Speaking notes for Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation Hon. Pamela Tshwete on the occasion of launch of the official opening of the Magalies Water Scientific Laboratory Brits, North West Province
Programme Director, Mr Frans Vilakazi
Member of the Executive Council for Local Government and Human Settlement: Ms Motlalepule Rosho
Executive Mayor of Bojanala District Municipality: Councillor Fetsang Molosiwa
Executive Mayor of Madibeng Local Municipality: Councillor Jostina Mothibe
Councillors Chaplain Loate from Madibeng South African Police Service Chairperson of the Magalies Water Board,
Advocate Mosotho Petlane Chief Executive and Executive of Magalies Water Board Department of Water and Sanitation
Provincial Head and Officials Law Enforcement Cluster School Learners
Members of the Media
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good morning
I wish to start by congratulating Magalies Water Board and Executive for facilitating the building of this crucial infrastructure for the water sector in the North West and for the benefit of all South Africans. This necessary development comes at a time when the country has to face up to challenges of not just water availability but good quality water. As we know, the country has been affected by drought, and this region was not spared from it; as it was the most affected. The lack of rainfall affected the work of the Water Board as less good quality water was abstracted from the sources. The laboratory that we see here today is therefore an intervention that was necessary in the region.
Executive Mayor, Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am really encouraged by this laboratory that will serve to raise the interest of the local schools as it will be utilised for the benefit of all the learners. I hope the Magalies Water outreach programme through school visits to the laboratory that have been planned will continue and be strengthened. The programme will expose learners about the career opportunities in the water, sanitation and scientific fields. From the briefing that I have received, progress from the initial laboratory services to where we are today is quite remarkable. I am very happy with the fact that this facility will ensure there is even closer co-operation with our clients , municipalities, mines, industries and agriculture.
The varied and extensive services to be sourced from the laboratory will also assist the municipalities with quicker responses to outcomes of the Blue and Green Drop Reports as they unfold. I have been informed that already the Scientific Services Department has assisted clients including local municipalities, with the implementation of a range of water quality monitoring programmes for potable water, wastewater, river water, dams and sludge. This is impressive. It is important to impress upon all of us that the work of the laboratory will impact most positively on public health in the locality. This will be through the monitoring of drinking water supplies, process monitoring of water and wastewater works and environmental monitoring of rivers and dams.
It is very pleasing to know that this project has created ten (10) new employment opportunities. This means a lot to those new employees. I wish to state categorically that as the Department of Water and Sanitation we are impressed with this new infrastructure. We wish to remind all those that will benefit from the work of the laboratory to remember that this infrastructure is meant for the service of all of us. Let us guard this infrastructure jealously, and ensure that it is kept in good condition that will ensure South Africa continues to benefit from its services. The members of the community must ensure that this facility is not vandalised. Even as we celebrate the launch of this laboratory, I wish to address these young people who are amongst us today, those that must still look at opportunities beyond their schooling days.
The Department of Water and Sanitation as the sector leader is keen in developing capacity for the benefit of South Africa. The Department does this through its Learning Academy which drives the sector capacity building. Part of the Learning Academy Programme speaks to the development of Graduate Trainees in the Department of Water and Sanitation in different disciplines relevant to the water and sanitation sector; In-Service Training in partnership with Group 5; as well as the availability of full bursaries to follow different disciplines at numerous universities in the country. The various disciplines open for study to strengthen capacity in the sector include water scientists, hydrologists, geo-hydrologists, civil, electrical and chemical engineers, environmental anthropologists, to name but a few.
The Department of Water and Sanitation offers comprehensive bursaries for the full qualification on average of R75000 per student per annum. The Department is also sponsoring Bursaries at 22 South African Universities that include North West University that has 8 Bursaries that are sponsored. Ladies and Gentlemen we have done some good work as well in the North West Province as part of our Learning Academy program. We have:-2 Graduates in Engineering Disciplines-1 Candidate in Scientific Discipline.-3 Engineering Technicians and-5 Scientific Candidates on Contract In addition to the above still with the North West Province we have:
9-9 Scientists Production Graduates -1 Assistant Director -1 Environmental Officer and-4 Engineering Technicians all on a fixed term appointment All these learners are in different programmes within the North West Province. We have their names and details of where they are placed within the Province. It is for this reason that I wish to encourage you as learners to broaden your horizons and look into opportunities in this sector that is so critical to deliver some of the basic services to all South Africans. Remember also that in order to follow most of these disciplines, you need to be very strong in your mathematics and sciences.
Ladies and Gentlemen as I conclude I wish to remind you about the 2019 General Elections. This coming week end of the 26-27 January 2019 is that last open registration week end. I appeal to all of you to go and check and verify if you registered especially those who relocated to other Provinces. I further appeal to the first time voters to go and register and vote. Please those who need IDs must liaise with Local Home Affairs Offices as in most places they will be open; for further details contact the local offices of your public representatives. When the election date has been officially declared don’t forget to go and vote, as much as the vote is your secret, please do vote correctly. You know who have the good story to tell. In conclusion, I wish to thank the Magalies Water Board for hosting such a beautiful event.
I thank you
