Speech delivered by the Member of the Executive Council, the Honourable Butana Komphela, on the occasion of the presentation and debate on the Budget Vote for the Department of Police, Roads and Transport
Honourable Madam Speaker
Honourable Premier of the Free State Province
Honourable Members of the Free State Provincial Legislature
Honourable Members of the Executive Council
Executive Mayors, Speakers, and Councilors
Representatives of the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, House of Traditional Leaders
HoDs, Provincial Commissioner SAPS, Regional Commander SANDF and Regional Commissioner of Correctional Services
Provincial Director of Public Prosecutions
Regional Head of State Security Agency
Members of the Community Policing Boards and Forums
Members of the Road Safety Councils and Taxi Councils
Representatives of NEHAWU, POPCRU and SAPU, media houses
RTMC
Office of the Auditor-General
Comrades and Compatriots and Esteemed guests,
Good Afternoon
Madam Speaker,
On the 17 June 2014, President Jacob Zuma delivered his State of the Nation Address for the New Administration. Following this State of the Nation Address, the Premier of the Province delivered his State of the Province Address on 26 June 2014.
Both speeches emphasize the Programme of Action and timeframes in the determination of Government to leverage investment in infrastructure as a deliberate instrument to reverse the scourge of unemployment as well as the very real challenges of poverty and inequality.
Underlying these challenges are also the issues of Safety and Security for the people of the Free State Province. As the Freedom Charter outlines:
“All people shall have the right to live in comfort and security”
Indeed, in this crucial year that heralds the advent of 20 years of Democracy which had seen the demise of racial oppression and the establishment of the 5th Democratic Administration, the African National Congress is confirmed as the vanguard of the struggle to change the lives of our people for the better.
Anchored in the ANC’s unwavering determination to undo the injustices of the past, the Honourable Premier, outlined the path to set the Province and indeed the country, onto the road to a better life for all!
Re Hlasela ho se lekane-lekane!!!
Honourable Premier, we also thank you for extending our appreciation and indebtedness to the people of the Free State for voting overwhelmingly for the African National Congress: The Real and Authentic Vanguard of the Fight for Freedom!
The Premier re-iterated the Five Priorities of the new Administration, which include:
- The creation of more jobs, decent work and sustainable livelihoods for inclusive growth, and
- Fighting crime and corruption, to mention but the two.
Enjoined thus by that vanguard organization of the total emancipation of our people in South Africa, the African National Congress, the Department of Police, Roads and Transport will be specifically, contributing to the following priorities directly:
- Fighting crime and corruption
- Building an inclusive economy that creates jobs
Therefore, the key questions which should be asked are:
- How do we arrive at a sustainable inclusive economic growth rate for the Free State, as the Premier calls upon us to do?
- How do we arrive at much higher levels of employment creation, as our ANC manifesto calls upon us to do?
- And how do we arrive at the more rapid reduction of inequality, including de-racialisation of the economy, as the National Development Plan (NDP) calls upon us to do?
For all these variables to be attained, we would indeed require a viable road transport infrastructure and a safe and secure environment.
Madam Speaker,
Our challenges by and large include the following:
- Building and maintaining the roads and transport infrastructure;
- Financing and executing this infrastructure investment is a key challenge for expanding the overall economic capacity (including facilitating production and exports) and the overall size of the economy;
However, it must be stated that South Africa is better placed, with its financial and engineering capacity, to pursue and achieve the ambitious and necessary infrastructure programme, as contained in the NDP;
Despite the courageous efforts of our democratic organization - the African National Congress - we should be wary that our government does not in fact, see reversed the progress made in the last 20 years.
On Clean Government
Madam Speaker,
Let us remind this HOUSE that:
- In our 2013/2014 Budget Vote, we committed our Department to curb fraud and corruption and identifying risks to enable it to make major financial management decisions and observe high levels of compliance, in order to achieve clean audit outcomes,
- In his response to the State of the Nation Address Debate on 20 February 2014, our very own President Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma applauded the fact that, and I quote,
“…the Free State Department of Police, Roads and Transport [had] achieved for the first time since 2007, an unqualified audit opinion”.
In this regard, the Department of Police, Roads and Transport has developed and implemented measures confirming the zero tolerance stance of the Department regarding fraud and corruption.
