The Eastern Cape Executive Council (EXCO), led by Premier Phumulo Masualle, held its Fourth Executive Council meeting today in Bhisho since its assumption of office in May 2014.
In his opening remarks, Premier Masualle extended the Provincial Government’s heartfelt condolences to the families of the 67 South Africans who lost their loved ones in the tragic incident in Nigeria.
Unverified newspaper reports had also indicated that one of the deceased was a resident from Queenstown whilst the other reported missing person was from Mdantsane. The Executive Council mandated Director – General Mbulelo Sogoni to liaise with the Department of International Relations and Co-operation to verify these reports and ascertain what consular assistance can be rendered to the families in distress including the envisaged role of the Provincial Government in the repatriation of their mortal remains including counselling their families during these difficult times.
Premier Masualle also commended the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC, Fikile Xasa, for his leadership role on behalf of the provincial government in communicating the previous EXCO decision on Makana and Inkwanca municipalities. The communities and the affected parties were briefed about the decisions that led to invoking Section 139(1) (b) of the Constitution in Makana as well as intervening in terms of Section 139(1) (c) of the Constitution in Inkwanca Municipality.
The Leader of Government Business, MEC Helen Sauls-August also briefed EXCO on the following upcoming events in the Legislature;
- 22 to 26 September 2014: Constituency Week;
- 14 to 17 October 2014: Taking the Legislature to the People ( visiting Joe Gqabi District Municipality); and
- 21 to 24 October 2014: SCOPA Meetings with Departments.
A report was also received on the recent visit by the National Council of Provinces to the province. The delegation received reports on a range of issues including an overview on the Provincial Service Delivery priorities as well as the state of local government including the recent audit outcomes.
On Governance and Administration
EXCO also received an indication that the Eastern Cape Traditional Leadership and Governance Bill, 2014 aimed at consolidating all pieces of provincial legislation dealing with Traditional Leadership into a single piece of legislation aligning it with national legislation.
On Economic Transformation
EXCO endorsed the Provincial Freight Transport Strategy aimed at focusing on the balance of rail, road, maritime and aviation freight in the province.
The Eastern Cape faces key challenges due to poor road conditions, excessive road maintenance burden, under-utilised rail infrastructure at the expense of road infrastructure. High logistics costs, inadequate control of transportation of dangerous goods as well as insufficient overload control and law enforcement on Eastern Cape roads.
The proposed Eastern Cape Freight Transport Strategy is aimed at improving the quality of roads in the Eastern Cape as well as increasing the utilisation of rail as well as reducing logistics costs.
Development of a supporting plan for manufacturing industries in distress
EXCO endorsed the development of a support plan to distressed industries including an immediate intervention plan to prevent the closure of three companies in distress, namely Seating Pty Ltd, Vektronix Pty Ltd and Time clothing. EXCO has agreed to engage the Department of Trade and Industry to fast track a response as part of preventing plant closures accompanied by subsequent job losses is a matter of concern to the province as we seek to increase investments and expansion in industrial sectors.
The Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (DEDEAT) was tasked to look at the financial implications of the political intervention.
EXCO further expressed the need for Government to consistently and closely monitor the state of the industries to ensure stability and avoid decline earlier as it looks at local procurement and incentives packages.
On Social Transformation
EXCO has approved the hosting of the 2014 National Public Servants Sports and Cultural Events Tournament by the Eastern Cape to be held in East London on the 10 – 12 October 2014. Sporting codes such as netball, football, morabaraba, juskei, volleyball and tug-of- war will be part of the Tournament. An update was also given on the Provincial Youth Camp for 200 unemployed youth that is currently taking place in Port Alfred, a joint venture between the National Department of Social Development and the province.
Lastly, EXCO reported on the unveiling of King Regent Jongintaba Dalindyebo Memorial at Mqekezweni Great Place on 26 September 2014 as part of mainstreaming local cultural heritage icons.
The unveiling of Regent King Dalindyebo has been strategically positioned as one of the anchor projects to be rolled out during Heritage Month.
International relations programme
EXCO noted a report on the proposed international relations programme for 2014/15.
Enquiries:
Nomfanelo Kota, Government Spokesperson
Cell: 076 511 3909
