Limpopo Provincial Government’s Executive Council (EXCO) held its meeting chaired by Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha on the 18 September 2019. The Premier started by congratulating the Ndlovu Youth Choir from Moutse, Dennilton in Limpopo on a splendid performance at the America’s Got Talent show finale in the United States. Although they did not make it, to us they were already winners. Details of their homecoming celebrations will be released by the MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Thandi Moraka soon.
1. Provincial Quarterly Procurement Report
EXCO received a report on procurement which indicate that 60% of the budget is spent in other provinces. This is because the bulk of medical equipment is manufactured elsewhere than in the Province. The same applies to the lack of bulk publishers and printers.
The Executive council therefore directed the Provincial Treasury and LEDET to ensure that a comprehensive plan is developed and implemented to ensure that the budget is spent in the Province.
2. Provincial Infrastructure Summit
The Executive Council observed that the province required dedicated attention on infrastructure management, especially with regard to provision of water, road and health facilities.
EXCO therefore resolved that provincial Infrastructure Summit be convened to deal with key infrastructure issues to accelerate service delivery before the end of November 2019.
3. GNT recapitalization
Recapitalization of the Great North Transport with R270 million for the entity’s turnaround strategy was approved in principle pending the refinement of the motivation thereof and presentation of a clear action plan in the next EXCO meeting. Once completed, millions of Limpopo commuters will enjoy efficient and sustainable transport.
4. Broadband Network , Telecommunication and Infrastructure Project
EXCO also noted the progress made in the implementation of the Broadband telecommunication infrastructure network project.
Some of the highlights on the broadband include;
- Completion of the architectural design and future state architecture for the roll out of broadband in Limpopo.
- The completion of construction of the Data Centre, which is provincial ICT nerve centre and a foundation for connectivity to institutions with voice and data capabilities.
- Completion of networking Operating Control Centre and Call centre, which are the operations and management facilities of the network.
- 40 sites have been connected to the network so far, using both fibre and satellite technology. Among these sites, are 7 wi fi hotspots to enable communities to have reliable connectivity.
5. High Speed Rail: Johannesburg to Victoria Falls
EXCO approved the request to commission the feasibility study on high speed rail which will enable modern trains to travel from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls. The move and subsequent implementation thereof will go a long way in alleviating traffic congestions on our national and provincial roads.
6. 30-Day Invoice Payment Report 2019
EXCO also noted that although there is improvement in the 30 day invoice payment within departments, recommendation be made to all HODs whose Departments are still failing to settle valid invoices within 30 days.
That action be taken against such departments who do not comply.
7. Recognition of Senior Traditional Leaders
The following traditional leaders were approved by the members of the Executive in terms of Section 15 (2) of the Limpopo Traditional Leadership and Institutions Act No.6 of 2005 and will be remunerated accordingly:
- Hamilton Baloyi for Ribungwani Traditional Community
- Fhatuwani Nesengani for Nesengani Traditional Community
- Musa Maluleke Xigalo Traditional Council.
