Today marks the conclusion of a successful oversight visit to this province. The success of this visit bodes well for the working relationship between Parliament, the provincial legislature and the provincial government for the next five years of this administration.
The delegation has noted and appreciates the alignment of the province’s planning to the national blueprint, the National Development Plan (NDP). It is through the effective planning and implementation of this long-term vision that all South Africans can finally enjoy the fruits of our democracy.
This alignment to the NDP by the province is based on three pillars:
- Inclusive economic growth through agriculture and rural development, and infrastructure development that will stimulate the economy and create much needed jobs.
- Continued investment in education and skills development, especially in areas of scarce skills together with the implementation of the National Health Insurance Policy aimed at improving provision of quality health care services.
- And finally, reducing crime, improving the efficiency of the criminal justice system and dealing with corruption.
The effective implementation of these key pillars is the foundation of a prosperous Free State province.
During its visits to various service delivery points, the delegation noted various impressive projects that are worth mentioning. The Tina Moloi Clinic, which cost R8.3 million to build, the Elizabeth Ross Hospital and the Phuthaditjaba Clinic are examples of the infrastructure needed for the effective implementation of the National Health Insurance Policy. The delegation noted the efficiency with which staff at these institutions went about their work.
It is also worth noting that a majority of patients at these facilities were happy with the services they were receiving. Of major importance is the fact that, unlike some facilities, these healthcare facilities have never had a challenge with shortages of essential medication. Furthermore, the cleanliness at these facilities was up to standard.
While this is to be appreciated, the only challenge that remains at these facilities is the filling of funded posts although the delegation appreciates the fact that there is a crippling unavailability of skilled personnel within the health care industry. This is a national problem and requires concerted efforts from the sector if the situation is to improve.
The delegation is further of the view that the Diyatalawa Agri-Village should be adopted as a model countrywide. The commitment of the farmers at the project has reassured the delegation of the need for continued investment in the agriculture sector, more especially in this province. It is through rural and agrarian development that the country’s rural areas will join the mainstream of the economy.
While the delegation has noted various positive strides in relations to Operation Clean Audit, there remain areas of concern in some municipalities in the province. The eight municipalities that have received an adverse audit finding require the redoubling of efforts by the municipalities, the Department of Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the National Treasury to ensure that all municipalities receive good audits.
The South African Local Government Association has to play an active role in facilitating the sharing of best practice between municipalities, especially those that have moved from qualified audits to unqualified, like the Dihlabeng Local Municipality.
The delegation has noted that the biggest contributor to the debt incurred by the municipality was to Eskom as a result of its different tariff structures during winter and summer, whereas municipalities have one tariff structure. The delegation will engage with Eskom and energy regulator Nersa in efforts to find a solution to this problem.
Furthermore, the delegation urges the provincial government to further enhance its interventions in ensuring that the remaining municipalities obtain good audit findings. It is the achievement of clean audits that will set municipalities on their way to delivering better services to the people.
The delegation wishes to send words of gratitude to the Premier of the province, E.S. Magashule and his executive for welcoming us to the province and providing the platform for the delegation to do its work.
The support of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and the entire provincial legislature is also much appreciated. The level of support by the legislature has not been seen before and we hope that this working relationship will continue in future.
The delegation further wishes to thank the media for the continued coverage of the visit to the province as it is through their platforms that people on the ground can know of the services the government offers them.
Thank you.
For media enquiries or interviews with the delegation leader:
Malatswa Evans Molepo, Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8438
Cell: 073 297 1914
E-mail: mmolepo@parliament.gov.za
