The three social challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality will be tackled head on through the delivery of integrated sustainable human settlements in Mpumalanga. New Human Settlements MEC, Violet Siwela committed the department to do all in its powers to empower communities by utilising cooperatives to create employment, skills transfer and community development.
In her address to senior management and the entire staff members, MEC Siwela pointed out that the department has encountered challenges in its quest to deliver settlements over the last few years – something she charges should be changed. The consideration of all sectors and strengthening of stakeholders through the Inter-Governmental Relations Framework (IGR) must assist the department to deliver better plans moving forward. “It is critical that having observed all the challenges either internal or external, the department has to come up with strategies to improve on them in order to develop our communities,” she said.
Throughout the process, her vision is to create more jobs and make it our responsibility. The department has a mandate to coordinate the creation of integrated sustainable human settlements through the involvement of sector departments, private sector and business. The department is strategically positioned to play a critical role in creating temporary and permanent employment and skills development. “We must try to groom our people through those seasonal jobs by saying our youth can make bricks for them to grow,” charged MEC Siwela.
Ironically, MEC Siwela replaces MEC Andries Gamede who has since been deployed to Provincial Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs. MEC Siwela has been a member of the following Select committees in the Provincial Legislature: Public Accounts, Public Participation and Petitions, Programming and Prioritisation and chairs the Select Committee on Members’ Affairs.
She has also served as a member of several Portfolio Committees. Since 2008 to date, MEC Siwela has been serving as a member of the Mpumalanga Provincial Executive Committee and the National Executive Committee of the ANC’s Women’s league all of which is testimonial to her capabilities as a seasoned politician. She is the former MEC of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Administration.
Enquiries:
Freddy Ngobe
Cell: 082 859 4630
Tel: 013 766 6014