We therefore positioned to contribute to the capacity of the State as expected of us in the NDP, such as:
- mentoring of managers,
- improved attraction and retention of Skills
- introduce improved business processes to pay suppliers within 30 days
- encourage more day-to-day interaction between middle level officials
Madam Speaker
We have to answer the question, as honestly as only we can do, whether our actions have been and are based on the recognition of the injustices of the past and whether our actions have genuinely sought to promote the well-being of South Africans.
On crime,
Just two weeks ago, our capable law enforcement agencies successfully;
- Apprehended stock thieves and recovered 68 of the 85 sheep in Phutaditjhaba that had been stolen from hardworking farmers in the Free State.
- A drug factory was uncovered in Phomolong, Hennenman, and two Nigerians and a South African woman appeared in court as a result.
We are indeed on the firm path to create a free, safe and secure environment for all people of the Free State.
The NDP further enjoins us to improve capacity to investigate and prosecute corruption cases from both a disciplinary and criminal perspective.
We will be announcing measures on how we will be dealing with these mandates in terms of fighting corruption.
As we showcase Projects and unveil Programmes and Activities, we invite members of the various communities to bear testimony that indeed this government is a caring government. This past Sunday, the community of Thabong, Welkom, led by Ward 17 (Alfred Nzo ANC Branch), awarded a Trophy and Certificate of Recognition and declared Thabong police station as the best police station in the Free State Province.
It is indeed rewarding that when we work hard for communities, that communities thank you in turn.
FIGHTING CRIME AND CORRUPTION
The NDP enjoins to:
- reduce levels of contact crime
- improve criminal investigations
- improve investigation and prosecution of criminal and violent conduct in public protest
In this regard, the Provincial Crime Prevention Strategy was launched in July 2013 and is aligned to the spirit of the National Development Plan, the National Crime Prevention Strategy and the Free State Provincial Growth and Development Plan.
The Provincial Crime Prevention Strategy will continue to serve as the blue-print for all Provincial Crime Prevention Programmes and Initiatives in the Free State Province.
In this regard the Department and the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster will also focus all its crime prevention initiatives towards addressing crime and violence against vulnerable groups including women, the elderly and children; substance abuse and gangsterism.
This Strategy also articulates and strengthens our commitment and intention in ensuring that we combine all resources available in the Province towards the safety and security of all citizens of the Province.
To improve the capacity of the Province to plan for and react to emergencies and disasters, the Department is in the process of establishing a Fusion Centre, which will serve as a central coordinating point to which all emergency calls will be logged for the immediate activation of key role-players. A building has already been secured and is being assessed for the necessary adaptations.
The integrated planning approach is already bearing fruit since an agreement was reached between the Prosecuting Authority and the South African Police Services that specific prosecutors will be assigned to work closely on identified serious and high profile cases to ensure proper investigation and convictions.
The Department of Police, Roads and Transport has identified the need to expedite the recruitment of Community Safety Patrollers who will create additional capacity to the SAPS resources in conducting visible and focused patrols at hotspot crime areas in conjunction with the SAPS at local level.
In this regard the Department is busy finalizing the necessary Bid processes to appoint a service provider to facilitate, launch and formally administer the Community Patroller Programme initiative.
This programme will be rolled out in conjunction with the support of insurance companies and introduced at police stations like Bothaville, Bloemspruit, Thabong, Botshabelo, Phuthaditjhaba and Maokeng.
Initially this programme will be for a 3 year pilot programme but may be expanded as and when more funding becomes available.
The reporting of crimes in the province has shown a decrease when 2013/2014 financial year is compared with the 2012/2013 financial year, with only Theft-of-motor vehicles and Theft–out-of motor vehicles showing a slight increase.
We appeal to members of the public to not leave valuables in their cars, because they are a temptation to criminal elements.
Although Stock Theft has shown a decrease, it remains a concern and priority which has prompted the launch of Stock Theft Information Centers the first of which was established in Thaba Nchu and Botshabelo.
These Centers will be replicated at hotspot areas in the Province to assist in the sharing of information, improve feedback to complainants and intensify awareness on branding of livestock. The branding of cattle and livestock should be conducted in regions and should be led by the Department of Agriculture and the South African Police Services.
