20 March 2007
The Provincial Executive Council of the Free State Provincial government met
in its regular meeting in Bloemfontein. Among other issues the Executive
council:
* Noted that 21 March represents the celebration of Human Rights Day in the
South African calendar. The day will be celebrated under the theme: "Renewing
our pledge, a national partnership to build a better life for all."
* The provincial event will be held in Winburg and will be addressed by the
Human Rights Commission and the Premier will be the keynote speaker.
* Exco approved the 2007 programme of action and re-affirmed the mandate of
halving unemployment and poverty by 2014.The provincial government has
prioritised three strategic priorities for the year namely:
1. accelerating economic growth and inclusion
2. eradication of poverty and reaching out to the youth and women
3. addressing the capacity of the state and improving the country's skills
base.
The Executive Council further approved the implementation plan for the
economic flagship projects as announced in the State of the Province Address.
The 2007/8 budget as well as the respective departmental budget votes were
considered and in its view the Executive Council is confident that the budget
reflects our developmental mandate and our bias to social service priorities.
This investment will further stimulate economic activity and job creation.
The meeting noted the 5 year HIV and AIDS strategic plan and pledged support
for it. A provincial rollout will be discussed in the meeting of the Provincial
Council for AIDS scheduled for April.
The meeting approved the launch of the National Youth Service Programme by
the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport. This programme, which will
be known as Mabetlatsela National Youth Service Programme will be launched on
14 April and will benefit 500 young people who will provide service and get
training on security, traffic inspection, road safety and road workers.
The Executive Council agreed to host the Imbizo focus week which will take
place from 10 to 17 April 2007.The Imbizo focus week is an opportunity for
Ministers, the Premier, Deputy ministers, MECs and Councillors to interact with
communities of the Free State.
In pursuit of building the state's capacity to meet the developmental needs
and mandate, the Executive Council approved the revised Free State Growth and
Development Strategy as well as the Provincial Human Resources and Development
Strategy.
The Executive Council approved the Contractor Development Policy and
programme which targets small and emerging contractors to fast track their
development and grading by the Construction Industry Development Board
(CIDB).
The Free State Promotion Investment Agency will be inaugurated on Friday, 23
April 2007.It will give strategic intent to the economic development
initiatives of the provincial government.
Enquiries:
Teboho Sikisi
Cell: 082 333 8599
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Free State Provincial Government
20 March 2007
Source: Free State Provincial Government (http://www.fs.gov.za)
