Western Cape Provincial Government https://www.gov.za/ en Premier Alan Winde and MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela on judgment handed down by Western Cape High Court regarding the sale of Tafelberg School https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/premier-alan-winde-and-mec-bonginkosi-madikizela-judgment-handed-down-western <span> Premier Alan Winde and MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela on judgment handed down by Western Cape High Court regarding the sale of Tafelberg School</span> <span><span>Londekile</span></span> <span>Fri, 09/18/2020 - 15:46</span> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2020-09-18T12:00:00Z">18 Sep 2020</time></div> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Over the last few weeks, we, our legal team and officials have closely studied the judgment handed down by the Western Cape High Court regarding the sale of the Tafelberg school by the previous administration in 2017. </p> <p>We respect the Western Cape High Court, and proper consideration had to be given to the legal reasoning and orders provided by the judges in this case, before a decision was taken on whether a need existed to appeal the judgment or not.  </p> <p>It is important to highlight upfront that this was an extremely complex judgment spanning over 200 pages that included a variety of different orders. Due consideration needed to be given to each of these orders in making a decision on our next step. </p> <p>Before we turn to our response, however, it is important to refresh on some key points and latest developments. </p> <p>The Western Cape Government is committed to achieving spatial redress:</p> <p>The decision to sell the property in Sea point known as Tafelberg to the successful bidder, The Phyllis Jowell Jewish Day School, was taken in the previous political term, by a cabinet different to the current one. </p> <p>Whilst that agreement of sale was the impetus for the litigation which has followed, it’s clear that the real aspects of contestation argued before the Western Cape High Court, and therefore the judgment’s consequences, span far beyond this particular site and this particular purchaser, which has been unable to take ownership of the site for over 2 years already as a result of the litigation. </p> <p>The Western Cape Government can now confirm that, after reflecting on the recent judgment handed down by the Western Cape High Court, the Phyllis Jowell Jewish Day School have indicated to us that they do not intend to pursue their rights under this contract of sale any further - a decision which we believe will result in the mutual termination of the sale agreement and the return of the property to the Western Cape Government’s property portfolio.  </p> <p>Its return to our portfolio will give us the opportunity to re-consider its future use in light of the priorities of this new administration and I am grateful to the board of Phyllis Jowell Jewish Day School for informing us of their decision in this regard and which will allow its use to be considered afresh. </p> <p>On this point, I want to make clear that the Western Cape Government is absolutely committed to achieving spatial redress.  </p> <p>All levels of government across South Africa can and must do more in this regard, and we acknowledge this.  </p> <p>Redressing the wrongs of our painful past is a priority of our administration. We swore an oath to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, and we intend do all we can to make sure our province becomes inclusive, knowing that there are no quick fixes, and that this is a road we must walk together.  </p> <p>To this end our government now intends to engage widely and with all those interested, as we work towards building a fairer, more inclusive Western Cape. This includes with Reclaim the City and Ndifuna Ukwazi. </p> <p>Constructive engagement is in the best interests of all of us, including our most vulnerable residents, who are top of mind when it comes to the realization of socio-economic rights. </p> <p>However, we must be crystal clear: our engagements must and will be premised on respect for the rule of law in our province and country. Incitement to illegally invade property for any reason, including land that is already earmarked for social housing, must come to an end.  </p> <p>We therefore call on Reclaim the City and Ndifuna Ukwazi to join us in condemning the illegal occupation of Helen Bowden Nursing Home and other properties which have been ear-marked for affordable housing in central Cape Town and to make every effort not to further hamper our efforts to develop these sites for our most vulnerable residents. Developing these sites will contribute greatly to redressing spatial apartheid. It is time for all to show their genuine commitment to this goal. </p> <p>The Tafelberg Judgment by the Western Cape High Court:</p> <p>The Western Cape Government embraces the Western Cape High Court’s finding that we have a constitutional obligation towards the redress of the effects of spatial Apartheid, in the context of both planning and resource allocation in the Western Cape. This has never been in dispute – not before, during or after the case. </p> <p>The difficulty we have is that the judgment does not rest there: the court has made a range of orders that will fundamentally impact our ability to competently manage this province and govern it as an independent sphere of government as envisaged by the Constitution.  </p> <p>As noted by our Cabinet today, a consideration of the judgments in detail shows there are in essence two main aspects to it:  </p> <p> The agreement of sale of the Tafelberg property has been set aside (on the basis of a range of underlying findings that will have material consequences going forward); and  <br />A broad, structural interdict was put in place in terms of which the Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town have been ordered to file a report to the court detailing joint, future plans and integrated policies with regard to our “statutory obligations” under the Social Housing and Housing Act, within an area which the court has now defined to be Central Cape Town, and on which only the applicants and Ndifuna Ukwazi have been invited to comment. </p> <p>1) The review and setting aside of the deed of sale: </p> <p>Notwithstanding that the setting aside of the agreement of sale by the court will become academic given the stance adopted towards it by the purchaser, there are remaining aspects of the judgment that are not so moot and will, we believe, impact on the ability of the Western Cape Government to deliver on its mandate to such a material degree as to amount to judicial over-reach.  </p> <p>These include: </p> <p>Declaring the public participation process that applies under the regulations of the Western Cape Land Administration Act to be unconstitutional, <br />Finding that the provisional list of Restructuring Zones, which had merely been published for comment under the Social Housing Act, have the force of law and that the Western Cape Government should in any event have relied on other organs of state to interpret this draft legislation, <br />Imposing a judicial definition of what is Central Cape Town,  <br />Imposing on the Western Cape Provincial government an obligation to consult with other organs or departments in the State, and always the National Minister of Human Settlements in respect of any decision to dispose of our land in the future,  without a reciprocal obligation in place and with the added implication too that should any such department advise they want it, we are obligated to give it to them. This effectively nullifies our ability to use our assets to raise revenue for other service delivery imperatives, should we so decide.    <br />We will therefore be applying for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal.</p> <p>To be clear, notwithstanding any return of the property to the Provincial portfolio that may ensue, an appeal is still required in respect of the extensive nature of the finding and order of the court underlying its decision on the sale itself, as outlined above, given their impact for all government departments and organs of state  which would, if unchallenged, be binding henceforth. </p> <p>2.The broad, structural interdict: </p> <p>In so far as this aspect of the judgment is concerned, whilst the court had a discretion in this regard, we are of the view that the extent and breadth of this aspect of the order has far-reaching and concerning implications for us as a government too.  </p> <p>This is so because our core constitutional role as a provincial government is to provide education, healthcare and social services, within a well-maintained public infrastructure environment, as well as the progressive realization of the rights of access to land and resources, including housing for those who most need it. </p> <p>We must do so on a continual, progressive and responsible basis, in the context of severely constrained budgets, on a province-wide basis. The multi-faceted aspects of such service delivery is recognized in the discretion organs of state have, within the applicable legislation, to achieve their goals, and it is for this reason that the Court in this case could not point to a specific section in either the Social Housing Act or the Housing Act which obligates Provincial Governments to provide social housing in particular suburbs. </p> <p>The context in which all our obligations must be assessed cannot, in our view, be ad hoc or site specific, or indeed limited to the City of Cape Town, but rather has to be seen in a province-wide context and in the face of other equally compelling and competing rights and obligations that must be met too.   </p> <p>The findings of the court in this regard impact on the Western Cape Government’s core functions going forward including: </p> <p>the right of this executive to determine how and where our budget is allocated province-wide, <br />our right to determine how to dispose of assets, in a transparent manner in order to raise funds for constrained service-delivery objectives, <br />our right to operate within a participative democracy that is sufficiently flexible to enable us to do the job we have been mandated to do, <br />our obligation to act independently of both the City of Cape Town and the National Government with regards to our own policies and assets and in accordance with the Constitutional framework, <br />our right and obligation to determine the reasonable meaning and effect of legislation independently of any interpretations that may be applied by other organs of state; and <br />the extent of the obligations of this province to consult with other departments or organs of state in other spheres of government with regard to the use of our assets.  <br />On this basis we are of the view that we have no choice but to appeal this aspect of the judgment too. </p> <p>The Western Cape Government to push ahead with spatial redress projects:</p> <p>The decision to appeal by no means affects our commitment to continue and even ramp up our efforts to address the spatial inequalities of the past, by providing affordable, well-located housing across our province.  </p> <p>Construction on the first phase of the Conradie Better Living Model site at Pinelands has begun. Over 400 social housing opportunities will be created in the first phase, and affordable housing options will ultimately make up 49% of this development once completed. Pinelands is just outside of the CBD, and has easy access to Goodwood as well as Epping Industrial, and the site is within walking distance of train stations. Two new, affordable schools will also be constructed as part of the development. </p> <p>The Belhar CBD project is another mixed-use project, close to the Bellville CBD. It will provide social housing, FLISP and housing for military veterans. It will also provide student accommodation, with a 2700-bed residence to be built on the site by UWC- providing affordable accommodation for students close to the university. </p> <p>The Helen Bowden site was identified as the first phase for the construction of social and mixed-use housing in what is known as the Somerset Precinct re-development. This is an 11-hectare site, right next to the V&A Waterfront, owned by the Western Cape Government, and thus allows the development of cross-subsidized housing at scale. The rezoning of the property was approved some time ago, and it is ironically the invasion of the Helen Bowden building, on the active encouragement of Reclaim the City, that is now stalling the development of this site.  </p> <p>The Western Cape Government has started to develop an inclusionary housing policy:</p> <p>Beyond these developments, the Western Cape Government, through the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, is also currently in the process of developing an inclusionary housing policy. Such a policy, which will once again apply on a provincial basis, enables us to further promote spatial redress through the exercise of our provincial planning constitutional competency.  </p> <p>The Western Cape Government is committed to providing spaces which allow people to live a dignified life of which they can feel proud, and we will continue to pursue innovative methods and partnerships that will allow us to make meaningful change in people’s lives. </p> <p>Notwithstanding our filing of an appeal in this matter, the very fact of this litigation has given us cause to pause and reflect on the need to identify even more well located, affordable housing in the Western Cape. Our Department of Transport and Public Works is doing just that, along with our Department of Human Settlements, but we need the assistance of national government to get it done.  </p> <p>Large parcels of national-owned land such as Ysterplaat, Culemborg, Wingfield, Denel and Youngsfield still lie vacant or underutilized and must be given up for better, more rational purpose now. It is only in combination with the National government, in terms of getting both access to land and funding that real progress towards spatial redress on those large land parcels can be achieved. </p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-province field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">Province</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/taxonomy/term/935" hreflang="en">Western Cape</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-issued-by-source field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">Issued by</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-website-url field--type-link field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://www.westerncape.gov.za/" target="_blank">Western Cape Provincial Government</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-subjects field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">More on</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/taxonomy/term/657" hreflang="en">Legal issues</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-western-cape field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">More from</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/western-cape/western-cape-provincial-government" hreflang="en">Western Cape Provincial Government</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/speech-categories/media-statements" hreflang="en">Media Statements</a></div> Fri, 18 Sep 2020 13:46:21 +0000 Londekile 800981 at https://www.gov.za https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/premier-alan-winde-and-mec-bonginkosi-madikizela-judgment-handed-down-western#comments Premier Alan Winde briefs media on first case of Coronavirus COVID-19 in Western Cape, 11 Mar https://www.gov.za/news/media-advisories/media-briefings/premier-alan-winde-briefs-media-first-case-coronavirus-covid <span> Premier Alan Winde briefs media on first case of Coronavirus COVID-19 in Western Cape, 11 Mar</span> <span><span>Londekile</span></span> <span>Wed, 03/11/2020 - 10:40</span> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2020-03-11T12:00:00Z">11 Mar 2020</time></div> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Following the announcement by the National Minister of Health, Zweli Mkhize, that the first case of Coronavirus has been confirmed in the Western Cape,  Premier Alan Winde and Provincial Minister of Health, Nomafrench Mbombo, will address media on the Western Cape Government’s preparedness. </p> <p>The briefing will continue, as planned, at the Tygerberg Hospital at 11h00.