The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Norman Mokoena, has invoked the spirit of Pixley Ka Isaka Seme when he announced that the Provincial Executive Council has withdrawn the administration and returned all powers to the Pixley Ka Seme Local Municipality. This follows after the municipality was placed under administration on 25 February 2009 in terms ofSection 139 (1) (b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act No. 108 of 1996) as amended.
When addressing the municipality MEC Mokoena indicated that municipality had made significant strides in addressing the challenges that it had face since it was put under administration. He added that there had been extensive engagements with all stakeholders in the municipality in addressing the challenges that faced the municipality. “The Executive Council is convinced that with the interventions that we have put in place, a fertile ground has been laid for the democratically elected representatives of the Pixely Ka Seme Local Municipality to resume their responsibilities with the requisite selfless dedication demanded of all elected representatives” said Mokoena.
The significant strides that have been made by the municipality include: All the recommendations which were made in terms of the section 106 investigation report have been completed. The supply chain management policy has been developed and a supply chain manager appointed. A Municipal Manager has been appointed and water tight performance agreements have been signed with almost all the section 57 managers. The recruitment and selection policy will now be fully complied with and the Local Labour Forum will be granted observer status to ensure that the recruitment and selection process is open and transparent.
Candidates who are fit and proper to execute the allocated duties will henceforth be appointed with strict adherence to relevant transformational and labour legislation. The challenges around community services such as refuse removal, municipal health systems, environmental management, traffic control and disaster management have been dealt with.
Most of the grievances that led to the outbreak of unrest and the abuse of the system were related to the absence of policy frameworks or the ineffectiveness of those policy frameworks that existed. All the relevant and required policies have been developed and put in place. A realistic Integrated Development Plan which has eliminated all “wish list projects” and promises achievable objectives within financial abilities of the municipality has been developed.
There continues to be a shortage of skills in the technical and engineering department. The provincial government working with the municipality will continue to seek expert advice and assistance from the relevant professionals. Government will also work and tap onto the expertise of sector departments, social partners and the private sector including state owned enterprises.
MEC Mokoena explained at length the functions of the mayoral committee, speaker and the code of conduct for councilors.
MEC Mokoena also expressed his appreciation to all stakeholders who worked with the provincial government and the team of Administrators whilst the municipality was still under administration. “As we return all powers that were assumed by the province to the municipality, we will continue to provide the necessary hands on support. We urge the municipality to continue engage the community on all matters affecting the municipality “said Mokoena.
When concluding, MEC Mokoena quoted Pixley Ka Isaka Seme from his speech“the Regeneration ofAfrica”, when he said “ from our four corners of the earth, Africa’s sons, who have been proved through fire and sword, are marching to the future’s golden door bearing the records of deeds of valour done....the brighter day is rising upon Africa.” He urged the leadership of the municipality to always be guided by the principles that Pixley Ka Isaka Seme stood for.
Contact person:
Simphiwe Kunene
Cell: 082 413 3931
Statement by MEC Norman Mokoena on the removal of section 139 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act No 108 of 1996) as ammended in Pixely Ka Seme Local Municipality
Province
