The Gauteng Executive Council (Exco) on Wednesday, 30 July 2014, held a special meeting in Johannesburg and following are the decisions of the meeting:
Medium Term Strategic Framework
The Executive Council adopted the Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) for the period 2014 to 2019.
The MTSF outlines key priorities and programmes to give practical effect to the Ten Pillar Programme of radical transformation, modernisation and reindustrialisation.
It prioritises the development of key and new economic sectors that have the potential to address the twin policy imperatives of creating decent employment and greater economic inclusion. These sectors will include finance, automotive industry, manufacturing, agro-processing and biotechnology, ICT, tourism, pharmaceuticals, creative industries, construction and real estate.
Revitalisation of Township Economies
Another area of priority for the economy is the revitalisation and building of township economies by supporting the development of township enterprises, cooperatives and SMMEs that produce goods and services that meet the needs of township residents. Government will provide training, financial support, economic infrastructure and marketing support to ensure that the township economy thrives.
Building a Modern Economy
Government will work together with research institutions and other role players to promote an innovation-driven, knowledge-based, smart and green economy. To support re-industrialisation, government will invest in strategic economic infrastructure including public transport, modern roads and broadband technology.
Consolidation of Education Gains
In the social sector the province will consolidate gains made in education to further improve the quality of education from Early Childhood Development to Grade 12 with a target 90% matric pass rate and better performance in mathematics and science. Smart classrooms will be introduced in public schools to ensure that all learners and teachers have progressive access to broadband and smart learning and teaching tools.
Quality Healthcare for all
Government will promote quality, equitable healthcare for all through the implementation of the National Health Insurance, setting core health standards, expanded primary healthcare and transforming the healthcare economy to ensure more people have access to healthcare. Waiting times in all public healthcare institutions will be reduced by 60% and the availability of medicines will be improved to 98% for vital medication and 95% for other medication.
Gauteng Spatial Development Framework
Government will work together with developers and other role-players to develop integrated and sustainable human settlements in line with the Gauteng Spatial Development Framework which provides for a radical shift towards building new settlements within economic nodes.
Improvement of Service Delivery
The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) will work with all municipalities in the province to transform and modernise public service to improve coordinated service delivery throughout Gauteng. There will be a formalised monitoring and evaluation system combined with service delivery inspections at public institutions to improve the responsiveness of government and overall service delivery.
A detailed Gauteng Programme of Action (PoA) will be developed with measurable results and targets for the first year and the entire term of the current administration.
Restructuring of the Agriculture and Rural Development Department
As part of ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and service delivery, Premier David Makhura announced the restructuring of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. The department of Agriculture and Rural Development will now be part of the Economic Development portfolio under the political leadership of MEC Lebogang Maile.
The Environment and Regulatory functions, which were previously part of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, will be transferred to the Department of Infrastructure Development.
Advisory Panel on Socio-economic Impact of E-tolls
The Executive Council noted the establishment of the Advisory Panel on Socio-economic Impact of E-tolls. The Panel was established by Premier Makhura on 17 July 2014 with a mandate to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the socio-economic impact of the e-tolls. The panel will consult with all interested parties including government, state owned enterprises, civil society organisation and the public. Details of the consultations will be released in due course.
Enquiries:
Thabo Masebe, Provincial Head of Communication
Cell: 082 4108 087