On 25 April 2014, a Mine Crime Combating Forum was launched in Welkom towards enhancing the Province’s focus on curbing Illicit Mining. On 1 July 2014 an Illicit Mining Investigative Task Team was established as a new outfit under the Detectives to ensure regular operations to curb illicit mining.
The Province is also proud to announce that the Thabong Police Station was recognized as the Best Performing Police Station in the whole country.
Also in this regard, another 8 officials in the SAPS were also recognized for their performance during the SAPS National Excellence Awards. The Provincial SAPS obtained most of the awards compared to all the other Provinces.
The South African Police Service has taken a firm stand on corruption which is evident from the following instances, to mention a few:
- 61 officials from the SAPS have been arrested
- 14 officials dismissed
Similarly, in
- traffic, 30 officials have been charged and 5 officials suspended
Capacity has also been created under General Investigations to give special attention to the investigation of all corruption cases.
Amongst the mentioned successes, the following can also be noted:
- Assets to the value of R8 million were forfeited from 39 asset forfeitures orders received; and
- A total of 3 268 confiscated firearms were destroyed.
It is important that we resist the temptation to undermine these achievements and think that “abo-mafikizolo parties” like the so-called Freedom Fronts, Freedom Fighters, etc, can deliver free and secure livelihoods for the people of this Province, let alone the people of this country.
ROADS INFRASTRUCTURE
Madam Speaker,
In the Free State, our Department is still responsible for the rehabilitation and maintenance of 6 613 kms surfaced roads and the continuous demand driven re-gravelling and blading of 21 534 kms of gravel roads
We are happy to announce that the following road construction projects were completed in 2013/14 financial year.
- Warden – Standerton
- Heilbron – Petrus Steyn
- Bloemfontein – Bultfontein
- Bethlehem – Lindley
Heilbron – Phiritona access road and bridge will be completed in October 2014. This road will ensure smooth access between the Town and the Township
We will continue with the construction of Monontsha Pass and Route 4 (Rietpan Road and Bridge) in the Thabo Mofutsanyane District in this new financial year which is running over the MTEF period.
The following roads will be rehabilitated in this financial year:
- Vrede to Memel Road
- Memel to Bothas pass
- Reitz to Kestell Road (Already launched by the Honourable Premier)
- Zastron to Wepener Road
- Deneysville to Sasolburg Road (This has been a problematic road for some time)
- Parys through Route
- Clocolan to Marquard
- Kroonstad to Vredefort
- Zastron Access Road
- Meadows Road (Contract will be awarded early August)
The repairs of flood damaged gravel roads including culvert bridges will also be done in Fezile Dabi and Thabo Mofutsanyane districts. In Fezile Dabi we are looking at 13 roads in total that include S78, S73, S147 and S188, S205, S230 of the 10 damaged roads in Thabo Mofutsanyane.
We are also excited that the following projects will be implemented within the EPWP guidelines:
- Vrede Transport Route
- Thaba-Nchu Transport Route
- QwaQwa Transport Route
- Botshabelo Transport Route
It is expected that the above EPWP projects will create more than 4000 job opportunities. A budget of about R120 million is also set aside for the contractor development programme.
Small contractors will be targeted for grass cutting for the whole of the Province in a programme that will run for a period of 3 years.
Our Department has also allocated R 293 million, in line with the President’s call, to build and empower SMMEs and Cooperatives.
TRANSPORT
Madam Speaker,
The transformation of Maluti Bus Services has been completed and the New Company (NEWCO) with the new shareholding was established.
I am indeed proud to state that in its shareholding the company’s ownership is in the hands of previously disadvantaged groups.
To ensure that public transport in the Thabo Mofutsanyane, Maluti-a-Phofung and Dihlabeng is reliable and convenient, the complete fleet component of Maluti Bus Services has been fully recapitalized, following the handing over of 8 new buses by EXCO in July 2013.
Construction of Phase Two of Setsoto Transport Centre was completed and the project was launched in October 2013. Phase Three of this project is planned for the next financial year (2015/2016).
The transformation process of Itumele Bus Lines in Motheo Region has started. We will continue with the process in this financial year (2014/15) to ensure that all the stakeholders in the transport industry are represented. In this regard we will be directed by the Executive Council.
