over APRM review process
7 July 2006
The rural community of Mabalstad near Rustenburg is today representing North
West residents as it is being prepared, via radio broadcast, for the release of
the Country Self Assessment Report scheduled for the next two weeks.
Those of the North West communities that missed out on the education
campaign to enable an understanding for the Provincial Africa Peer Review
Mechanism (APRM) and its intentions are set to benefit and be able to take a
critical role in its assessment.
The Provincial Africa Peer Review Mechanism review process has started in
earnest in the North West and will continue until mid July.
The African Peer Review Mechanism is the New Partnership for Africaâs
Development (NEPAD) instrument of self-monitoring by Africans themselves. The
process will, among others, help South Africa identify policies, laws,
structures and processes that need to be reformed and developed.
It will create a more stable investment climate and promote economic growth
while helping build a society where ordinary people are able to participate in
governance.
Broadly, it is a process that will spur countries of Africa to consider
seriously the impact of domestic policies, not only on internal political
stability and economic growth, but also on neighbouring countries. It will
promote mutual accountability, as well as compliance with best practice.
The African Peer Review Mechanism Process could not have come at a better
time, said MEC for Local Government and Housing, Phenye Vilakazi. Speaking on
behalf of Premier Edna Molewa at the Outside Broadcast activity at Mabalstad,
Vilakazi emphasised the importance the review would play in the forthcoming
2010 Soccer World Cup.
âThe minute the referee blows the final whistle on that 2006 soccer world
cup final, all focus, including the most sustained media spotlight that our
country has ever had, will shift to South Africa. The spotlight will stay with
us until the referee once again blows the final whistle of the World Cup
2010.
âThrough this instrument, we aim to answer in advance the people of the
world that Africa is indeed changing. That African people have taken their
destiny on their hands and will see to it that the continent is revived and
developed to its full potential despite the ravages of apartheid and
colonialism.â
The provincial process was distinguished by the widest possible
participation of a cross section of people including traditional leadership,
women, the aged, the youth, and people with disabilities, academics, labour and
the business community.
The wide participation was facilitated by A re Ageng, a provincial National
Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac)-styled organisation,
reinforced by volunteers and Community Development Workers.
Vilakazi said the APRM Provincial Consultative Report will show âwe have
been very robust, we harboured no secrets and we answered as a province
honestly to questions relating to the four thematic areas of democracy and good
political governance, economic governance and management, corporate governance
and socio-economic developmentâ.
âWe are certain that as a result we made a positive contribution to the
APRMâs Country Self-Assessment Report that will be officially handed over some
time this month.â
Vilakazi said the province was on course not only in its contribution to the
national process but also in the achievements it continues to record in its
quest for Africaâs renewal.
Enquiries:
Cornelius Tanana Monama
Tel: (018) 387 3456/3753
Cell: 082 578 4063
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
7 July 2006
