Budget Policy Vote 12 presented by the Kwazulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Honourable S.E Hlomuka, at the KZN Legislature, Pietermaritzburg, 20 April 2023
Honourable Speaker, Ms. N Boyce;
Honourable Deputy Speaker, Mr. R.T Mthembu;
Honourable Premier, Ms. N Dube-Ncube;
Members of the Provincial Executive Council;
Honourable Members of this House;
Head of Department; Mr. Mbhele;
Senior Management of the Department;
Transport stakeholders;
Invited guests;
Members of the media.
1. Introduction
Madam Speaker allow me to rise and table the Budget Vote -12, which is the Budget Policy speech for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport. We are tabling this budget speech under the theme: Leaving no one behind – 29 years of solid service delivery and still committed to doing more!
This theme takes into cognizance the journey we have traversed with the people of KwaZulu-Natal over the past 29 years of freedom and democracy. The reality is that as we are approaching 30 years of freedom, there is no corner of the Province that has not been touched by the Department of Transport.
2. Context
Honourable Chairperson, we reaffirm to not leaving anyone behind as we continue rolling out massive in- frastructure delivery to the people of our Province. We commit not to leave anyone behind as we roll-out an improved public transport system. We will not leave anyone behind as we create jobs and continue with radical socio-economic transformation.
Chairperson, this Budget Policy statement seeks to take forward some of the commitments and interventions announced by the Premier, Honourable Nomusa Dube-Ncube, during her State of the Province Address. Equally, we are giving progress on the implementation of the Provincial Growth and Development Plan, as well as the National Development Plan.
Central to all these policy documents is to change the lives of the people and restore the dignity of those who were previously deprived of access to the economy and decent living.
Honourable Members, for almost three decades now, this government has built a legacy of championing people’s interests. We have, in these three decades, constructed thousands of kilometres of upgraded roads, we have built bridges to connect our people, we have improved the public transport system and the majority of commuters are benefiting from government subsidized public transport. We have empowered emerging contractors and created thousands of jobs.
Indeed, we have a good story to tell and we are striving to leave no one behind – iyashosholoza inqola yentuthuko. Our people can attest to the reality and tangible changes they see in their communities. The record of achievements in the past 29 years is solid.
The African National Congress (ANC) is the only organization with a clear track record of changing people’s lives for the better. We must also acknowledge that the experience of the past 29 years in government has been very testing but working with the people of this country, we made progress. We are the only liberation movement on the continent that has delivered such a political, comprehensive social programme and eco- nomic stabilization programme.
The majority of those who criticize this government today are in one way or other beneficiaries of the achieve- ments of the past 29 years. Some of them are grandstanding on the weaknesses, which we are aware of and addressing. Alikho isoka elingenasici!
Chairperson, the past 29 years has also been a serious learning curve for the ANC, and we do acknowledge some of the failures where we could have done things differently. People must not, because of some chal- lenges, discard the good track record and the good work we have done together. Hence, we are working flat out to improve in those areas.
One good thing about experience is that we now know the areas where there are service delivery challenges and we know the best solutions to accelerate development in those communities.
Like former President Thabo Mbeki said: “Gloomy and despondency have never defeated adversity. Trying times need courage and resilience. Our strength as a people is not tested during the best of times. As we said before, we should never become despondent because the weather is bad; nor should we turn trium- phalist because the sun shines.”
3. Achievements of the 6th dinistration
Honourable Members, the 6th Administration outlined its priorities, and these were in line with the PGDP and the NDP. As the Department of Transport, we have made progress in several areas since the 2019/2020 financial year to date:
- We have upgraded 57 kilometres of roads from gravel to blacktop;
- We have built 11 vehicle bridges and 5 pedestrian bridges;
- 14 Welisizwe Bailey bridges were completed;
- More than 3 900 000 m2 of road infrastructure were rehabilitated and 14 000 000 m2 were re-sealed;
- 72 000 learners are provided with transport every day; and
- We completed the construction of the uMzimkhulu Public Transport facilities.
4. Progress on Floods Damaged Projects
Honourable Chairperson, the challenges brought about by global weather warming are now the reality. Over the past consecutive years, the Province has experienced unprecedented floods, which have undermined the progress we are making in rolling out massive infrastructure delivery. These torrential rains left devastating damage to our infrastructure and resulted in most projects collapsing before their expected lifespan.
From the June 2008 floods to the massive April 2022 floods and the recent February 2023 rains, the damage is amounting to billions of Rands. This is also delaying service delivery because we have had to reprioritize because even if the national government releases some funds, there are always delays. Most projects have experienced wash-aways, damage to structures, sinkholes, mudslides, collapse of Armco pipes, overtopping and excessive potholes.
"For the April 2022 floods, the Department has had to prioritize the repair of 730 projects at a value of R2.9 billion."
Honourable Members, the Department is currently working with other agencies to fast-track the remaining projects. Through the South African National Roads Agency SoE (SANRAL), we have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoU).
These include the M4 Tongaat bridge and R102. We have also signed a MoU with the Independent Develop- ment Trust (IDT), which is another state institution, to assist through their panel of engineers and construc- tors.
Chairperson, work is underway, and progress is being made on the N2 in uMgababa and the uMhlali River Bridge. In both projects, the contracts have commenced.
We are also happy to report progress and are planning to re-open the R74 in KwaMaphumulo in the next few months as the contractor is moving towards completion of the construction after a sinkhole resulted from the January 2022 rains. Work is underway on the M40 Edendale Road, which experienced a similar problem.
Chairperson, the estimate for the April 2022 floods alone was about R5.7 billion hence the Department had to reprioritize its budget. We only received an additional R589 million from National Treasury in November 2022 and this money has been fully spent.
Equally, the damage caused by the February 2023 heavy rains has added another burden. The assessment revealed that we need an additional R2 billion. We have not received any additional funding. However, the application has been made through the provincial disaster declaration.
Chairperson, as part of the mitigating factors, the Department has started conducting the assessment of low-level bridges across the Province. This will assist in the prioritization and planning. We have also taken a decision to do away with causeways but rather invest in proper structures.
5. Pothole Patching Programme
Honourable Members, we have mentioned before that the impact of the floods is causing excessive potholes, but the situation is further worsened by the fact that some of the infrastructure has already reached its lifes- pan. Another challenge, which is adding strain to our infrastructure, is the proliferation of trucks on the road.
