The Mpumalanga Executive Council started a two day Cabinet Outreach programme (5 and 6 May 2010) with a Cabinet meeting at the Lekwa local municipality, Standerton, to look at the success of the voluntary HIV and AIDS Testing campaign lead by Premier David Mabuza, last week in Standerton.
Premier Mabuza and Members of the Executive Council (MECs) lead at least more than 700 people of Standerton to undergo a voluntary HIV and AIDS testing last week. It is believed that more than 40 percent of the people in the area are affected with HIV and AIDS.
The executive council is satisfied with the progress made in the Lekwa local municipality since it was placed under administration in October 2009. Key to that are the developments and progress on the section 106 report and its implementation to date as well as a comprehensive recovery plan to turn the municipality around.
The executive council received a progress report on the Hospital Revitalisation programme of the province. The executive was satisfied with the improvements that have been made with regard to the management and monitoring of the programme that has resulted in the improvement of the pace.
Of most importance is the fact that the Rob Ferreira hospital will be able to meet its obligation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The Executive has been worried about the slow progress of this programme that has started 2003.
The memorandum submitted to the MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, they were allegation of corruption and maladministration in the municipality. The administrator briefed the cabinet that matters that matters that are criminal have been referred to the Special Investigations and Asset Forfeiture unit for further investigation.
The executive council had an opportunity to have a discussion with the leadership of National African Federation Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC), whereby a clear working relationship was discussed. It was the first time that an organised business makes a presentation during the sitting of the executive council.
The leadership of NAFCOC indicated to the executive council that at least R100 million is being set aside to enable the historical disadvantaged people to have access to new industries, economic growth and job creation and to fully participate in the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) activities.
The executive council has mandated the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism to work closely with NAFCOC to assist in the implementation of the funds. The executive council approved the provincial learner attainment strategy programme presented by the Department of Education. The strategy seeks to improve the learner's performance across the schooling system.
The programme will focus on the mentoring of principals of under-performing schools below 20 percent, provide the learner support and the provision of additional tools and resources to enable them to improve their grade 12 pass rate.
The programme is also expected to improve the overall performance in the provincial grade 12 pass rate which is targeted for 2010. Each school in the province will within its school improvement plan set targets to feed into the provincial target.
The executive council approved the following appointments:
* Dr LB Cele as Director of Veterinary Specialised Services in the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Administration
Inquiries:
Mabutho Sithole
Cell: 082 389 3348
Tel: 013 766 2055
E-mail: mabutho@prem.mpu.gov.za.
Source: Mpumalanga Provincial Government (http://www.mpumalanga.gov.za/)
