Imbizo in the Eastern Cape
12 August 2007
President Thabo Mbeki wrapped up his highly successful two-day Imbizo in the
Eastern Cape on a positive note after interacting with all stakeholders,
communities and different spheres of government.
He was particularly pleased with the co-operation and support the Ukhahlamba
District gave to a R1,5 billion PG Bison Project. The joint partnership project
between business, local and provincial government is expected to create 1 500
job and business opportunities.
During the Community Imbizo in Ugie, the President encouraged the
communities to exploit opportunities that will be presented by the PG Bison
investment. He called on the people of the district not to wait for government
to help them but start initiatives that will draw government's attention.
The President was accompanied by the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Nosimo
Balindlela, Ministers Brigitte Mabandla of Justice, Thoko Didiza of Public
Works, Charles Nqakula of Safety and Security, Lindiwe Sisulu of Housing, Lulu
Xingwana of Agriculture and Land Affairs, Mandisi Mpahlwa of Trade and
Industry, Minister of Transport Jeff Radebe, Essop Pahad of the Presidency,
Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula of Home Affairs, Deputy Ministers Mluleki George of
Defence and Roy Padayachie of Communications.
They listened to community concerns and challenges about service delivery,
employment and need for skills. The Premier called on the people to report
bureaucratic bottlenecks which delay the provision of basic services.
"It only takes ten days after you have complained about basic services such
as identity documents (ID) and registration for social grants to get a
response" the Premier committed to a public applause.
An elderly woman who has been staying with a child and not getting child
support grant was immediately assisted with an application and was instantly
issued with a birth certificate for her grandchild and was registered to
receive the grant.
The President also met with the business community of the district and the
province to listen to their concerns and plans to partner with government in
growing the district economy. The farming community reported that it has made a
number of interventions to support the youth and women in agriculture. They
also praised the efforts of the District Municipality to work closely with the
farming community.
The President called on the province to bring support agencies closer to the
district to address the challenges of funding of small and medium
enterprises.
"It is not possible for Ukhahlamba to respond to these challenges on its
own" said the President.
"We need a collective effort between the district and the province to
addressing these challenges" he added.
The President said that the province must establish an Ukhahlamba
Development Agency to be based in Aliwal North so as to improve
co-ordination.
Such agencies already exist in the OR Tambo and Amathole District
Municipalities as well as in the Nelson Mandela Metro. He further mentioned
that the challenges in the municipal area are no different to those at national
level and committed the national office in addressing them.
President Thabo Mbeki also listened to the state of the district and that of
the province, which highlighted significant progress with regard to development
and plans to address the remaining challenges.
For more information contact:
Mukoni Ratshitanga
Cell: 082 300 3447
Luzuko Koti
Cell: 083 391 0073
Aubrey Matsila
Cell: 082 546 9616
Issued by: The Presidency
12 August 2007