The Premier directed in her State of the Province Address that we must develop a clear plan to attend to this challenge.
To this end, we have allocated more than R2.8 billion to prioritize the rehabilitation and reseal of the existing road network. By doing so we will revive the roads back to life and simultaneously eliminate potholes.
We are also planning to rehabilitate more than 1 386 810 square metres of urgent roads. Projects such as P242, P19 and P395 and many others are targeted in this regard.
As part of the National Government programme, Operation Valazonke, the Province is also working with SANRAL at a regional level. Some of the interventions are as follows:
- Conduct assessment of all roads with potholes;
- DoT regions to develop prioritization plans;
- Pothole war room, which comprises of the Province, SANRAL and strategic local municipalities;
- Province to assist municipalities to develop maintenance and pothole patching plans;
- Ensure full expenditure of the Road Maintenance Grant;
- Finalize the appointment of pothole patching contracts;
- Place DoT regional dedicated teams to attend to potholes every day;
- DoT to purchase high tech trucks equipped with pothole patching equipment. These will be deployed in all district municipalities.
6. Programme One: Administration Support
Honourable Chairperson, the purpose of this Programme is to provide the Department with the overall man- agement and administrative, strategic, corporate support and financial services (including human resource management, labour relations and legal services) in order to ensure that it delivers on its mandate in an integrated, efficient, effective and sustainable manner.
This includes goods and services utilized for governance, management, research, and administration, as well as for general office services such as cleaning and security services.
The budget allocation for this programme is R656 million.
6.1 Skills development
This budget will also be spent ensuring that the Department is able to meet the strategic objective of building the capacity of the state to deliver services to the people.
In the past four years, the Department has through various capacity building initiatives trained a total of 3 329 employees. Further to this more than 237 bursaries were awarded to employees.
As part of developing the next layer of engineers and the youth, a total of 87 students were awarded bur- saries since 2019. Through our Adult Education and Training (AET) programme, 12 employees completed the programme. In the Bricklaying Apprenticeship Programme, 50 young people are being empowered and benefiting from this programme.
Honourable Members, as part of building internal capacity and eliminating the overreliance on consultants, the Department has for the first time 78 registered professional engineering technicians with the Engineer- ing Council of South Africa (ECSA), 9 professionally registered engineering technologists, and 14 profes- sional engineers. We have also achieved a milestone of having seven appointed Chief Engineers and the three are still acting engineers, something that has not happened in the past. Through these resources we now have several roads, which are designed and managed internally by the Department.
6.2 Graduate Internship Programme
This programme aims to address youth unemployment and build a skills reservoir. It also seeks to bridge the gap between academic theoretical studies and practical work experience. A total of 712 graduates have been placed by the Department since 2019. Further to this, an additional 348 have been added and have commenced in March 2023.
In addition to the Internship Programme, the Department has through the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placed 254 students in the past four years of the current administration. Through a programme funded by the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA), a total of 88 learnerships were completed and award-ed with certificates.
6.3 Finalization of the organogram and filling of posts
Honourable Members, the Department working with the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) is closer to finalizing the concurrence of the organizational structure. Internally, we have agreed on the organizational structure, which is a huge breakthrough. Management and organized labour are now all working for a common purpose, which is to finalize the process and build a sound administration.
Whilst this process is progressing, parallel to it the Department is continuing with filling of approved and funded posts.
Since the 2019/2020 financial year, about 1 941 posts were approved for filling, more than 736 vacancies have been filled and 1 178 have already been advertised.
Chairperson, whilst filling these posts, we remain cognizant of the commitment to improve employment eq- uity in our work environment. Currently the Department has 49.14 percent of women in its work force and
50 percent in Senior Management Services.
6.5 Digital transformation strategy
Chairperson, the Department is currently rolling out the implementation of its digital strategy. The digital strategy focuses on transforming not only the transportation sector but also internally in the Department.
The Department will launch its Contact Centre where citizens can engage the Department via a Toll-Free Number, WhatsApp, and Web Services that will allow citizens to engage with the Department at a touch of a button, have a view of where the reported issues are and have the ability to escalate. The digital strategy is also introducing a smart way of paying for public transportation that our citizens will soon enjoy through a smart payment system. We are also working on an electronic, subsidized bus monitoring system to enhance our public transportation and its efficiency.
Law enforcement is also being enhanced through an introduction of technology in its operations. The digital strategy has made this function efficient by introducing a fleet management system that will enhance re- sponse times to accidents and incidents on our road network.
Through digital transformation, we have also introduced Personal Operating Devices (also known as Police Officer Devices - PODs) that will assist traffic officers to digitize the issuing of traffic fines as we also enhance the fines collection systems.
We have also identified digital skills gaps in the implementation process of the digital strategy and are looking at creating a training schedule that will address the skills needed to enable a full digital transformation in the Department, also known as Workplace Skills of the Future.
There is still a lot that the digital strategy seeks to achieve in the next four years, and we have prioritized upgrading our aging IT infrastructure, strengthening cyber security, and establishing the Transport Intelligent Integrated Command Centre in collaboration with other state entities like Telkom. The Intelligent Integrated Transport Command Centre is a combination of leading-edge information and communication technologies used in transportation to improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of transportation networks as well as reduce traffic congestion and enhance road users’ and citizens’ experiences in our Province.
6.6 Fighting fraud and corruption
The Department continues to fight fraud and corruption. Fighting crime in general is one of the priorities of the 6th administration. To this end, through our Risk Management Directorate, a number of initiatives are be- ing implemented. The Department is tightening its internal controls informed by its risk mitigating strategy.
We continue to work with other agencies of the state in ensuring proper investigation of all cases where crime is suspected. These includes effective monitoring of Supply Chain Management processes and orders that are issued.
Work is being done in rooting out crime and corruption in the Driver’s Licencing Testing Centres and monitoring the behaviour of traffic officers in their line of duty.
In the past years, there are 15 suspects arrested, 157 learners cancelled, 265 driver licences cancelled, and 7 Professional Driving Permits cancelled. Operations are being conducted by the Department working with
the police to arrest more jockeys, who are acting on behalf of applicants in our testing centres.
6.7 Audit Improvement plan
Honourable Chairperson, the Department is making progress in improving its audit position. From the pre- vious audit there are a few matters that remain, and we are strengthening the Supply Chain Management Directorate to improve compliance.
