Premier Kaobitsa Bushy Maape: North West State of the Province address

The People of the North West,
Madame Speaker, the Honourable Basetsana Dantjie, Deputy Speaker, Honourable Lenah Miga,
Chief Whip, Honourable Paul Sebego, Honourable Members of the Executive Council,
Honourable Members of the Provincial Legislature, Honourable Members of Parliament present here today Our delegates to the National Council of Provinces,
Chairperson of SALGA in North West, Executive Mayor Khumalo Molefe, Chairperson of the North West House of Traditional and Khoi-SAN Leaders, Kgosi Ofentse Thari Maotwe II,
Executive Mayors and Mayors of North West Municipalities, Leaders of political parties,
Leaders of faith-based organisations,
Leaders of trade unions and civil society organisations, Heads of Departments and CEOs of Public Entities,
Judge President of the North West Division of the High Court, Judge E. D Hendricks The Provincial Commissioner of the SA Police Service, Lieutenant-General Kwena, Director General in the Office of the Premier,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Members of the media,

Ladies & gentlemen, Bagaetsho dumelang!

Mmusa Kgotla,…“ A borwa (mafoko) a bolelwa go engwe ka dinao” Mme, “Modisa ga a etelwe”

Hon Members, this message summarises the resolve we made in this house in 2022 when we pronounced on the Accelerated Service Delivery and Job Creation priorities.

This is the year of service delivery, the biggest ever government delivery programme which will be the primary activity and dominant focus of all work of government over the next twelve (12) months.

We are abandoning the comforts of planning and sitting in conferences.

We are moving into our neighbourhoods, our streets and roads ‘which are critical points of contact for service delivery’ as our permanent homes for the next twelve months.

We are on our feet, restless and listening attentively to the cries of our people who are delivering messages of impatience, requesting us to do the one simple thing required of us’, to resolve challenges facing our people in order to make a better life for all.

“Modisa ga a etelwe”,….. “a borwa re tla a utlwa re eme ka dinao”

They understand the context of our operating environment.

They know very well that the assumption of office of the sixth administration experienced a confluence of unprecedented challenges ever experienced in the history of the North West provincial administration.

They know and have given us chance to come out of the first-time daunting experience, the invocation of Section 100 by Cabinet taking away some of our executive functions.

Our people understand the devastating impact of COVID 19 pandemic in our economy, causing economic decline of 8.1 percent in 2020.

The periods 2014 and 2016 were most volatile for the North West, with declining performance in the economy mainly due to the mining industry, which is the corner stone of our economy.

The ongoing war in Ukraine and its impact on global supply chain and production continue to drive up costs and have a domino effect across economic sectors, putting pressure on households’ livelihoods.

And to quote President Cyril Ramaphosa “the people of South Africa want action; they want solutions and they government to work for them”.

We must make the public service and public office uncomfortable spaces for people who do not want to advance accelerated service delivery and job creation.

We are progressing in collaboration with municipalities to provide basic services to communities. Through the Accelerated Service Delivery Plan, municipalities are clearing illegal dumping sites, constructing new high mast lights repairing existing ones, repairing damaged roads and addressing water and sewer challenges.

We have established a Steering Committee jointly with the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Honourable Senzo Mchunu, to urgently attend to water and sanitation challenges across the province. The Steering Committee has developed a plan to deal with immediate water challenges, with priority being given to Ditsobotla, Naledi, Madibeng, Ramotshere Moiloa and others.

We are retaining the Provincial War Room on water which is part of the accelerated rapid service delivery approach we announced in 2022. We are introducing a mobile App to enable members of the public to participate in fast tracking the reporting of instances where basic services are interrupted or unavailable. The Premier communicates regularly with Mayors to together address service delivery challenges.

We acknowledge that the private sector plays a critical rule in the economic growth and job creation. The public sector will make its contribution through support to the private sector and the development of public infrastructure.

Hon Members, the signs of recovery in the economy are visible but the scale of our challenges are so big, the impact will take longer to be felt. No one said it was going to be walk in the park but with commitment and dedication we are guaranteed success.

