23 January 2009
All protocol observed
It is true that some of the challenges we have had to deal with since the
advent of democracy are unemployment and poverty. It is on that score that the
government of the day is still committed to its objective of building a
people's contract to create work and fight poverty. At the heart of this
commitment is the intention to ensure that decent work opportunities which
empower women, youth and the disabled are created.
As a matter of policy, government resolved that there should be large scale
expansion of the use of labour intensive methods to alleviate unemployment and
to meet service delivery backlogs in previously disadvantaged areas. Thus was
born the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). The EPWP is an initiative that
is aimed at bridging the gap between the growing economy and unemployed people
who have yet to fully enjoy the benefits of economic development.
1. Today we are rolling out Siyazenzela Domestic Waste Management Programme
in the Mnambithi Municipality. This is an EPWP programme falling within the
environmental sector. The programme seeks to alleviate poverty while raising
environmental awareness in our communities. It is a programme initiated by the
Department of Transport (KZN) and implemented through Municipalities. It is
modelled along the Curitiba Brazil, "Garbage that is not Garbage programme,"
whereby poor households collect waste on behalf of the Municipality in exchange
for food parcels.
* The programme was launched in the Hibiscus Coast Municipality in 2007. It was
rolled out to the Umsunduzi Municipality in March 2008. Our intention is to see
the programme being rolled out to all Municipalities not only in this province
but also in other provinces. This is all in the quest to intensify our war on
poverty.
* The framework for implementing the EPWP recognizes the respective
responsibility and roles that all spheres of government must play. It is on
that score that the cooperation between the Department of Transport (KZN) and
the National Department of Public Works resulted in the programme being
launched for the first time outside the KZN province in the Thulamele
Municipality (Limpopo) in October 2008.
* The framework establishes a unique protocol, consistent with co-operative
governance, within which the department and the relevant municipalities can
achieve the government objectives of reducing poverty.
* Today we are reconfirming our commitment to making a meaningful and positive
impact in the lives of our people in all corners of the province of KwaZulu
Natal. This is done by a government which has decided to work for all its
citizens, without any consideration of political affiliation.
2. Therefore, the Mnambithi Municipality will undertake this project that we
are handing over today with a view to enhancing the livelihoods of communities
under its jurisdiction, irrespective of the political parties they belong
to:
* It is with great pleasure that I announce the further expansion of this
programme to Nongoma Municipality. Only a responsive government by the people,
for the people, has the ability to ensure that peopleâs lives change for the
better.
* To this end, 60 beneficiaries have been selected to participate in the
programme for a period of 12 months. These beneficiaries have undergone the
process of signing contracts with the municipality ensuring that they remain in
the programme for the stipulated time period. Thereafter, the municipality will
ensure the sustainability of the programme.
* The following areas as identified by the municipality will be serviced
through Siyazenzela methodology:
St Chads, Roosboom, Mcitsheni, Mthandi, Mbulwane, Zakheni (E section),
Thembalihle, Watersmeet (E section), Beurford and Peace Town.
3. In conclusion, I want to emphasise to all co-ordinators of this programme
that corruption and fraud will not be tolerated at all. You must know that
stealing against our poor communities is being greedy and will not be
tolerated. Beneficiaries must only be identified and selected on the basis of
poverty in their community.
I thank you.
Issued by: Department of Transport, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial
Government
23 January 2009
Source: Department of Transport, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kzntransport.gov.za)