</p> <p>All media are invited to attend.</p> <p>Media queries:<br />Bianca Capazorio - Spokesperson for Premier Alan Winde<br />Tel: 021 483 5004<br />Cell: 072 372 7044<br />E-mail: <a href="mailto:bianca.capazorio@westerncape.gov.za">bianca.capazorio@westerncape.gov.za</a></p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-province field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">Province</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/taxonomy/term/935" hreflang="en">Western Cape</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-speech-event-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">Event Category</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/event-category/media-briefings" hreflang="en">Media briefings</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-issued-by-source field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">Issued by</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-website-url field--type-link field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://www.westerncape.gov.za/" target="_blank">Western Cape Provincial Government</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-western-cape field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">More from</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/western-cape/western-cape-provincial-government" hreflang="en">Western Cape Provincial Government</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/taxonomy/term/950" hreflang="en">Media advisories</a></div> Wed, 11 Mar 2020 08:40:34 +0000 Londekile 796230 at https://www.gov.za https://www.gov.za/news/media-advisories/media-briefings/premier-alan-winde-briefs-media-first-case-coronavirus-covid#comments Premier Alan Winde delivers State of the Province Address https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/premier-alan-winde-delivers-state-province-address-20-feb-2020 <span> Premier Alan Winde delivers State of the Province Address</span> <span><span>Londekile</span></span> <span>Thu, 02/20/2020 - 12:19</span> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2020-02-20T12:00:00Z">20 Feb 2020</time></div> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h3>Premier Winde's SOPA: A Government of action that delivers for you</h3> <p>Western Cape Premier Alan Winde delivered his State of the Province Address, committing his government to real action that delivers for all residents of the Western Cape (the full text is attached).</p> <p>This year’s address was historic as it was held at the Rocklands Civic Centre in Mitchells Plain for the first time, with many local community members in attendance.</p> <p>The SOPA was preceded by a procession of men and women who work every day to keep residents of the province safe. The procession included metro police, a platoon of the 500 newly appointed law enforcement officers, fire and rescue services, emergency services, Chrysalis graduates and neighbourhood watch members.</p> <p>In his speech, Premier Winde said “It is an honour to be delivering my State of the Province Address in front of this community, and it is a special honour to be delivering it in this venue. The Rocklands Civic Centre is no stranger to historic events.<br /><br />It was here that the United Democratic Front rose up against the evils of Apartheid. It was here that people of all walks united behind the idea of a democratic South Africa in which everyone would be free. There is no better place than this place, a Provincial heritage site, for us to host this historic SOPA - the first SOPA outside of the Provincial Parliament, right here in one of our communities. “</p> <p> The speech detailed the record of delivery of the Western Cape Government since the Premier was sworn into office in May last year.</p> <p>Premier Winde said: “When I delivered my first SOPA in July last year, we vowed to “Get to Work”. Over the past seven months, we have certainly done just that. Since being elected, I have visited dozens of communities, I have met with thousands of citizens, and we have received tens of thousands of mails, texts and calls telling us what you want and need. We have heard you.<br /><br />You don’t want smart cities and bullet trains. You want working cities and normal trains that get you to where you need to be, on time. You want a government that focuses on getting the basics right, and actually delivers.”</p> <p>The Premier’s Government of Action has delivered:</p> <ul><li>Lifestyle audits for his entire cabinet have begun in response to residents expressing their concerns about corruption wasting their tax money.</li> <li>A second review of the provincial ministerial handbook so that residents’ taxes are spent on services, rather than on frills and fancy cars.</li> <li>Extending the clinic hours in Grabouw in response to complaints from the community who did not want to travel to Caledon late at night during an emergency. This clinic now operates 24/7 and its facilities are being upgraded.