A recent S&P Global (2022) report shows that with a GDP of R386 billion in 2021 (up from R 189 billion in 2011), the North West Province contributed 6.24 per cent to the South Africa GDP of R 6.19 trillion in 2021.

The North West Province achieved the highest average annual growth rate of 8.1 per cent in 2021 mainly due to the recovery from the COVID-19 induced economic decline.

Tourism revenue has recovered from R1.1 billion in 2020 to R6 billion in 2022. Our economic contribution to tourism in the province is projected as follows:

• International arrivals are to grow to an estimated 700 000 by end of 2023.
• Tourism revenue is to grow to an estimated R8 billion by end of 2023.
• Tourism-supported jobs to grow to an estimated 25 000 by end of 2023.

The third quarter of 2022 unemployment rate was 32.9 per cent and 39 per cent for South Africa and the North West Province respectively.

These shocking numbers clearly demonstrate that more effort on job creation is needed.

Madame Speaker, we announced to this house the appointment of an Expert Panel to review our Provincial Growth & Development Strategy (PGDS).

We are happy to report that the Expert Panel produced a final draft report which will be adopted by the Executive Council before the end of March after public consultation.

We have already accepted this recommendation and it will be implemented without any delay. The PGDS is a blue print to guide the province’s economic strategy, planning and investment promotion. It is also a mechanism through which government will mobilise the participation of all sectors.

Hon Members, the signs of recovery we see throughout sectors of the economy are testament to the resilience of many of our corporations and entrepreneurs who have kept the wheels of our economy turning despite challenges we outlined above

We wish to recognise the following who demonstrated their commitment to the province and made unparalleled contribution to the economic progress of the province and the well-being of its people.

• The North West Chamber of Commerce & Industry for their partnership in turning around of Ditsobotla and the many contributions by their affiliate members like NWK and others;
• The Sedibelo Pilanesberg Platinum Mine for their investment of R 9.4 billion with three thousand job opportunities created in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality;
• Harmony Gold in the City of Matlosana for the R7billion investment which will sustain six thousand jobs;
• African Rainbow Energy which is investing about R2billion in a solar plant in Ditsobotla;
• Supreme Chicken in Tigane for the investment of R180 million ramping up economic activity, sustaining over two thousand locals; and many others.

Bagaetsho, we want to reclaim our position as one of the two best performing provinces in terms of National Senior Certificate results. We can only do this if we redouble and multiply our efforts.

Poverty and hunger impacts on mental state of learners and their ability to fully participate in effective learning. In fulfilling our obligations to meet the adequate nutrition levels of the most vulnerable, Dingake Primary in Verdwaal, Rabodigelo Primary in Ditshilong (Taung), Gaeonale Primary in Kgokgojane, Modubyane Primary in Pitsedisulejang and Kgolane Primary in Dwarsberg will be amongst the first three hundred (300) schools in poor and economically marginalized communities where breakfast will be introduced.

To date government continues to feed seven hundred and forty-four thousand, three hundred and twenty (744 320) learners in more than one thousand three hundred (1300) schools across the Province. We will be rolling out the sanitary dignity towels to 120 000 learners in quintile 1 to 3 schools at a cost of R17,7million. Schools that will benefit from this programme include Mmoledi Secondary (Phitsane), Boskuil Combined and Batlokwa Secondary (Molatedi) and many others.

The provision of sanitary dignity towels will be extended to deserving community members with the Departments of Health and Social Development taking a lead in the implementation of this rollout.

Madame Speaker, economies of major cities and towns in the world are developed through events, and sport drives most of the tourism industry. Potchefstroom in the JB Marks Local Municipality has built formidable international status as a desired destination for sport events as well as athletes training and preparations for major international competitions. The support of the Sport Unit at the North West University has been critical in this success. The hosting of the N12 Ultra-Marathon will provide opportunities for athletes development while promoting involvement of SMMEs in sports.

Hon Members, our province is home to many of our nation’s heroes and heroines who are national and international icons. Last year we hosted the Provincial Network session with identified Foundations and Families of Liberation Struggle Icons as part of our support to the preservation and promotion of our national heritage. This will be an annual event. This year we will give the J.B. Marks statue site, a facelift, support the Mme Rebecca Kotane Tombstone unveiling and continue the partnership with the Moses Kotane Foundation and NWU to host the Moses Kotane Public Lecture which we launched in 2022.

