“O re bone, Re go bone” bringing the North West Legislature closer to its people
The Members of the North West Provincial Legislature under the leadership of the Speaker, Sussana Dantjie, met with communities in Maquassi Hills and Matlosana Local Municipalities during the “O re bone, re go bone” campaign which took place on the 17-18 March 2015.
“O re bone, re go bone" is aimed at making the Legislature more visible and reachable to the communities; and also to make sure that voices of the people of the province are incorporated in the Legislature Oversight work.
Members of the Provincial Legislature interacted with community members on the role of the Legislature on its five (5) year strategic plan and the National Development Plan. Community members were afforded an opportunity to address Members of the Provincial Legislature on service delivery issues.
Amongst some of the issues raised by community members was lack of basic services such as water and sanitation; quality RDP houses; high rate of unemployment and poverty; nepotism in both municipalities on employment and bursary allocations and poor policing by the South African Police Services.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Provincial Affairs, Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development, Hon. Motlalepula Rosho said the programme is necessary in monitoring that pronouncements made by Premier, Supra Mahumapelo in his State of the Province Address (SOPA) 2015 based on the National Development Plan are implemented to benefit the people of the North West province.
“The Legislature plays an important role of oversight over both local and provincial government. The campaign is also part of our mandate on public participation and oversight, ensuring that our people are given proper feedback on issues of service delivery and new developments that may equally and fairly benefit them,” said Hon. Rosho.
The NDP offers a long-term perspective which aims to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030. According to the plan, South Africa can realise these goals by drawing on the energies of its people, growing an inclusive economy, building capabilities, enhancing the capacity of the state, and promoting leadership and partnerships throughout society.
Mr Reginald Lekgetho from Alabama near Klerksdorp said there is a high rate of nepotism at the Matlosana Local Municipality.
“We have a high rate of unemployment yet our municipality often hires people from other municipalities. Poverty can never be eradicated when municipal officials create divisions in communities,” said Mr Phutiyagae.
He also said municipal officials also award bursaries to their family members, friends and relatives.
Ms. Boitumelo Mashia from Tswelelang township said government does not have strong communication channels in communities.
“The youth and women empowerment programmes do not reach necessary communities because of communication challenges. We need to know whether reports sent to Parliament and the Legislature by government on service delivery are authentic. Ward Committees often draft reports on community needs but are never implemented by different government spheres, said Ms Mashia.
Members of the Legislature resolved to call on the Premier and relevant department to account on most issues raised.
They also encouraged young people to be innovative in empowering themselves. “The intention of the NDP is to assist them fully in order for them to have sustainable skills development and allow better quality education,” said Hon. Rosho.
Enquiries:
Namhla Luhabe
Deputy Manager – Communications
North West Provincial Legislature
Tel: 018 392 7000
Cell : 079 527 0628
Fax: 086 695 3784
E-mail : namhla@nwpl.org.za
