launch of the Twenty Priority Township Programme, Tembisa
13 September 2006
MEC for Housing, Nomvula Mokonyane
Gauteng MECs
Mayor of Ekurhuleni, Duma Nkosi
Members of Provincial Legislatures and councillors
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
It is indeed appropriate that we have come together during Heritage Month to
launch our Twenty Prioritised Township Programme. The townships we have
prioritised are the old locations most of which were established in the early
60�s following mass removals from areas such as Sophiatown, old Benoni
location, old Roodepoort location, Vlakfontein, etc.
It is in the streets of these townships where the battle for liberation was
fought - they are the areas that produced some for the finest political and
business leaders. These were the homes of our underground structures and sites
of mass resistance. It is no wonder that apartheid paid very little attention
to their development. It is therefore appropriate to launch this programme
during this month because our heritage, the history of our liberation struggle
and monuments that epitomise that struggle are found in these areas.
However, today these areas are being deserted by the young professionals as
soon as they can afford to buy and own properties. They prefer to move out to
the former white suburbs where social and economic infrastructures are
excellent and closer to places of economic activity. Business activity is also
sluggish in these areas because of the perception that they are not safe.
Because of the distance that exists between these townships and places of
economic opportunities, residents have to endure a life of poverty and crime,
decayed or decaying infrastructure, low levels of internal economic
opportunities and services that are largely disproportional to their needs.
This marginalisation of old townships cannot be allowed to continue
especially when we are seeking to consolidate Gauteng's role as a globally
competitive city region. Our strategy to build Gauteng into a competitive city
region requires us to grow the economy and to involve the marginalised in
economic activity and ensure sustainable livelihoods. Within this context, we
have to work hard to ensure an end to the inequality and uneven development
between the urban centres and their outskirts.
The Twenty Prioritized Township Programme we are launching today is an
undertaking by the provincial government, municipalities and parastatals
to:
* provide social and economic infrastructure, and internal and external
township services that will build sustainable communities and contribute to
relieving poverty
* rehabilitate existing social and economic infrastructure
* protect and improve the quality of the environment and ensure a healthy and
safe environment for the communities
* ensure sustainable socio-economic and infrastructure development
* create jobs for local people residing in the townships
* make the townships beautiful
This programme is very specific and time bound. All the projects that will
be undertaken will have to be finished by 2009. The townships that form part of
the programme are Atteridgeville/Saulsville, Soshanguve, Mamelodi, Kagiso,
Munsieville, Mohlakeng, Boipatong, Bophelong, Sharpeville, Sebokeng, Ratanda,
Katlehong, Kwatsaduza (KwaThema, Tsakane, and Duduza), Wattville, Daveyton,
Tembisa, Refilwe, Rethabiseng, as well as Orlando and Zola in Soweto.
Our focus is on building safe and sustainable communities where all
residents have decent shelter with the necessary facilities such as roads,
clinics, schools, sports and recreation facilities, access to work
opportunities and a vibrant and supportive community life. Our emphasis on the
sustainability of communities requires more focus on the development of local
economies. Our aim is to prevent communities from degenerating into slums. The
provision of social infrastructure and services will enhance local economic
development through creating short term jobs and opportunities for emerging
contractors.
Our vision is that in 2009 when we finish work on this programme, all
streets in the townships will be tarred and each area will have a vibrant
commercial and transport hub. The lives of our people will have changed for the
better with decent schools, clinics, sport and recreational facilities,
lighting, storm-water drains, multi-purpose centres, libraries and taxi ranks.
The township will have open spaces and parks that are well looked after. The
streams that run through these townships will be clean and properly cared
for.
We hope that by then, young professionals and high income earners will be
choosing townships as places where they can buy property and raise their
children. Together with municipalities, we are ready to work with its citizens
to make this dream through and to realise our objective of a better life for
all.
I thank you.
Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
13 September 2006