Bagaetsho, we are making progress in the intervention to ameliorate the social deprivation of former mine workers who suffer from debilitating diseases acquired during their active service in mines. Through the North West Ex-Mineworkers Intervention Program, a summit was held in May 2022, culminating in the development of a five (5) year Strategic Plan. Remarkable success has been achieved with the distribution of over R4. 1 million to the beneficiaries in just three months. Potential beneficiaries can apply through the Provincial Batho Pele Call Centre-08000 111 700.

Madame Speaker, the North West will host the National TB Day to be addressed by the Deputy President of the Republic. The efforts to fight the HIV-AIDS pandemic and tuberculosis are yielding desired results. By the third quarter of 2021/22 financial year HIV positivity rate had dropped from 2.1 % percent to 1.8 %. We also recorded a drop from 1% to 0.95% in the age bracket 15-24 years. The Provincial Aids Council is established and functioning, we are currently engaged in the establishment of district and local structures. Furthermore, the province has integrated COVID vaccination into the general health service delivery, achieving a provincial vaccination rate of 48,02%.

As part of expediting service delivery in the health sector, ninety-seven (97) new ambulances have been procured. The department will also complete and commission the new Sekhing Community Health Centre during the course of 2023. The Mahikeng and Klerksdorp Campuses of the North West Nursing College will be completed in the 2023/24 financial year. In addition, the Ventersdorp and De La Rey Bulk Pharmacy projects will be completed before the end of 2023/24 financial year. Rapulana and Deelpan park home clinics have also been operationalised. Operational hours for Lekgopung Clinic, Rapulana park home clinic, and Makapanstad Clinic have been upgraded from a 7-day 12hrs to 7 days 24hrs facilities.

A further 44 health clinics across the province will be renovated at a cost of R51 million through contract development programme targeting grade 2-5 contractors from designated groups. Government will continue to prioritise collaboration with Mining Houses, Correctional Services and Private Health Facilities, to ensure broad-based access to health care.

Madame Speaker, we wish to take this opportunity to send our condolences to the families of all Gender Based Violence and Femicide victims.

The fight against GBV requires all our efforts, government, labour, Magosi, Baruti, civil society, and most especially men.

We are initiating various interventions and services in line with the Domestic Violence Act, trafficking in Persons Act and the National Strategic Plan on Gender Based Violence and Femicide 2030.

We are reaching many victims through our various counselling programmes.

• 3 521 Victims of Gender Based Violence Femicide and crime received sheltering services,
• 40 human trafficking victims have accessed social services,
• 6 563 victims of crime and violence have received various support services,
• 22 NPOs have been funded to provide GBV services to all service points across the province,
• partnership with Nyamukara NPO, thirty (30) young women who are survivors of Gender Based Violence participated in an accredited Garment Production training. Material support such as sewing machines, routers, laptops were donated to the participants as a start-up kit to venture into business.

The Department of Social Development will continue to work in partnership with other law enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators of Gender Based Violence and Femicide receive swift and adequate sanctions.

Hon Members, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in the province continue to make significant progress in increasing the take up rate of social grants. It achieved an increase from 1 .2 million to 1.3 million beneficiaries, at a cost of over R1.1 billion paid each month. This increase will result in the reduction of adult poverty levels.

As President Ramaphosa said “the people of South Africa want action; they want solutions and they want government to work for them”.

Madame Speaker, agriculture is the second largest economic activity in the Province, but it is also the only sector of the economy with better job creation and labour absorption potential.

However, in the last few years the sector grappled with the effects of climate change.

Victims of natural disasters such as veld fires in Kagisano Molopo and floods in Deelpan and other areas, received support from government including provision of fodder, replacement of livestock, food parcels, blankets, etc.

We have set aside funds to enhance the capacity of municipalities to prevent and combat veld fires. We are assisting in implementing the 1 200 km fire belts in the province.