The Audit Improvement Strategy is being implemented with the support from Provincial Treasury and we will always strive to improve in this regard. We have strengthened our internal control processes and further put in place more stringent checklist in scrutinizing bid documents.
7. Programme Two: Transport Infrastructure and District Services
Transport infrastructure is essential to the fulfilment of the strategic goal of the Department of becoming a gateway to Africa and the World. Whilst there is an appreciation of the role played by other modes of transport, the reality is that the majority of goods within the continent are moved using land transport. This places strain on the existing infrastructure, which needs to cope with tons of loads every hour. With KwaZu- lu-Natal having both the Port of Richards Bay and Durban Harbour, it places the Province at the centre for the movement of exports and imports. The Province is also a link to other Provinces such as Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, and Free State. Through the N3 and N2 there is also high volumes of goods and people moving between the Province and Gauteng, which is the economic hub of the continent.
The increase of heavy vehicles on the road, recent floods and underfunding of maintenance are some of the factors that are compounding the conditions of our infrastructure.
The Department has started working on the development of the Infrastructure Master Plan. This Master Plan will assist in the prioritization, provide analytical data, and needs assessment for construction and main- tenance. It will also outline key areas of intervention, bold provincial infrastructure priorities, identify import- ant corridors and unlock some of the challenges working with other infrastructure roll players.
Honourable Chairperson, the purpose of Programme Two is to promote accessibility and the safe, affordable movement of people, goods and services through the delivery and maintenance of transport infrastructure that is sustainable, integrated and environmentally sensitive, and which supports and facilitates social em- powerment and economic growth.
The Department is spending about 72 percent of its budget on this programme.
"In this financial year, the Department will spend R9.2 billion. The allocation of R4.4 billion is allocated to the construction of new projects (roads and bridges) and the allocation of R3.9 billion is allocated to the maintenance of existing projects. The rest is for other support programmes within infrastructure."
Chairperson, over the next three years we are going to invest more than R23 billion in the construction and maintenance of infrastructure projects. This will definitely change the infrastructure landscape of the Prov- ince, empower emerging contractors, and create much needed jobs in our country.
7.1 Budget allocation per district in the next three year:
District 2023/2024 2024/2025 2025/2026
Amajuba 519 million 454 million 451 million
eThekwini Metro 598 million 392 million 453 million
Harry Gwala 910 million 731 million 710 million
iLembe 365 million 407 million 556 million
King Cetshwayo 788 million 733 million 826 million
Head Office 1.6 billion 917 million 948 million
uGu 772 million 690 million 830 million
uMgungundlovu 855 million 110 million 113 million
uMkhanyakude 330 million 301 million 326 million
uMzinyathi 452 million 772 million 803 million
uThukela 808 million 999 million 748 million
Zululand 1 billion 905 million 960 million
Grand total 8.3 billion 8.4 billion 8.7 billion
7.2 Infrastructure projects completed in the past four years:
Honourable Chairperson, allow me to report on some of the achievements of the 6th Administration. These are some of the projects that were completed during this period. The list is not exhaustive:
- Main Road P36-2 is located between Nquthu and Nondweni, in the Umzinyathi District. This road serves the Magongoloza, Maduladula, Nondweni and Mhlungwane communities as well as Nondwe- ni Clinic and Nondweni Police Station. This project entailed the upgrade of 22.8 kilometres of gravel to a type 4 surfaced road, the widening of 3 bridges, and the construction of 6 box culverts.
- Main Road P415 expands from Mandini to Tugela Mouth, in the Mandeni Local Municipality, un- der iLembe District. This road serves the local communities by providing access to the North Coast Christian Academy, Mandini Primary School, Cranburn Primary School, New Life Academy, Mangethe Primary School, Khula Kancane Clinic, and the Tugela Rail Clinic as well as the Mandini Satellite Clinic. The project entailed upgrading 4.29 kilometres from gravel to blacktop standards at a total construc- tion cost of R69.4 million, excluding Professional Fees and was completed in April 2019.
- Main Road P318 - (phase 2), which is 11.4 kilometres is located near Sani Pass, connecting Himeville to the Border Post of Lesotho, falling under the jurisdiction of Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Munic- ipality in the Harry Gwala District. The contract for roadworks was awarded for R244 million in 15 June 2017. The contract duration was 36 months and its practical completion was achieved on 17 December 2021.
- Main Road P197-1 is located within the eThekwini Municipality. The road is approximately 10 km long and it starts just outside Amanzimtoti and ends at P242 (approximately 6.5 kilometres).
The road provides access to the Township of KwaMakhutha from South Coast Road and P242. The site is located within the eThekwini Municipality, from km 1.0 to km 2.5 of provincial road P197-1. The objective of the project is to improve the existing road network, which forms part of the uMzinto and Magabheni areas, collector and distribution routes and serves as the main collector between Scott- burgh, Amahlongwa and Amandawe and the neighbouring residential zones. The road serves as an alternative route to the National Route N2 for local communities alongside P197-3.
- Main Road P11 is the Provincial Road that connects Estcourt and Winterton and is located in the Okhahlamba Local Municipality, under uThukela District Municipality. This section is approximately 10 kilometres long, located between the P1-9 intersection (Estcourt/Colenso turn-off) and with P11 towards Winterton. The scope of the project was the rehabilitation of 10 km of road with a construc- tion value of approximately R50 million and the project was completed in October 2021.
- District Road 1886 - 3.5 kilometres is located between Ingwavuma to Machobeni. It falls under the Jozini Local Municipality in the uMkhanyakude District. The road serves communities and social facili- ties. Completion was achieved on 14 March 2022. The scope of work for D1886 was an upgrade from a gravel surface to a blacktop standard.
- Other completed projects includes D1252 under iNkosi Langalibalele at the value of R48 million, Mooi River Bridge under uMsunduze at the value of R32.41 million, P6-3 widening in KwaKopi under uMsinga at the value of R127.7 million, Tugela River bridge in uMsinga at the value of R97.34 mil- lion, P36-6 upgrade in eNquthu at the value of R290.29 million, uMsunduze River Bridge in Mandeni at the value of R31.76 million, D1886 in Jozini at the value of R37.67 million and uMhlathuze River Bridge in King Cetshwayo District at the value of R15 million.
7.3 Priority projects for the current 2023/2024 financial year
Honourable Chairperson, these are some of the strategic projects to be constructed in the financial year 2023/2024.
