Vote 4: Department of Co-Operative Governance and Traditional Affairs by Hon. R. M Mtshweni (MPL) Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, 25 May 2017
Madam Speaker, Hon. B.T Shongwe Deputy Speaker, Hon. V Siwela
Honourable Members of the Executive Council Honourable Members of the Mpumalanga Legislature,
Honourable Executive Mayors, Speakers, Chief Whips and Councilors
Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders, Kgoshi LM Mokoena and Inkhosi SG Ngomane
Our revered Traditional Leaders, Amakhosi / Magoshi Heads of Departments and Municipal Managers
The Leadership of the ANC and Alliance partners Distinguished Guests, Friends, fellow citizens Ladies and Gentlemen
Madam Speaker, in the words of the great revolutionary Amilcar Cabral, we learn that: “Always bear in mind that people are not fighting for ideas, for things in anyone’s head. They are fighting to win material benefits, to live better and in peace, to see their lives go forward, to guarantee the future of their children”.
Madam speaker, being inspired by this great revolutionary, I rise to table before this House, the Budget of the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, not as a messiah, but as a true servant of the people, grounded in the principles of the struggle icon, Oliver Reginald Tambo, whose leadership is celebrated deservedly in his centenary year of birth.
The budget we are tabling today seeks to address the service delivery challenges faced by our commu- nities in this historical epoch, whose hopes and aspirations are pinned in the ANC-led administration. OR Tambo, an embodiment of integrity, honesty, trustworthiness, empathy, service and diligence, continues to inspire us as we tackle these challenges head on.
OR Tambo is still revered today for steering the ANC to weather the storms in exile and further built the organization into a colossus, respected on the global stage and mortally feared by the apartheid regime.
Madam Speaker, ten months ago, we ushered in the fourth Democratic Local Government Administration, after a successful, peaceful and harmonious municipal elections. We want to thank our people for believing in the ANC and further congratulate the elected councillors, and those that have been given extra lead- ership responsibilities as Mayors, Speakers and Chief Whips respectively. I want to remind them that to whom much is given, much is expected.
Appreciation and gratitude must go to the South African Local Government Association by taking the initia- tive of inducting our newly elected councillors to understand their roles and responsibilities. Read more [PDF]
