to accelerate
socio-economic upliftment through job creation and economic development,
promote sustainable Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and enhance the Provincial
investment profile.
Details of the North West Growth Fund will be announced in due course by
Premier Edna Molewa during the official launch. The date for the launch will be
made public soon.
ZCC Prayer Service
The Executive Council was briefed on preparations regarding the mass prayer
service to be held in Mafikeng on Sunday, 30 September 2007. The purpose of the
prayer service, which will be led by His Grace, Bishop BE Lekganyane is to pray
in partnership with government for peace, security and prosperity in the
Province and South Africa in general.
EXCO is confident that the service will help enhance social cohesion, lend
support to the moral regeneration initiative and to highlight the values of
Ubuntu. EXCO urged public servants and members of the public to support the
prayer service.
Branding Conference
The Executive Council received a report on the preparations for the North
West Provincial Branding Conference which will be held on Monday, 10 September
2007 at Mmabatho Convention Centre.
The Executive Council noted that for the brand building process to succeed,
it would require the active participation, input and focused involvement by all
relevant stakeholders. For this reason, government has followed an
all-inclusive process. Participants will include the leadership of the local
and provincial government, civil society, business, the media industry and
experts in the field.
The Branding Conference is part of a process that would eventually lead to
the development of a unique brand of the provinces, and to build a positive
image that will, among other things, characterise the interaction of the people
of the North West with the rest of the country and world.
Enquiries:
Cornelius Tanana Monama
Spokesperson: North West Provincial Government
Tel: 018 387 3456
Cell: 082 578 4063
Issued by: North West Provincial Government
6 September 2007