- P443 - located between Mbabhana to Ingwavuma. It falls under the Jozini Local Municipality in the uMkhanyakude District. The road serves communities and social facilities like Mosvold Gateway and Phungaza High School, Sambane Primary School, Nqobizazi Junior Secondary School and Ntabayeng- wa Primary School, along the route and forms part of the route to the Ingwavuma Palace situated at 3,28 kilometres from P443.
- P90 - located between KwaMtshwili and KwaJele in the King Cetshwayo District. This road serves the community by providing access to Ezimambeni Primary School, Amaphuthu High School, Bukelakithi Primary School, Nkonisa Primary School, Vuleka for the Deaf, Sihambakahle Junior Primary School, Ngwegweni Primary School, Kwamtshwili Primary School and the mobile clinic. This project entails the rehabilitation of 13.9 kilometres of Main Road P90.
- P16 - located from Kranskop to Vukaphansi and from Esilutsana to Nsingabantu. The upgrade of Main Road P16 will assist the local communities by providing safe, all weather access to Makathini Com- bined Primary School, Etongwe Primary School, Nkwelo Combined Primary School, Dimane Primary School, Mandathane Primary School, Kwamajoli Primary School, Manzawayo Lower Primary School, Engcaza Primary School, Vumukukhaya Junior Primary School, Kranskop Primary School, Maqhuband- aba Primary School, Dingley Dell Primary School, Khozindaba Primary School, Emakhabeleni Prima- ry School, Manyane Combined Primary School, Ikuksasa Pre Primary School, Godide High School, Qhudeni Primary School, Mphemba High School, Gubazi Primary School, Dlolwane Combined Pri- mary School, Sibahlegemvelo Junior Primary School, Shekekela Primary School, Mangamuntu Senior Primary School, Mzilankatha Secondary School, Bhugwini High School, Kwandwalane Primary School, Ntanyeni Junior Primary School, Ekhombe Provincial Hospital, Manyane Provincial Clinic, Sibuyane Provincial Clinic, Amakhabela Provincial Clinic and Mabhuqweni Provincial Clinic.
- D77- located in uMvoti Local Municipality, uMzinyathi District Municipality runs from P160 towards the Khamanzi Area. It provides access to the Mzoniwe Junior School, Emgaga Primary School, En- dubazi High School, Candabuthule High School, Entembisweni and Ntembesweni Clinic. The project entails the upgrading of 16.247 kilometres from gravel to blacktop standards at an estimated cost of R286.1 million.
- P712 - located from Mthandeni to eSidumbini. It falls under the Ndwedwe Local Municipality in the iLembe District. There is residential development along the entire length of P712 and it also serves as a feeder road to a large and widespread population. Residents between the R74 in the north and the R614 in the south use this road as a means of access to the R614 to travel to Tongaat, Wartburg and Pietermaritzburg. Main Road P712 also services the area surrounding Maphumulo (P711) to the areas of Tongaat, Dube Tradeport, and King Shaka International Airport as well as to Pietermaritzburg and Wartburg.
- P91/P191 - located in the Endumeni and Alfred Duma Local Municipalities, under uMzinyathi District and uThukela Municipalities, and it traverses from the Wasbank to Ekuvukeni Station. It serves the purpose by giving access to the Wasbank SAPS, Wasbank Primary School, Hlonipha Primary School, Mlonyeni Public Primary School, Sivukile Junior Primary School, Embizeni High School, Inkunzi Prima- ry School and Ekuvukeni Clinic.
- P700- located in the King Cetshwayo Municipality, running through the Traditional Council, areas of Mpungose, Ximba and Biyela. It links the communities of Mpongose, Ximba, Biyela and Ntambanana and provides access to numerous primary and high schools, clinics and hospitals, and commercial economic activities. The route also provides access to important historical and cultural areas for both tourists and locals, such as the Ondini Cultural Museum and the King Cetshwayo Royal Kraal. There is both residential and agricultural development along P700, which allows both types of development access to economic hubs along the corridor. The project entails upgrading 94.5 kilometres of gravel road and the rehabilitation of 1.5 kilometres of surfaced road to a blacktop surface. The project has an estimated value of R 1,4 billion over 17 years. Construction began in 2003 and it is anticipated that tthe project is scheduled to be completed in the 2023/24 financial year.
- The Nadi River Vehicle Bridge will be constructed of Main Road P17, under uMsinga Local Municipali- ty in the uMzinyathi District. This bridge will serve the communities of Ndaya, Nhlonga and Ekuvukeni by providing access to the Ngubevu Clinic, Nomafu High School, Makhandana Primary School,
- Esimnyama Fisokuhle Primary School Primary School, Mfenebude Primary School and Nyoniyezwe High School.
Furthermore, the Department has identified the following additional projects that will start construction during the 2023/24 financial year and will have a high impact on the provincial economy in terms of job creation, strategic routes as well as economic impact.
- The Upgrade of Main Road P123 in the Gqumeni area within the Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Local Municipality under the Harry Gwala District Municipality. The road serves as a link be- tween the communities of Bulwer and Gqumeni. The Department has prioritised the upgrade of 7.172 kilometres from gravel to blacktop standards to improve the standard of the road, improve access to facilities and ensure the safety of all road users. The project is currently in its stage 1 implementation phase at an estimated budget of R123.5 million. This contract is anticipated to commence during the 2023/24 financial year with construction to start in July 2023.
- The Upgrade of Main Road P113, in Springvaled located in the uBuhlebezwe Local Munici- pality under the Harry Gwala District Municipality. Communities have raised safety concerns regarding the current condition of the gravel road. The Department has thus prioritised the upgrade of the road from gravel to blacktop standards to improve safety and accessibility. The project is estimated to cost R141.91 million. Construction is anticipated to start in July 2024.
7.4 Rehabilitation priority projects
Honourable Chairperson, some of the following projects are to be prioritized for rehabilitation and reseal- ing. This will improve the condition of the road and it’s a response to the pothole patching strategy we alluded to above.
- Reseal of P601-2 (km29.750 to km39.750): Main Road P601 traverses through Franklin to uMzimkhulu, in the uMzimkhulu Local Municipality within the Harry Gwala District Munici- pality. The total length of the road is 45.869 kilometres. The project entails the reseal of 10km long and is estimated to start with construction in the 2023/24 financial year within the month of August 2023. The construction period is estimated to be 12 months at an estimated cost of R33.9 million. The project is scheduled to be completed in September 2024.