</li> <li>The roll-out of the Western Cape Safety Plan- a comprehensive, province wide safety strategy aimed at halving the murder rate to ensure that Western Cape residents do not have to live in fear of crime and gang violence which is tearing their communities apart.</li> <li>Building working relationships with the City of Cape Town, the national government and the South African Police Service in order to build a united response to crime in the province.</li> <li>The launch of Open Government First Thursday which allows citizens to meet with Premier Winde, cabinet members and senior officials every month. Since the first event in August last year, 1244 meetings have been held with residents, with 80% of these being resolved. The First Thursday event is also being taken further afield in the province. In March, it will be held in Cloetesville in Stellenbosch. Expertise are also being shared with other municipalities, and the Overstrand Municipality now hosts their own First Thursday event.</li> <li>An Economic War Room, aimed at cutting the red tape which impacts businesses, was established, and the pilot phase, looking at five areas of the economy, has been completed.</li> <li>The Western Cape continues to be the “jobs province”, with the lowest expanded unemployment rate in the country, helping to strengthen the economic climate that allows businesses to create jobs and opportunities for the people of the province.</li> <li>The Matric pass rate for the class of 2019 improved, showing increases in the number of bachelor’s passes, and the learner retention rate, so that more young people receive the best possible education to secure the brightest future.</li> <li>The Department of Education has also launched and rolled out the School Evaluation Authority, with a focus on the quality of education provided in schools in the province.</li> <li>The Department of Health has implemented cutting edge technology which allows patients’ details to be available at any Western Cape Government Health Facility-allowing medical professionals to track their adherence to treatment. They have done this while maintaining the country’s highest life expectancy, and providing services to 19 million people.</li> <li>The Department of Transport and Public Works has reduced festive season road deaths by 23% as part of a holistic focus on keeping the people of the province safe.</li> </ul><p>-Backyard dwellers have been included in the priority groupings for housing allocations to ensure that the most vulnerable in our society are able to access housing opportunities.</p> <p>Premier Winde also made several announcements for the 2020/21 financial year including:</p> <ul><li>The installation of 30 high-security fences at schools each year, for the next 30 years in order to keep learners and teachers safe.</li> <li>A feasibility study to be conducted on moving control of rail away from national government control.</li> <li>The Western Cape Government will introduce a game-changing minibus pilot project which will use technology to monitor and improve the behaviour of taxis drivers. There will also be increased investment in public transport infrastructure, including ranks, stops and shelters to improve the daily experience of taxi commuters. </li> <li>The already successful Red Tape Reduction Unit will be dramatically scaled up in order to better assist businesses encountering red tape related hurdles.</li> <li>The Economic War Room will be rolled out for the rest of the term. Going forward, the War Room will also investigate ways to improve the criminal conviction rate in the province to act as a deterrent to crime.</li> <li>The Western Cape Government has managed to source funding in excess of R250 million from the private sector, national government and the City of Cape Town that will ensure 1000 unemployed youth are trained and placed in jobs in the next financial year.</li> <li>Bolstering the forensic unit which looks into municipal matters to strengthen accountability at this level of government and to root out any risk for potential corruption.</li> </ul><p>The Premier concluded his address with a promise to not rest until this change is felt by everyone in the Western Cape:</p> <p>He said:  "We will not slow down until you as the residents of this province see and feel the progress of our delivery first hand -our success is your success, and your success is ours.  Our job together is to build a better South Africa. We dare not fail, as our future depends on it.</p> <p>And for me, success looks like this:</p> <p>We are safe</p> <p>We have personal opportunities to prosper</p> <p>Our economy is back on track and growing</p> <p>We are healthy</p> <p>Our education opens doors for us</p> <p>We can move about easily</p> <p>We have homes that we are proud of</p> <p>And we have a government that we trust and believe in</p> <p>Most of all, we have hope for our future. </p> <p>We will continue to work hard, every day, to deliver this vision, for you."