Government is working with the Independent Development Trust in the implementation of four key agricultural projects, namely, Springbokpan Grain Silos, Kgora Farmer Training Centre, Selame Poultry and Melton Research Farm.

The Taung Irrigation Scheme in partnership with other stakeholders is at an advanced stage to finalise the Vaalharts / Taung Irrigation Master Plan, which will assist in soliciting investment for actual implementation.

Madame Speaker, our partnership with KMF Feedlot & Abattoir continues to create opportunities for black emerging farmers.

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, will allocate twenty

(20) farms to 20 beneficiaries ranging from youth, women, military veterans, people with disabilities and emerging black commercial farmers totaling 34 000ha. The illegal occupation of farms impacts negatively on agricultural activities; we therefore discourage such practices.

We have listened to the cries of our communities, farmers, business people and transport industry in general who are affected daily by the poor state of roads.

President Cyril Ramaphosa maintains “the people of South Africa want action; they want solutions and they want the government to work for them”.

We are taking action to repair, maintain and upgrade most of the roads in the province which have been a source of complaints by many of our communities. We are rolling out a massive Routine Roads Maintenance Plan on critical surface and gravel roads in all four districts of the province.

Hon Members, we are pleased to announce that Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) through the Presidency has set aside R13 billion rand for the maintenance and upgrading of thirty- nine roads projects in the province. These projects will be implemented during the 2023/24 financial year. This is in addition to the R1.3 billion for road upgrading and maintenance in the current financial year.

The bulk of the R13bn will be earmarked specifically for rural roads projects, most of which will be labour intensive paved roads in order to create jobs. We are upgrading the Nelson Mandela Drive in Mahikeng at a cost of R50 million.

We are spending an amount of R149 million to upgrade the road between Haartebeesfontein and Ottosdal.

The department of Public Works & Roads will start work on the Lichtenburg to Koster road, and a portion of the road connecting Koster and Derby to Magaliesberg.

Madame speaker, we have received an amount of over R100 million in late November 2022 to address flood damaged roads in the province. Consultants have been appointed for the upgrading of a 12 km road, D39 from Mooifontein to Lombaardslaagte, using paving bricks.

Disaster response and mitigation require cooperation and mutual trust between government and communities. We are pleased to announce that the community of Deelpan have agreed to be relocated from the flood prone land they are currently occupying to a safer settlement.

We have appointed the Housing Development Agency (HDA), to undertake detailed studies for construction of 150 permanent structures in Deelpan following allocation of land for the development by Kgosi Molete.

We are elated to report that the experts produced a blue print and technical manual. The manual identifies the skills required to execute projects and to further guide departments, SOE’s and municipalities on a new approach to integrated infrastructure delivery plan for the North West Province.

The panel identified 185 Projects, and prioritised 8 critical Mega Infrastructure Projects based on their advanced stage of readiness or bankability, shovel readiness, socio- economic impact, and ability to be implemented within the prescribed period.

These projects include the Smart City development, Bojanala Special Economic Zone, Agri-processing and Agro-hubs, Water and bulk water supply, health and large urban precinct developments, Renewable energy and solar production and broad band connectivity. These interventions will also contribute towards our vision of agriculture and mining beneficiation.

Hon Members, preliminary estimates indicate that our Province has the potential to attract at least R50 billion worth of investment in the renewable energy space in addition to existing private sector renewal energy investments in areas like Ditsobotla, Madibeng etc. The Executive Council has resolved to formalize our expression of interest to participate in the Solar panels manufacturing initiative coordinated by ISA, and have mandated the North West Development Corporation to host this initiative. We have identified Stilfontein in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District as a potential location of the plant subject to feasibility study confirmation.

Hon Members, youth development and empowerment are an important pillar to sustain the stability of our democracy and safeguard our nation’s future. The future prosperity of our province requires full utilization of the human potential of our youth.

In August last year, we hosted a two-day Youth Summit followed by the Integrated Youth Development Strategy 2025 workshop in partnership with National Youth Development Agency.

We appointed a youth development coordinator in the Office of the Premier as part of the process of resuscitating youth coordination mechanisms in the Province.