- Reseal of P17 (km0.00 to km17.10) is in the uMsinga Local Municipality under the uMzinyathi District Municipality. The construction period is estimated to be 15 months at an estimat- ed cost of R84.2 million. This section of reseal is 17 km long and is estimated to start in the 2023/24 financial year. The project is currently under stage 3 – design development that is being done internally. The project is anticipated to be completed in July 2025.
- Reseal of P17 (km 47 to km 52) is in the uMsinga Local Municipality under the uMzinyathi Dis- trict. The construction period is estimated to be 8 months at an estimated cost of R52.0 mil- lion. This section of reseal is 5 km long and is estimated to start in the 2023/24 financial year. The project is currently under stage 3 – design development that is done internally. Based on the current process, and as mentioned above, the project is scheduled to start construction in December 2023 and is scheduled to be completed by September 2024.
- Rehabilitation of Main Road P577-2 is a major arterial between Pinetown and KwaDabeka within the eThekwini Municipality. The section under investigation starts at Shepstone Road (km 7.56) and ends at km 10.94 at the onramp to the M13 at Stapleton Road. The current progress can be described as being within stage 4 and is awaiting the approval of the draft tender document. The estimated cost is R69.9 million and is anticipated to start construction in May 2023.
- Rehabilitation of Main Road P242 traverses through the KwaMakhutha Township within the eThekwini Metropolitan. Main Road P242 is approximately 9.91 kilometres long. The project entails the major rehabilitation of the total length of this road, approximately 9.62 kilometres at an estimated total project cost of approximately R168 million. The project was awarded, and the anticipated completion is scheduled for January 2024.
- Rehabilitation of Main Road P19 is located between Mooi River Town and Giants Castle. The section of road proposed rehabilitation falls under Mpofana Local Municipality within uM-gungundlovu District Municipality. The estimated cost of the project is approximately R300 million. The rehabilitation of this road was prioritized to ensure safe traveling of motorists traversing from Mooi River to Giants Castle and the extended Drakensberg region. The project has commenced and is anticipated to be completed in February 2025.
Somlomo, siyeza kuyona yonke imiphakathi and we will leave no one behind. Kulezi zinyanga ezizayo sizo-hambela imiphakathi eyahlukene sizothula lezinhlelo, umsebenzi wokuqala ukwakhiwa kwebhriji iBuf- falo elihlanganisa iNquthu noMsinga elizodla imali engu-R126 million sizoya kowethula, iCabana bridge eMzimkhulu ezodla imali engu -R34 million, ukuvulwa komgwaqo u-D1252 ngaphansi kweNkosi Langali- balele edle imali engu-R48 million – kanye neminye eminingi njengoba kade silapha eNdwedwe oGunjini saphinda sethula nesigaba esilandelayo sokwakhiwa kuka-P712.
7.5 Projects undertaken in partnership with SANRAL
Honourable Members, the Department is working in partnership with SANRAL in several projects in the Prov- ince from flood damaged projects to other strategic projects.
"SANRAL will be investing well over R80 billion in strategic infrastructure projects over the next 8 years"
N3/N2 – there is great progress made on this project. N3 construction between Pietermaritzburg and Durban is visibly making good progress and this will change the face of infrastructure in the Province. SANRAL is pro- gressing with awarding other packages as part of this project. Soon another package on the N3 Hammers- dale at a value of R4 billion will be launched.
Equally, on the N2 between KwaMashu off ramp and uMdloti, work is underway. Whilst this is creating heavy traffic congestion, we appeal for patience to all road users because this is for the good of the Province and the country.
This month, we are going to see the launch of the R5 billion package in E.B. Cloete in Durban. The plan to commence with the N11 between Bergville off ramp to Newcastle are also at an advanced stage.
Other SANRAL capital projects include iSandlwana roads in eNquthu, Kokstad interchange and KwaXimba bridge.
7.6 Welisizwe Bailey Bridges Programme
Honourable Chairperson, this programme was announced by the Honourable President Cyril Ramaphosa in his SoNa and our Premier in her SoPa. In this financial year, we have started constructing 22 of these bridg- es in rural communities where there is no access at all. We have already transferred R410 million for this project.
Last month we went to Vukaphansi village, uMvoti Ward 6 to conduct Siyahlola of two almost completed bridges. There is another two which are still under construction.
This initiative was launched by KwaZulu-Natal working with the Department of Public Works and Infrastruc- ture – utilizing the skills of the South African National Defense Force (SANDF). These Bailey Bridges will fast track service delivery since they are prefabricated, which cuts down the project duration period. In the last financial year, we completed the first phase, which is the completion of 14 Welisizwe Bailey Bridges.
In addition to the Bailey Bridges there are culverts planned to be implemented, such as Mhlane Pedestrian in uMgungundlovu, L1570 and D301 causeway in Amajuba District and Mahambuma River Bridge in Zululand.
7.7 Operation Siyazenzela
Honourable Chairperson, the Department continues to invest in its capacity to maintain roads and construct rural roads. Operation Siyazenzela is a programme that seeks to integrate internal resources for maximum impact. This is combined with our internal teams and personnel to focus on priority rural roads for mainte- nance. This programme has been rolled out in all districts and it is ongoing as the work on maintaining rural roads is a moving target.
As part of improving this programme: "The Department will continue to increase its equipment and is planning to spend R660 million to purchase new equipment. The work of filling 337 vacancies for grader operators is underway and will ensure that we have enough operators."
As part of Operation Siyazenzela we are working closely with Amakhosi to identify rural roads that need ur- gent attention and we are working on different mechanisms to source the quarry.
7.8 New Jersey Barriers
Honourable Chairperson, the issue of cross border crime remains a serious challenge facing the people of uMkhanyakude District. The Provincial Executive Council has instructed that this project must continue to curb cross border crime between South Africa and Mozambique. The estimated cost for the project that will be sourced from the provincial government will be R271 million.
The Department will continue to engage through the Office of the Premier with the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to find the best funding model for this project.
8. Programme Three: Transport Operation
Honourable Members, the purpose of this programme is to plan, regulate and facilitate the provision of in- tegrated land transport services through co-ordination and co-operation with national planning authorities, Community Based Organizations (CBOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector to enhance the mobility of all communities, especially those without or with limited access, and to drive road safety education and awareness programmes.