</p> <p>Media Queries:<br />Bianca Capazorio<br />Spokesperson for Premier Alan Winde<br />Tel: 021 483 5004<br />Cell: 072 372 7044<br />E-mail: <a href="mailto:bianca.capazorio@westerncape.gov.za">bianca.capazorio@westerncape.gov.za</a></p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-province field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">Province</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/taxonomy/term/935" hreflang="en">Western Cape</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-issued-by-source field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">Issued by</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-website-url field--type-link field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://www.westerncape.gov.za/" target="_blank">Western Cape Provincial Government</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-subjects field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">More on</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/taxonomy/term/647" hreflang="en">State of the Province Address</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-western-cape field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">More from</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/western-cape/western-cape-provincial-government" hreflang="en">Western Cape Provincial Government</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/speech-categories/media-statements" hreflang="en">Media Statements</a></div> Thu, 20 Feb 2020 10:19:35 +0000 Londekile 795579 at https://www.gov.za https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/premier-alan-winde-delivers-state-province-address-20-feb-2020#comments Western Cape commences hearing on illegal occupations, 25 Mar https://www.gov.za/news/media-advisories/government-activities/western-cape-commences-hearing-illegal-occupations-25 <span> Western Cape commences hearing on illegal occupations, 25 Mar</span> <span><span>Ursula</span></span> <span>Tue, 03/23/2021 - 12:31</span> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2021-03-23T12:00:00Z">23 Mar 2021</time></div> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h3>New hearing on halting illegal occupations to commence before three new judges</h3> <p>The case in the consideration of the common law right of counter-spoliation by landowners as a legitimate means to repel land invasions, launched as part B of an application by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) litigation against the City of Cape Town (CoCT), recommences this week.</p> <p>In this matter the Western Cape Government (WCG) has intervened so as to make submissions in support of the lawfulness of counter-spoliation as a constitutional means to prevent unlawful land invasions and is to be reheard in the Western Cape High Court, before three new judges.</p> <p>This comes after the completion of a first hearing before 2 judges, which concluded at the end of November last year, after four days of argument by the various Counsel. The two presiding Judges Meer and Allie could not reach an agreement on the terms of their judgement.</p> <p>Despite suggestion that the appointment of a further single judge - so as to break the apparent deadlock between these two judges - would be appropriate, Judge President Hlophe determined to rather appoint three new judges to hear the matter de novo - at considerable cost and time to all concerned.</p> <p>The new judges have called on the parties to file updated heads of arguments, while the National Government has been requested to participate more actively in the upcoming hearing, and which is now due to last at least two days this week.</p> <p>Mandated on behalf of the provincial cabinet, Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers, said: “Although we are disappointed that a brand new hearing of the matter has been required, we remain confident in our argument that the common law remedy of counter-spoliation, which recognises an owner's right to immediately retake possession of unlawfully seized property, without approaching a court first -  is both constitutional and necessary.</p> <p>From our own experience as landowners we can demonstrate to the court the consequences that follow when the tools to prevent  large-scale land invasions in a practical and lawful manner are all but removed. </p> <p>Eviction orders take months if not years to obtain, rendering urgent court redress a mythical goal and often a futile exercise for landowners at the end of violent or well-orchestrated landgrabs.</p> <p>The exorbitant amounts currently being spent by government to prevent illegal land grabs and site invasions is sufficient evidence of this reality, but is still insufficient to stem this tide without the common law remedy of counter-spoliation too, as well as a motivated police service and responsive courts.”</p> <p>The hearing is set to commence on Thursday 25th at 10am.</p> <p>Media enquiries:<br />Marcellino Martin<br />E-mail: <a href="mailto:Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za">Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za</a><br />Tel: 021 483 3397<br />Cell: 082 721 3362</p> <p>Nathan Adriaanse<br />Tel: 021 483 2868<br />Cell: 083 2631720<br />E-mail: <a href="mailto:Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za">Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za</a></p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-province field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">Province</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/taxonomy/term/935" hreflang="en">Western Cape</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-speech-event-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">Event