This is in pursuance of the implementation of the New Growth Path to promote growth and employment opportunities.
It is also the intention of the Provincial Government to extend the bus subsidies to other regions in the Province. Towards that end, the Department is busy developing the Integrated Transport Plans (ITPs) in Fezile Dabi and Lejweleputswa Districts, in consultation with the respective municipalities.
Honourable Speaker,
The Tshiame area of Harrismith has been approved as an Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) with the potential of developing into a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
Towards that end, Cabinet concluded that an application for the entire Maluti-a-Phofung precinct should be submitted as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
The department of Police, Roads and transport has submitted a request for funding to the DBSA for financial grant, and the process has passed Phase 1 of evaluation.
The Rail Revitalization project from Kimberly to Maseru will form an integral part of the Mangaung N8 Corridor development championed by the Department of Police, Roads and Transport and Mangaung Metro Municipality. The project has in fact been registered as a PPP project.
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
Madam Speaker
As this Department has undertaken during the 2013/14 financial year Budget Vote Speech, we have already appointed an additional 180 new traffic trainees who started on the 30th June 2014.
The department has appointed a nurse to assist in executing alcohol projects in an endeavor to enhance traffic law enforcement. So far the project has achieved the following results in the form of on-the-spot arrests:
- Mangaung Metro - 40
- Lejweleputswa - 23
- Thabo Mofutsanyane - 16
- Fezile Dabi - 9
- Xhariep - 2
TOTAL 90
We firmly believe that high visibility of officers will go a long way to enhance law enforcement and discipline on the roads.
In addition to this, the department will appoint 150 traffic wardens who are going to focus on scholar patrols.
Work has already started towards securing a building for the establishment of a Traffic College of Excellence. Plans are now in place to have the College fully operational in the 2015/2016 financial year.
The Department will soon start with the upgrading of testing stations to enhance service delivery and a programme of reducing waiting period for learners and driver’s license are in place.
The Department of Police, Roads and Transport has a training programme targeting about 900 Learners who have passed Grade 12 and are unemployed; to enable them to acquire driving licenses in the following Districts :
- 300 Fezile Dabi
- 300 QwaQwa
- 300 Dihlabeng and Harrismith
Madam Speaker,
We are pleased to inform this House that the total revenue collected for the financial year 2013/2014 increased by 8.3% from R489.9 million to R534.1 million.
BUDGET ALLOCATION 2014/2015
The Department’s ultimate mandate, as also guided by the founding Constitution of this country, is to provide safe communities, viable road infrastructure and the safe transportation of goods and people.
As a whole the budget provided to this department amounts to R2.195 billion for the 2014/15 financial year.
This mandate is reflected in the priorities of the Provincial government in terms of:
- speeding up economic growth and transforming the economy to create decent work and sustainable livelihoods,
- massive programmes to build economic and social infrastructure,
- intensifying the fight against crime and corruption, and
- building a developmental state, including improving public services.
The Provincial and National basis for sustained service delivery calls for seamless government action and the Department must respond by reviewing and improving its role in working with others.
Minimisation of the costs of doing business and elevation of national strategic priorities above all other priorities will form the key thrust of this turnaround strategy with the consequence of redirecting resources to the identified national priorities.
On Equitable share allocation a 2.9% decrease is reflected and amounting to R512 million, but on Infrastructure Enhancement Allocation an increase of 4.5% was allocated amounting to R374 million.
The Provincial Road Maintenance Grant decreased with 34% to the amount of R1.026 billion and this Conditional Grant will be utilized to improve the road conditions in the Free State Province.
This reflects a total decrease of the departmental budget allocation of 14% amounting to R2.195 billion.
To conclude,
No trick, however represented for political advantage, will distort the challenge that faces us as the vanguard of the struggle, to effect the fundamental social transformation without which the miracle of our transition to a better society will not survive!
In the end the success of our selfless struggle will be measured by the progress as a Province to address such as the challenges of safety, economic growth and safer roads.
Madam Speaker,
Allow me to thank all officials in the Department who have tirelessly worked towards turning our institution into a Department of Choice.
Thank you to my family for all their support and sacrifices.
I thank you