An amount of R12million is set aside to support 60 youth owned businesses that have been successfully incubated at our Mafikeng Digital Innovation Hub.

The first intake of 13 069 Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) beneficiaries will start in April 2023, covering all infrastructure delivery departments. Youth, Women and Persons with Disabilities are primary beneficiaries of available work opportunities through Public Infrastructure (i.e. Women = 7 841, Youth = 7 188, Disability = 261). This recruitment will reach a milestone of two hundred thousand (200 000) job opportunities over the next five years.

Bagaetsho, in the Health sector we have enrolled hundred and forty-six (146) first year students for the new basic nursing programme.

Twenty (20) students have been recruited to study medicine in Cuba, while, ninety-six

(96) Medical students graduated in 2021.

Furthermore, over 2 300 work opportunities, training as well as business development support were created for young people in various sectors such as Information Communications Technology, Tourism, Environment Management as well as rural development.

The North West Parks Board will spend R4m on youth skills development programme which is envisaged to create at least 120 job opportunities.

The Tourism and Hospitality sector recruited and placed 100 unemployed youth at various participating host companies across the province to obtain work-based experience and paid a monthly stipend.

A further 444 work opportunities were created in the environmental sector, with the targets to further create 250 job opportunities in the new financial year.

In June 2022, we successfully launched the renamed Victor Thebe Sifora Provincial Bursary Scheme in memory of a stalwart whose name is associated with sacrifice, intellect, and fortitude.

A total amount of R16.2 million was allocated to all the beneficiaries in the 2022 academic year with R21.4 million set aside for the 2023 academic year. This scheme continues to benefit young people in various academic fields and programmes at institutions of higher learning.

Hon Members, the Office of the Premier will launch a project to create a Provincial Youth Portal which will be a digital platform containing information related to all opportunities for youth in the province.

The work experience barrier for all entry level posts across the public service and municipalities will scrapped as from 1st April 2023. We will ensure mainstreaming of the interests of youth, women and persons with disabilities across all government departments, SOEs and municipalities.

Madame Speaker, Bojanala Special Economic Zone received an investment pipeline boost amounting to R6, 1 billion. Amounts of R10 million and R8 million are allocated for the Mamusa and Mahikeng Trade Markets respectively.

Bagaetsho, we appreciate the contribution by parents and community members in areas like Dinnie Estates to alleviate problems of school interruptions due to challenges of scholar transport.

The Executive Council instructed Provincial Treasury to work with the Department of Community Safety & Transport to finalize the process for the new scholar transport tender in line with the budget to ensure that no deserving child is left without transport to school.

“The people of South Africa want action; they want solutions and they want the government to work for them”.

Madame speaker, I am happy to report that the work of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is gaining momentum.

In October last year two scholar transport service providers were ordered to repay over R7 million irregularly received.

Former Moretele municipal manager was arrested for alleged irregular expenditure amounting to approximately R215 million.

Two former senior officials in the Departments of Health and Public Works had their pensions frozen pending the finalization of civil action brought by the SIU. SIU is continuing with more investigations for example in Madibeng and Moretele municipalities, as well as Public Works and Roads department.

I am also happy to report that the SIU has concluded an investigation in the appointment of MEDIOSA and Buthelezi EMS in the Department of Health, and civil action proceedings have been instituted at the Special Tribunal.

The SIU indicated that their investigations into the affairs of the North West Development Corporation (NWDC) relating to the purchase of Christiana Hotel and Game Farm, the establishment of Tokiso Security Services SOC Ltd as a subsidiary of the NWDC, and circumstances that led to the appointment of Mvest for the Youth Enterprise Combo are near complete.

Hon Members, we designated a senior manager in the Office of the Premier to coordinate the implementation of all remedial actions arising from investigations of the Public Protector and findings made by the Human Rights Commission.

The Office of the Premier is finalizing the framework for the implementation of Life Style Audits for Senior Managers in the public service, SOEs and Members of the Executive Council in the new financial year.

These measures will supplement existing mechanisms governing financial disclosures of senior managers, employees in supply chain management, and legislative prescripts related to Members of the Executive.