Category</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/event-category/government-activities" hreflang="en">Government activities</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-issued-by-source field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">Issued by</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-website-url field--type-link field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://www.westerncape.gov.za/" target="_blank">Western Cape Provincial Government</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-western-cape field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">More from</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/western-cape/western-cape-provincial-government" hreflang="en">Western Cape Provincial Government</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/taxonomy/term/950" hreflang="en">Media advisories</a></div> Tue, 23 Mar 2021 10:31:51 +0000 Ursula 805312 at https://www.gov.za https://www.gov.za/news/media-advisories/government-activities/western-cape-commences-hearing-illegal-occupations-25#comments Western Cape Government welcomes “lifeline” for Langeberg & Ashton Foods canning plant https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/western-cape-government-welcomes-%E2%80%9Clifeline%E2%80%9D-langeberg-ashton-foods-canning <span> Western Cape Government welcomes “lifeline” for Langeberg & Ashton Foods canning plant</span> <span><span>Vuyelwa</span></span> <span>Wed, 07/13/2022 - 09:19</span> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-07-13T12:00:00Z">13 Jul 2022</time></div> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Western Cape Government welcomes the extension of operations at Tiger Brands’ Langeberg & Ashton Foods (L&AF) plant.</p> <p>Tiger Brands said it had engaged with affected employees, organised labour, and other stakeholders, and they have agreed to a compact that will allow the company to extend operations at the factory for another season. Tiger Brands added the extension of operations allows for a possible transaction that may result in a long-term, sustainable solution for its deciduous fruit processing business.</p> <p>“The flexibility, open-mindedness, and good faith shown by all parties in reaching this compact will allow for the rigorous exploration of any new proposals in respect of the company’s deciduous fruit processing operations while securing the jobs of 250 permanent employees and 4 300 seasonal workers directly employed by L&AF for a further season,” said Noel Doyle, Tiger Brands Chief Executive Officer.</p> <p>Earlier today Provincial Agriculture Minister Ivan Meyer met with Agri-Western Cape representatives, producers, and the Canning Fruit Producers Association.</p> <p>Minister Meyer said: ‘We agreed that our priority was to protect the rural economy and jobs in the Langeberg and Ashton areas. Therefore, the announcement that the factory will be kept open for another season is good news as it allows for more time to secure a suitable investor.”</p> <p>He added: “However, now that Tiger Brands and its key partners have reached an agreement that allows for the extension of operations to the forthcoming season, parties should focus their energies on ensuring the long-term sustainability of the factory and jobs.”</p> <p>The Minister gave the assurance the Western Cape Department of Agriculture will continue to support the industry in its endeavour to identify an investor who shares the vision of building a vibrant agro-processing sector in the province.</p> <p>On this positive development, Provincial Finance and Economic Opportunities Minister Mireille Wenger said: “I am ecstatic that Tiger Brands will extend operations at Langeberg & Ashton Foods for another season. This is reason to celebrate, especially for the thousands of Western Cape residents who are employed through their operations.”</p> <p>The Minister emphasised: “This announcement demonstrates clearly the power of partnership and collaboration, and I thank all stakeholders for their efforts to find a solution in the best interests of all involved.”</p> <p>Media enquiries:<br />Regan Thaw<br />Media Liaison Officer<br />Office of the Premier<br />Tel: 021 483 4630<br />Cell: 083 627 7246<br />Email: <a href="mailto:Regan.Thaw@westerncape.gov.za">Regan.Thaw@westerncape.gov.za</a></p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-province field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">Province</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/taxonomy/term/935" hreflang="en">Western Cape</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-issued-by-source field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">Issued by</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-website-url field--type-link field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://www.westerncape.gov.za/" target="_blank">Western Cape Provincial Government</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-subjects field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">More on</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/taxonomy/term/652" hreflang="en">Human and social issues</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-western-cape field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">More from</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/western-cape/western-cape-provincial-government" hreflang="en">Western