The main functions include the development of policies and plans for public and freight transport services and supporting infrastructure, the regulation of public and freight transport services, and the enforcement of legislation in respect of public transport.
This programme is allocated a budget of R1.8 billion.
8.1 Subsidized bus operations
Government remains committed in providing an affordable, reliable, and effective public transport system. The Department is currently working on developing the Provincial Transportation Plan. The plan will look at all modes of transport and how transportation in all modes will be optimized to provide access to the people. After finalizing the internal preparations, the development of the plan will commence in June 2023.
The Department has succeeded to provide and manage effective and affordable public transport services to the communities within the Province. According to the 2023/2024 plans, the Department remains com- mitted to cover 1 191 196 trips on 2 074 routes. The budget used is estimated at R1.3 billion per annum.
Honourable Members, regarding the provision of the subsidized services in the two-remaining districts of Harry Gwala and uMzinyathi, a lot of progress has been made. These are the only two remaining districts without this service. Design packages have commenced, and they are looking at subsidizing the routes rather than the modes to maximize beneficiation. The estimated cost for this project is R30 million.
The provincial government will continue assisting eThekwini Metro and all other municipalities in achieving their improved and integrated public transport plans. The GoDurban project is experiencing challenges but the interventions being made with all affected stakeholders will without any doubt yield results. Despite these challenges, there is progress in several areas, including the fact that eThekwini Metro has purchased 300 new fleet of buses in the past four years. This will improve the provision of reliable transport mainly to township commuters. This will further be complimented by the restoration of passenger train.
8.2 Transformation in the subsidized public transport
Honourable Members, the Department is moving ahead with the transformation agenda in the subsided public transport. There is general consensus from all role players that we should all work together in this regard. Recently, as part of our stakeholder engagement, we had an engagement with the Southern African Bus Operators (SABOA), which is dominated by main operators and they also expressed support for an urgent need for transformation. We are trying all that we can to resolve the court challenge and have this contract advertised to allow previously disadvantaged operators to participate.
Over the past four years, in the 12 negotiated transformation contracts, the Department has invested well over R1.3 billion to African operators. This is an important step towards the redistribution of the economy. Again, in this financial year we will be spending R404 million in this programme.
8.3 Learner Transport Services
Honourable Members, the Department continues to provide learner transport services to needy learners. This programme is both historic and essential as it seeks to respond to the commitments of the Freedom Charter to open the doors of learning and teaching.
Learners, mainly in rural communities have to travel kilometres to access education and some have to risk their lives on the road and pathways every day.
In this financial year, 73 933 learners will be provided with transport. This will benefit 402 schools in the Province. Currently there are 85 learner transport contracts awarded at the value of R459 million. The Department will continue working with the Department of Education in conducting assessments of other rural schools and we will continue to request for more funding from Treasury, considering the nature and to pography of our Province. We will continue to improve monitoring, including the use of technology to monitor overloading in learner transport services.
Lolu hlelo lokuthuthwa kwabafundi ukulekelela abantwana ukuze bekwazi ukufinyelela ezikoleni futhi siyaziqhenya ngokuba uHulumeni wokuqala ukuqhamuka nalolu hlelo. Esikoleni iMeadowsweet Combined eBergville kukhona umfundi owashawa umbani eya esikoleni, Ngokubambisana noMnyango wezeMfundo sabe sesingenelela, kumanje abantwana bakulesi sikole sebenebhasi.
In addition, the Department will continue to provide non-motorized transport and part of our contribution to better education as a shared responsibility, the Department will provide 5000 new bicycles as part of the Shovakulula programme.
The Department will continue working with the Department of Education in conducting assessments of other better education as a shared responsibility, the Department will provide 5000 new bicycles as part of the Sho- vakulula programme.
8.4 Public Transport Facilities
Honourable Members, the Department prides itself that it has built the state–of-the-art uMzimkhulu Public Transport Facility. This structure accommodates 150 taxis and 20 buses with 61 holding bays.
The Department transferred R30 million to Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality for the construction of the Port Shepstone Public Transport Facility, which once completed, will mark a paradigm shift towards modernizing Public Transport Infrastructure.
The Department remains committed to delivering more of such facilities working with local municipalities. In the 2023/2024 financial year the Department will expand this programme of improving Public Transport Facil- ities in uMkhanyakude District.
8.5 Freight and logistics transport
Honourable Chairperson, the work of this unit is essential in regulating the freight and logistics sector in the Province. Part of the long-term strategy of this section is seized with is the provincial strategy, working with all relevant entities to move goods to rail. There are branch lines, which have been identified that need to be revived to unlock the movement of goods by train. These are also important corridors for the movements of goods in the Province and through the development of a Provincial Freight-Rail Strategy we will be able to im- prove these operations.
Honourable Members, the corridor of KwaZulu-Natal – Kokstad and Eastern Cape has no manner of controlling the overloading of trucks. We are, however, happy to report that working with SANRAL in the construction of R56/N2 Interchange there is a Traffic Control Centre, which will be fully equipped with a weigh bridge and screening facility. SANRAL is funding the construction of the interchange and the Department is responsible for the Traffic Control Centre at a value of R60 million. This project is anticipated to be completed next year.
8.6 Public Transport Stability
Honourable Chairperson, the situation in the public transport sector, mainly the taxi industry is worrisome. The assassination of operators is a disturbing trend that is hampering progress in the industry.
These incidents continue to happen despite the majority of associations out of the 246 enjoying fair stability with no known tensions and threats of violence. Through our Public Regulatory Entity (PRE) we are proactively intervening with the leadership of the taxi industry in areas where there are looming conflicts. A new and dis- turbing trend is the elimination of E-hailing operators in the Province. There is also a challenge between the taxi industry and the scholar transport, which we are attending to.
The killings of three protectors of a Tongaat taxi boss and two E-hailing operators occurring a few minutes apart talks to the brazen nature of the public transport industry. We are also going to improve our working relations with Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) and the police as part of vetting all the security com- panies involved in the taxi industry.
As part of building stability in the industry, "we have issued 45 816 operating licenses in the past five years, including the beginning of 2023, which includes a total of 1 172 being issued for scholar transport operators to acquire legal operating licences"
The Department is going to work with the Department of Education in assisting legal operators to improve compliance.
