Premier Sisi Ntombela: Free State Local Government Lekgotla

Speaking notes for the Premier of the Free State. Ms. S.H Ntombela on the occasion of the Free State Local Government Lekgotla, November 6, 2018, Pacofs, Bloemfontein

Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Dr. Zweli Mkhize,
President of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Cllr. Parks Tau,
The Honourable Speaker and Members of the Free State Legislature,
Free State Members of the Executive Council present,
Executive Mayors, Mayors, Honourable Speakers, Chief Whips and Councillors
Marena le Dikgosi,
Veterans and stalwarts of our Liberation Struggle present, 
Heads of Department and Heads of Entities,
Corporate Executive at the office of the Auditor-General, Odwa Duda,
Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State (UFS), Professor Francis Petersen and his esteemed delegation,
Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Central University of Technology (CUT), Professor Henk de Jager and his esteemed delegation,
Distinguished guests,
Comrades and friends,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me take this opportunity to pass the deepest of condolences on behalf of the people of the Free State, to the family, friends and comrades of the late Solomon Mosala “Andy” Sefotlhelo, a former detainee at Robben Island, who passed away this past week.

An MK veteran with great humility, Comrade Andy was an unwavering flagbearer of the fight against the oppressive apartheid system. He served as a councillor in the Motheo District Municipality and in various Provincial Government Departments as a loyal and dedicated public servant until his death.  

May his soul rest in revolutionary peace.

Ladies and gentlemen, yesterday, November 5, 2018, I had the great pleasure of hosting the President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency, Cyril Ramaphosa, here in Bloemfontein – the heart of Freedom, the birthplace of Democracy – on a voter registration drive.

There was visible excitement and euphoria in the streets of Mangaung, as residents came out in their droves to meet and walk the streets with the President.

What was of great importance though, was the opportunity for ordinary men and women to raise their issues and articulate their yearning for a prosperous government that can deal with the alleviation of the persistent unemployment, poverty and inequality in the province and country as a whole. 

I sincerely hope that this historic Local Government Lekgotla will, as part of the discussions, unpack how our Municipalities can address these nagging challenges.

However, all is not doom and gloom. We have, since the advent of democracy, come a long way in changing the face of our communities across the province through accelerated service delivery.  Ours has been a concerted effort at ensuring that we improve the quality of life of our people.  It has become evident, though, that more should still be done.

Going forward, I firmly believe that we need to firmly grasp the idea that the creation of an enabling environment for nurturing humanity, is at the core of the work our Municipalities must do.

We therefore need to ensure that our Municipalities do the following:

  • Build local economies to create more employment and sustainable livelihoods;
  • Improve local government public services and access to them;
  • Build more united, non-racial and integrated communities;
  • Promote more active community participation in local government; and
  • Ensure more effective, accountable and clean local government that works together with national and provincial government. 
     

Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to call to the podium, our guest of honour, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr. Zweli Mkhize -  devout servant of the people.

Dr Mkhize has distinguished himself through diligent, meticulous, and hands-on approach to his work over many years in the various capacities he served.

Since his appointment as Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) on 26 February 2018, he has, working with various stakeholders, spared no effort in finding the underlying cause of the various challenges affecting the municipalities in the country.

His presence here, no doubt, alludes to his passion for good governance and properly functioning and responsive government institutions.

As I welcome the Minister to the podium, let me conclude by saying that it is my firm belief we will all walk out of here with clear knowledge that our local government should have:

better financial management and more equitable resources; and
substantially built the leadership and technical capability to deliver on the developmental mandate. 
Thuma Mina!,

Towards functional service delivery driven local governance!

I thank you!       

Province

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