3 February 2009
Following last weekâs EXCO Lekgotla, the North West Provincial Government is
confident that it is meeting its mandate to the people, notwithstanding the
challenges that still lie ahead and the gaps that need further attention.
On 2010 preparations, EXCO noted that progress on the upgrading of Royal
Bafokeng Stadium in line with FIFA requirements is at an advanced stage. The
stadium is being upgraded from 39 000 to 45 000 seating capacity. To date 90%
of the work has already been completed.
The following have been identified as training venues for the 2009
Confederations Cup and 2010 World Cup: Moruleng Stadium, Mogwase Stadium,
Olympia Park stadium and Tlhabane Stadium. EXCO noted that Olympia Park Stadium
is the approved official Fan Park.
The provincial government has committed itself to address all outstanding
issues, in particular, budget deficit, in order to ensure that the province can
contribute towards delivering the best world cup ever.
Government will continue to work towards meeting targets for water,
sanitation and electricity in line with the Millennium Development Goals (MDG)
as part of the overall objective of expanding access to a better life for
all.
The provincial government has registered progress in improving access to
basic services and in improving the quality of peopleâs lives.
With regards to hospital and health care services, at least seven new
community health centres were completed in the province. Moses Kotane Hospital
is expected to be completed in February 2009; Job Shimankane Tabane Hospital
Trauma Unit will be renovated in preparation for 2010; Bafokeng Health Centre
will also be renovated as part of the preparations for the 2009 and 2010
tournaments.
This year support to âno feeâ have increased from 40% to 68%, and 116
educators have been trained on Maths and Science.
The provincial government is committed to broadening access to quality
education. In this regard, the focus will be on increasing the number of
learners who take Maths and Science.
EXCO Lekgotla identified skills development as one of the key prerequisites
for economic growth and development and governmentâs capacity to deliver.
Attention will continue to be paid on learnerships and internships for critical
and scarce skills.
Government will also ensure that all vacant positions especially Director
General, Deputy Director General, Chief Financial Officer and Municipal Manager
are filled timeously.
With regard to crime, the provincial government will continue to provide an
oversight role on safety and security matters and strengthen community
mobilisation in the fight against crime.
EXCO noted that the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) has created 72
550 job opportunities since its inception up to the end of the second quarter
of 2008. As part of objective of growing the economy and pushing back the
frontiers of poverty, the focus will continue to be on Small Medium and Micro
Enterprises (SMME) development and Local Economic Development (LED).
EXCO reflected on the current economic climate and agreed that the benefit
of governmentâs record of economic prudence and fiscal discipline has enabled
the country to withstand the storm. However, EXCO agreed that what was critical
was concrete plans to soften the impact of the cost of living on the worst
affected communities.
For enquiries contact:
Cornelius Tanana Monama
Tel: 018 387 3456
Cell: 082 578 4063
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
3 February 2009