Chairperson, in addition to the six Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) offices in the Province, we have now opened a new PRE office in eThekwini. This will improve compliance in the taxi industry and eliminate illegal operators.
Honourable Members, the Department has also intervened successfully in the tensions of the following taxi associations, KwaNongoma, KwaMaphumulo, KwaDukuza, Newcastle, Zwelimbomvu, KwaNdengezi, Mpuma- langa, KwaSwayimane, Dalton, Bhekisizwe (Nkandla) and Dolphin Coast.
Chairperson, we have proactively engaged and prevented bloodshed in many associations. Our programme of amalgamating taxi associations has helped in stabilizing the industry. This is changing the culture that disputes in the industry are resolved through the barrel of a gun. We have successfully merged the following associations:
- KwaMbonambi Taxi Association and Sokhulu operations;
- Bhekisizwe (Nkandla) Taxi Association and Ngono operations;
- Osizweni Utrecht and Boundaries Taxi Association – and eMadlangeni operators;
- A rank Taxi Association and iNdlu Yamandla operations;
- Grange and Westgate Taxi Association with Shenstone Farm operations.
Government is currently engaged in the implementation of the resolutions of the National Taxi Lekgotla, which resolved on a number of issues including the professionalization of the taxi industry, introducing a cashless pay- ment method, introducing an online application portal for operating licences and reviewing economic viability on public transport routes.
Last year we also launched the Provincial Public Transport Day in uLundi, which was a resounding success. This campaign is aimed at making the use the public transport fashionable and we will continue sustaining this campaign whilst improving the standard of our public transport system.
9. Programme Four: Transport Regulation
Honourable Chairperson, the purpose of this programme is to ensure the provision of a safe road environ- ment through the regulation of traffic on public infrastructure, law enforcement and the registration and licencing of vehicles and drivers.
The Department increased its allocation against this programme in respect of its investment in law enforce- ment and regulation activities. The budget allocation is R1.1 billion.
9.1 Road Safety Campaigns
KwaZulu-Natal as a tourist destination area continues to attract volumes of traffic during busy periods and holidays. This places in the spotlight the issue of safety on the road. The alarming levels of crashes and fatal- ities remains a cause for concern. The Department is, however, encouraged by the decrease recorded during the Festive Season holidays, where fatalities dropped by 12.7 percent.
As part of the implementation of the national road safety strategy, the Department is embarking on a num- ber of campaigns, some of which are sector targeted, including the training and reskilling of truck drivers, the pedestrian safety campaign and employing community road safety ambassadors.
The Department will also increase partnerships with various entities to promote road safety education, including in schools and there will be a massive road safety communication programme to drive mindset change.
Our slogan – Road Safety is our collective responsibility – is important in galvanizing all role players, includ- ing the public transport sector, to play a meaningful role. To this end, we will continue working with the taxi industry through their Operation Hlokomela to improve the safety and behavior of public transport drivers.
We are also proud to report that 18 employees from our Road Safety Directorate recently graduated from the course offered by the Road Traffic Management Cooperation on road safety. This will sharpen their skills and understanding on the changing trends in ensuring road safety education, awareness, and other interventions.
We are also exploring the use of technology and other innovations. To this end, the Department is piloting the use of Safety Roller Barriers under our Technology Transfer unit to curb fatal accidents. Lolu hlelo lu- faka izivimbelo ezizishaya sazigubhu eziyellow, okwenza imoto noma yenza ingozi ingaphoseki ngaphandle komgwaqo. Luhambisana nobuchwepheshe bamacamera kanti kumqoka ukuba sisho ukuthi selokhu luqa- lile kulezo zindawo, izingozi zehle ngendlela emangalisayo.
This project is being implemented on R66 in eShowe, P544 in Ladysmith, R56 in Richmond, M13 in eThekwini and R617 in Underberg.
9.2 Traffic Enforcement
Chairperson, we are moving with speed in stabilizing the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), with the report com- missioned on their challenges now completed and submitted to the Department. We are studying it and will develop a clear implementation plan based on the recommendations. We want to revive our enforcement agencies and reclaim this Province as a Zero Tolerance Province.
We are currently in the process of filling all RTI and Public Transport Enforcement Services (known as Opera- tion Shanela) vacant posts as part of improving capacity. In Shanela we have recently filled 26 Principal Pro- vincial Inspectors (PPI) posts and we currently have 123 posts that are being filled, which are now at different recruitment stages.
In RTI we have 220 posts that have been advertised and are being filled, including 100 trainees. In addition, we have requested the approval for an additional 100 trainee posts to recruit more traffic officers.
We will also be tapping into the pool produced by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) to feed all Provinces with the recent cohort of graduates on the NQF level 6.
The issue of staff morale is being attended to, including the improvement of the working conditions in sta- tions such as KwaNongoma and Greytown. The uniform and the tools of trade are being delivered to various stations. Moving forward we wish to commit that the supply of uniforms and other tools of trade is not dis- rupted.
Despite existing challenges, we continue to record positive strides in the enforcement fraternity. We also commend those men and women in uniform who goes the extra mile servicing our people, including work throughout the night in major accidents such as the N3 pile-up involving 41 vehicles recently.
Chairperson, after the horrific truck accident on the N2 in Phongolo, we resumed the operation of a satellite police station in the area. To date we have stopped 410 trucks.
Regarding the enforcement of trucks and assisted by the National Traffic Police, in February 2023 alone we have stopped more than 3000 trucks mainly on the N3, N2 and R34/R66. In Mkhondeni alone, on the N3 in Pietermaritzburg, from April 2022 to March 2023, more than18 983 trucks were weighed, 4 274 overloading and a total of 719 charges were issued.
As part of the response to the directive by the Premier in her SoPa, the Department has purchased 18 new high-performance vehicles to improve the response time in fighting traffic violations and crime on the road.
In this financial year we are planning on conducting 1 194 multi-disciplinary operations, 15 140 speed oper- ations, 474 drunk driving operations and to stop/inspect more than 9 183 310. We also plan to weigh more than 133 100 vehicles.
9.3 Motor license services
Chairperson, the Department remains committed to improving motor licence services. This is to ensure compliance and the revenue collection for the Province. The Province has 1.7 million vehicle population in its database. Approximately 2.8 million members of the public are serviced at our Registering Authorities. The estimate revenue for this financial year is R2 billion.
