The Executive Council held its fortnightly meeting at Nelspruit at Mbombela local municipality on Wednesday 21 September 2011.
State of readiness for 2011 matriculation examinations
The provincial Department of Education in March 2011 took over the management of the examinations from the Department of Basic Education. The writing of the final grade 12 examination will commence from the 17 October to 1 December 2011.
The department has strengthened systems in managing examinations to ensure that the examinations are efficiently managed with the desired integrity measures have been put in place to ensure credible exams are administered.
There are 55820 learners registered to write their final matriculation examinations – these include 49419 full time and 6401 part-time learners. The Executive Council (EXCO) fully supports the plan for the 2011 matric exams and there will be a prayer session for our learners just before they sit for the exams.
Heritage Day 24 September celebrations
The Heritage Day national celebrations on 24 September 2011 will be held at Msukaligwa local municipality in the Gert Sibande district municipality. The theme for this year is “Celebrating the Heroes and Heroines of the Liberation struggle in South Africa”.
Mr Kgalema Motlanthe, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Paul Mashatile the Minister of Arts and Culture Mr Madala Masuku acting Premier and the Ms Sibongile Manana MEC for Culture, Sport and Recreation will be leading the celebrations.
They will be accompanied by other national and provincial leaders; dignitaries and invited guests. The Deputy President and his entourage will be presenting uniforms to learners and thereafter they will participate in the cleaning of graves of struggle heroes and heroines before the start of formal proceedings.
Establishment of a cultural hub
The Executive Council approved the establishment of the cultural and creative industry hub. The main objective of the cultural and creative industry hub is the promotion of arts and cultural industries; increased investment, job opportunities and economic growth through cultural tourism; presentation and celebration of the rich culture and heritage of the province; stimulate creativity and skills development and lastly to make Mpumalanga a preferred inland and international tourism destination.
The Premier’s visit to the Sultanate of Oman
Premier DD Mabuza will be visiting the Sultanate of Oman on 22 to 27 September 2011. The main purpose of the visit is aimed at opening discussions which will create an environment for mutual cooperation in areas such as economic development, trade and cultural activities. The visit will also strengthen relations and cooperation between the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and the Governorate of Muscat.
The delegation will include:
- Ms Candice Mashego-Dlamini – MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Administration
- Mr Norman Mokoena – MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (DEDET) and
- Senior government officials
Establishment of the Mpumalanga Water Forum
The EXCO approved the establishment of the Mpumalanga Water Forum. It was the recommendation of the Provincial Water Summit held in 2009 in compliance with the provisions of the Intergovernmental Relation Framework Act, Act 13 of 2005.
The main objective of the forum will be to ensure that all issues relating to water and sanitation are discussed and adequately addressed. The forum will be sponsored, convened and chaired by the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
It will consist of a political and technical committee. The Forum will meet twice a year and report to the Premier’s Coordinating Forum (PCF).
Interim Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) Board
The EXCO approved the appointment of an interim MEGA board. They are: Mr Jerry Vilakazi chairperson; Marinus Niemand deputy chairperson; Ms Stompie Xulu; Mr Ayanda Bam, Advocate Andy Lekgoa Mothibi, Mr. Jabulani Eric Linda, Mr Paradise Mahlangu, Mr Davies Mculu and Ms Patricia Nora Zenani Fakude-Nkuna; Mr SW Engelbrecht and Ms Nocwaka Ntshangase.
They will serve for a period of six months during which the Mr Norman Mokoena DEDET MEC will place an advert calling for nominations for members to serve as permanent members of the board of MEGA.
Enquiries:
Lebona Mosia
Tel: 013 7662244
Cell: 082 5616465
E-mail: lmosia@mpg.gov.za