Madame Speaker, we are determined to rid our Province of the inglorious label of being corruption-ridden. The Province has recorded an improvement in its departmental audit outcomes. Seven departments obtained unqualified opinions, one clean audit and three qualifications.

As we enter the post Section 100 period, we look into the future with firm determination to build on the foundation of the outstanding progress made by the intervention team. It is not enough though; our target is to ultimately achieve clean audit outcomes for all our provincial departments.

We appointed substantive Heads of Departments for 10 of the 12 Provincial Departments.

We have identified critical risk areas which require attention, accounting for most of our negative audit outcomes, in areas like procurement, financial management, recruitment, contract management etc.

Madame Speaker, the Premier will convene an accountability session with all provincial government senior managers responsible for these functions to communicate a clear message to turn around performance in the public service.

The provincial government will conduct pre-bid award audits for bids above R10 million. Treasury will continue to report quarterly on departments compliance to 30days payment to service providers.

We have now established the Premier’s Infrastructure Coordinating Committee in response to poor infrastructure spending by departments, particularly as it relates to conditional grants.

Hon Members, all municipalities in the North West will be directed to fill vacant and funded senior management positions with suitably qualified and competent people by no later than June 2023.

Provincial Government has already established an Executive Council Political Committee to provide continuous support to municipalities experiencing governance and service delivery challenges.

We will work with South African Local Government Association (SALGA) to continue providing support to municipalities, and strengthen social collaboration with business and civil society.

We are acutely aware of similar instances of instability in areas under traditional authority. Whilst we are currently seized with efforts to resolve these issues we will further appoint an investigative committee to attend to identified disputes in traditional communities.

We are the first to admit that this has not been adhered to in all cases, and some rogue contractors have continued to hide inside the system.

We wish to state here today, that the Executive Council directed the Department of Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements to conduct assessment of performance of all contractors, to scale down those failing to complete their work on time, terminate and blacklist repeat offenders.

All new human settlement projects will be delivered in an integrated manner, allocated to rightful beneficiaries and built in areas where there are internal services and bulk infrastructure.

Hon Members, the provincial government will collaborate with the private sector, the national government and the Housing Development Agency to launch a housing project in Marikana extension 13 in the 2023/24 financial year targeting 3 400 beneficiaries.

Madame Speaker, we are making progress working with NHBRC to reduce the backlog of blocked projects with the delivery of over one thousand nine hundred (1 900) units. In the next financial year, we will complete a total of two hundred and forty-seven units of incomplete projects. We are also ramping up the programme to restore title deeds to rightful owners in the Province. Over the last two financial years, we distributed over 6000 title deeds, and a further 8000 will be distributed in the 2023/24 financial year.

Bagaetsho, while we have made remarkable progress in Accelerated Service Delivery and Job creation, we have unfortunately lost through death significant activists and leaders in our province, among others Sammy Duffy, Caesar Mogatusi, Mpho Galo, Paul Daphney, Pasture Maremo, Kerileng Mogotsi and Professor Mareko Legotlo.

May their souls rest in eternal peace.

Madame Speaker and Hon Members, the heroism and resilience of the people of this province are better explained by the fortitude of our torchbearers who defied the odds in the fight against colonialism and apartheid. Some lost their lives in pursuit of the freedom we are enjoying today.

As we celebrate our priceless freedom, we do so cognisant of the sacrifices made by Rita Alice Ndzanga, Priscilla Mokone, Benjy Oliphant and many other heroes and heroines of our liberation struggle. It is these acts of heroism which over the years have trickled down from one generation to the other and have served as a beacon of hope to our people.

We are approaching the 30th anniversary of democracy, lets hold hands across racial, gender and class divides. There is no more time for apportioning of blame, scapegoating, buck passing, sanctimonious behaviour. We all required to make our little contribution towards the betterment of the lives of the people of this province.

North West ke ya rona rotlhe, a re netefatse gore e ya dira! North West belongs to all of us, let us make it work!

Noord-Wes behoort aan ons almal, ons moet die Noord-Wes laat werk!

SiAbantu ba se North West Sonke! Maisebenze INorth West! Isebenzele abantu bonke!