"In order to bring services closer to the people, the Department has opened 75 registering authorities. In this financial year we will opening an additional four in uMsinga, Jozini, Nquthu and uMsunduzi Local Mu- nicipality. Already we have opened in Mtubatuba and eNkandla, which are operational."
Working with the Department of Public Works, temporary office shelter has been provided at Goble Road Registering Authority in Durban. This will reduce the burden at uMbilo, which has taken lot of pressure since the closure of Goble Road. We are also trying to find new office accommodation for uMbilo as a long-term solution to improve its working conditions.
9.4 Regulation of driving schools
Chairperson, the Department is continuing with its work of regulating the driving school industry. We believe that in our endeavor of creating a new generation of driver and fighting fraud, we must work together with the sector. We have taken a position that whilst national is busy with amending the law, we will continue ensuring professionalization and regulation in our own space.
The Department recently embarked on a process of assisting the driving school sector to hold elections for democratically elected representatives. All regions have finalized constituting their structures. Soon, a pro- vincially recognized committee will be elected, facilitated by the Department. This will be a recognized struc- ture that the Department of Transport will be engaging with in all matters related to driving schools including the development of the industry. This committee will assist the Department in ensuring that only registered driving schools conduct this business and that strict rules of conduct are followed.
We are the first Province to have moved towards formalization of this sector. It has already facilitated the training of driving school instructors to ensure that they deliver high quality tuition. To date, 870 driving school instructors have been trained.
10. Programme Five: Empowerment and Community Project
The purpose of this programme is to co-ordinate, monitor, report and manage the implementation of pro- grammes and strategies that lead to the development and empowerment of communities and contractors.
This includes the provincial management and co-ordination of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). At its centre are the following: the management and co-ordination of the EPWP, development of programmes to further BBBEE, and to develop programmes to bring about the development and empowerment of impoverished communities.
This programme is allocated R46 million.
10.1 Job creation
Honourable Chairperson, under this programme the Department seeks to create jobs and the empower- ment of the youth, women, people with disabilities, and military veterans.
"Under the Zibambele Maintenance Programme, the Department will create 41 000 job opportunities."
The annual job creation target for EPWP was 52 154 job opportunities and 4 669 460 employment days, which equates to 20 302 full-time equivalents. The Department retained and paid 45 878 participants to date. The Zibambele stipend will increase from R762 to R892 as per the gazetted National Minimum Wage Rate.
We are also working on improving and delivering the tools of trade for Zibambele participants. I will also be engaging the participants in all districts with a view to improving this programme.
10.1.1 Vukayibambe Routine Road Maintenance (VRRM) - The Department also implemented the second phase of the Vukayibambe Routine Road Maintenance Programme. This programme provides routine road maintenance of provincial roads and district roads while creating employment opportunities to young peo- ple residing nearby the respective road networks. Currently 5 600 young people were employed in various district municipalities throughout the Province. The focus areas for the programme are safety maintenance, routine maintenance and special maintenance and other non-infrastructure activities.
10.1.2 National Youth Services (NYS) – through this programme we will create 1 650 opportunities from all districts. This will empower young people and assist with skills capacity. The Department has further trained 62 youth (CETA accredited learnership on Roadworks Construction NQF level 3) NYS who were employed on various infrastructure projects during the 2022/2023 financial year.
10.1.2 Road Safety Ambassador Programme – A TETA accredited skills programme that seeks to empower young people with skills to monitor hazardous locations as part of reducing road crashes and promoting adherence to the law. This programme has 34 young people who have completed training. The participants were assisted with acquiring Code 10 drivers’ licences as part of their training. The project was piloted in the area of Bhamshela under iNdwedwe local municipality.
10.1.3 Contractor Development Model – the Department has embarked on a programme to engage and mentor emerging contractors. The Contractor Development Model seeks to bring stakeholders including the CIDB in assisting contractors to grow and be nurtured. In the last financial year, we started road shows in all districts, and we have created a database. We are now finalizing the appointment of a service provider to conduct training and we will identify capital projects that can be used for this programme.
10.1.4 RTI Summons Server Programme: The objective is the creation of employment opportunities by recruiting unemployed members of the community to assist the Road Traffic Inspectorate with serving sum- mons’ within the various districts The Department targeted 120 participants and has to date employed 32.
10.1.5 SCM Graduates Programme: The programme objective is to provide employment opportunities for unemployed graduates within the Supply Chain Management and Financial management fields. The Depart- ment created 79 employment opportunities.
10.1.6 Washing of Government Vehicles: The objective of the programme was to create employment op- portunities by unbundling the cleaning contracts to exclude the washing of government vehicles. Through the unbundling of the contract the Department targeted the creation of 148 job opportunities and achieved 18.
10.1.7 Welisizwe Bailey Bridges Programme: The Welisizwe Bailey Bridge Programme targeted the employ- ment of 1 920 EPWP participants and the output to date is 1088.
11. Conclusion
Honourable Chairperson, with this Budget Policy Speech we are trying to capture the work we have delivered as the 6th Administration, but importantly, recommit to working for the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
We have agreed with the Department that we will be visible in all the corners of this Province ensuring that we deliver roads, construct bridges, fix the existing infrastructure and repair the gravel roads. Importantly, we want to use the allocation to this to drive economic transformation, job creation and poverty alleviation.
Nalapho singakafiki khona ngineqiniso lokuthi bayazizwa izigi ukuthi siseduze. Sinyathela ngesivinini, yingakho sifuna isifundazwe sonke Sinuke itiyela, Kunamekwe udaka – kushunqe uthuli.
Chairperson, allow me to pass my gratitude to the Honourable Premier and all members of the Provincial Ex- ecutive Council for their support. The African National Congress (ANC), which has sent us to serve the people, and I am indebted to the trust by the people’s movement.
I also wish to pass by regards to the Transport portfolio committee led by Honourable Dube for their guid- ance. To the Head of Department, Mr. Mbhele, management and all of the work force of the Department – uma siyibambe kanje muningi umehluko esizowenza ezimpilweni zabantu.
Lastly, I wish to thank my family, my wife, and children for allowing me space to discharge my responsibility. Without their support I would not have the energy to crisscross the Province interacting with communities every day.
"Chairperson, we will not leave anyone behind as we bring services to the people. Allow me to ta- ble the budget of R12.9 billion for your consideration and approval."
Ngiyabonga
