The North West Executive Council (Provincial Cabinet) met in Mafikeng as part of its regular sittings. EXCO reflected on a number of policy and strategic issues.
Amongst other things, EXCO dealt with the following issues:
HIV and AIDS reflection:
The Executive Council identified the following as key drivers of the HIV and AIDS epidemic in Southern Africa:
- High levels of multiple and concurrent sexual partnerships between men and women
- Inconsistent and incorrect condom use
- Low levels of male circumcision
In South Africa, HIV and AIDS account for around 1000 deaths a day. EXCO’s view is that behaviour change is key in the fight against HIV and AIDS. A reduction in the number of sexual relationships, consistent and correct condom use, male circumcision, HIV testing and adherence to treatment will help reduce the spread of HIV.
If people have one partner at a time, and a couple stays faithful, they will be able to protect themselves from HIV. This is because HIV cannot be transmitted from others to them or from them to others.
The impact of HIV and AIDS is seen through the number of orphans and vulnerable children. According to the National Surveillance System on Maternal study (2003-2010), there are 79 801 orphans and other vulnerable children in the North West, with Bojanala district accounting for 37%.
Crime statistics:
The Executive Council received a report from the South African Police Service on the crime statistics for the period April 2010 to March 2011. EXCO noted that the statistics painted a picture of a province that is winning the war against crime. In particular, the latest crime statistics show that the following crime categories have come down; robbery, malicious damage to property, burglary, theft of motor vehicles, stock theft, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, drug-related crime, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fraud, shoplifting, vehicle, house robbery and truck hijacking.
EXCO noted that more work needs to be done to ensure that the following crime categories are reduced; rape, murder, arson, robbery of cash in transit and business robbery.
EXCO congratulated the police for their hard work in reducing crime, and urged members of the community to work with the police. EXCO reiterated its view that fighting crime is not the responsibility of the police alone. It is the responsibility of the whole society. EXCO made a call to all communities to strengthen community policing forums and to support their police in their on-going efforts to defeat the scourge of crime.
Veld fire incidents in the province:
The Executive Council received a report on veld fires that took place during 22-24 August 2011 in the province. The following areas have been seriously affected; Ditsobotla, Ventersdorp, Potchefstroom, Schweizer-Reneke, Vryburg, Ganyesa and Fochville.
These veld fires have resulted in five deaths and eight injuries, deaths of about 2550 livestock and 1050 game animals, destruction of about 310 000 hectares of grazing land and damage to agricultural infrastructure such as fencing, pivots, sheds and water pumping equipment.
EXCO acknowledged that veld fire disasters have an enormous impact on agricultural productivity and livelihood for farmers in the affected areas and that the affected farmers will not cope on their own if government does not intervene.
EXCO noted that the following urgent support is needed; provision of emergency food, disposal of carcasses, provision of food parcels to affected farm workers, implementation of risk reduction strategies and restoration of the damaged agricultural infrastructure.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will complete the process of assessing the entire damage
Elections of Traditional Councils:
EXCO approved that elections for traditional councils should proceed on the 28th of September 2011. The elections will take place across the three districts of the province - Bojanala, Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and will be conducted by the Independent Electoral Commission.
The registration of voters and nomination of candidates ran from the 10th to the 16th of September 2011.
The provincial government has taken a decision to leave out traditional councils that are beset with succession disputes until an amicable solution is found. These are Bakubing bar ATHEO, Batlhako ba Leema, Bahurutshe ba ga Moiloa, Bakwena ba Manamela and Bafokeng ba Motlatla.
HOD appointments:
The Executive Council was briefed on the process of filling of posts of Heads of Department and expressed satisfaction that the process is proceeding well.
EXCO announced the appointment of Dr Emily Mogajane as the new Head of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Other announcements will be made in due course.
Visit by Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ambassadors:
EXCO extended a warm hand of welcome to the SADC ambassadors who would be in the North West province from the 25th to the 28th of September 2011.
The Ambassadors will meet the Executive Council on Tuesday morning and leave for Mahikeng Airport to explore its potential to make the North West a gateway to SADC countries.
The objective of the Ambassadors’ visit to the North West province is to promote bilateral relations between the respective countries as well as to promote the Head of Mission’s own country, and provide opportunity for these Heads of Mission to interact with the leadership of the North West.
The North West province offers a wide range of investment opportunities. However, investment possibilities within Africa and beyond have not been adequately explored. It is hoped that these ambassadors will be exposed to the North West province and its economic potential. In the long-term, EXCO hope the visit and its spin-offs will ultimately contribute towards the national effort of attracting, investment, creating employment opportunities and reducing poverty.
Enquiries:
Cornelius Tanana Monama
018 388 4296
Cell: 082 578 4063
Fax: 086 544 0931
E-mail: cmonama@nwpg.gov.za \cmonama@gmail.com
