As stated in section 72(1) and (2) of the Constitution, the National Council of Provinces has a constitutional mandate to “facilitate public participation and involvement in the legislative and other processes of its committees”.
From 22 to 26 March 2010 the National Council of Provinces held its programme of Taking Parliament to the People in Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality. The hearings took place at the Dr CN Pathudi campus of the Sekhukhune Further Education and Training (FET) College, Burgersfort. During the visit a commitment was made that the NCOP would come back to follow up on implementation.
In light of the above, the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Honourable Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu led a delegation from the NCOP as part of the follow-up exercise. The follow up meeting was held on 22 February 2011 at the Greater Tubatse Local Municipality Chamber in the area of Burgersfort. Participants of the meeting included the Leadership from the NCOP, Limpopo Provincial Legislature, local government and other role players.
Among others, the issues that were considered included the following:
- Delivery of basic services to the community
- Mining issues (a plan was discussed on how mines are planning to assist in addressing the backlog of services, job creation and community development given earlier commitments)
The Mining Managers Forum presented their plan to the NCOP, which clearly outlined the forums’ areas of focus to help develop the community, which includes the following:
- Water provision for all
- Roads accessibility, safety and production
- Delivery of sustainable electricity to communities
- Equipping local people with skills for job opportunities
The Executive Mayor of the Tubatse local municipality also spoke to the plans they have for their communities in partnership with the mining companies. The MEC for local government also made his inputs and appreciated the developments.
The Chairperson of the NCOP appreciated the mining companies and indicated that this was part of the built up to the public meeting to report back on follow up to the concerns raised by the community during the visit of the NCOP in March 2010. The public meeting will be held towards the end of the current year.
The NCOP is at the heart of cooperative government and inter-governmental relations, which inform its oversight work.
For further enquiries and interviews, please contact:
Mr Mathutha Masimula
Tel: 021 403 8824
Cell: 082 652 0252
Source: Parliament of South Africa