Cape Provincial Government</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/speech-categories/media-statements" hreflang="en">Media Statements</a></div> Wed, 13 Jul 2022 07:19:52 +0000 Vuyelwa 814728 at https://www.gov.za https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/western-cape-government-welcomes-%E2%80%9Clifeline%E2%80%9D-langeberg-ashton-foods-canning#comments MEC Ivan Meyer: Western Cape Prov Budget speech 2017/2018 https://www.gov.za/speeches/western-cape-budget-speech-201718-7-mar-2017-0000 <span>MEC Ivan Meyer: Western Cape Prov Budget speech 2017/2018</span> <span><span>Thabangm</span></span> <span>Mon, 03/13/2017 - 08:48</span> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2017-03-07T12:00:00Z">07 Mar 2017</time></div> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Honourable Speaker and Deputy Speaker<br />Honourable Premier and Cabinet Colleagues<br />Honourable Leader of the Official Opposition<br />Honourable Leaders of Opposition Parties<br />Honourable Members of the Western Cape Legislature<br />Executive Mayors and Deputy Mayors<br />Speakers and Councillors<br />Senior officials of the Western Cape Government<br />Leaders of the Business Community<br />Citizens of the Western Cape<br />Ladies and Gentlemen<br /><br />Honourable Speaker, it is my honour to table the Western Cape Government’s 2017 Budget. Two weeks ago Premier Helen Zille defined the Western Cape Government’s vision and clear plans to deliver on that vision.<br /><br />Her State of the Province Address gave a detailed account of what was already achieved during the mid-term assessment. It also puts a razor sharp focus on this Government’s plans, projects and time frames for the future.<br /><br />Today, I am presenting the fiscal framework to fund these plans and projects as outlined in this Government’s delivery Agenda.<br /><br />Today I am tabling:</p> <ul><li>A Budget for Growth;</li> <li>A Budget for People; and</li> <li>A Budget for Prosperity.</li> </ul><p>Madam Speaker, there is consensus in this Government and in this Cabinet that nothing is more important than growing the economy and creating jobs.<br /><br />This Budget will support growth and job creation.<br /><br />Madam Speaker, nations prosper when they:</p> <ul><li>Show respect for their Constitution and institutions that support constitutional democracy;</li> </ul><ul><li>Show respect for individual freedom, individual choices, and accept individual responsibility for their own future;</li> <li>Accelerate investment in infrastructure;</li> <li>Boost support for small, medium and micro enterprises;</li> <li>Create jobs and reduce unemployment;</li> <li>Promote smart and inclusive growth; and</li> <li>Have access to basic services like water, energy, sanitation and refuse collection.</li> </ul><p>Madam Speaker, Premier Zille is right when she stated in her State of the Province Address (SOPA) that:<br /><br />“For any government, at any level, to create conditions for sustained progress towards prosperity for all, requires three pre-conditions: The Rule of Law; a culture of accountability, (in which all members of society take their responsibilities seriously), and a capable state that undertakes its duties efficiently, honestly, and cost-effectively.”<br /><br />Today, I want to thank all citizens who take up their responsibility of active citizenship.<br /><br />In all communities we find people who come together and take ownership of their communities.<br /><br />One such community is a group of people I met in Hessequa.<br /><br />The mayor introduced me to Oom Maans and his committee who have taken ownership and in partnership with the municipality have brought significant changes to Jongensfontein.<br /><br />We salute you Oom Maans and your Committee as well as all the other Oom Maans in every town across the Western Cape.<br /><br />Through partnerships and active citizenship we are indeed better together.<br /><br />The Western Cape 2017 – 2020 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement tabled in this House on 22 November 2016 outlined our fiscal and budget policy framework which shaped the 2017 Budget, while taking into account the current constrained economic and fiscal environment and its associated risks.<br /><br />The Western Cape Government’s Fiscal and Budget Policy Principles which underpin the 2017 Budget continue to promote:</p> <ul><li>Allocative efficiency: allocation of resources towards priorities of government to programmes that are effective;</li> <li>Fiscal consolidation: which generally entails reducing government expenditure and/or increasing revenues;</li> <li>Fiscal sustainability: maintaining stability in key government programmes and managing risks; and</li> <li>Fiscal discipline: being financially accountable by ensuring that there is no irregular or wasteful spending by any department or entity.</li> </ul><p>Madam Speaker, to maintain the sustained progress made by this Government in achieving the goals outlined in the Provincial Strategic Plan 2014 ‑ 2019, this Budget will continue to focus on creating public value and investing in initiatives that promote inclusive growth.<br /><br />I also wish to reaffirm the Western Cape Government’s unfaltering commitment towards the principles of good governance and sound financial management practices.<br /><br />To demonstrate this I signed a declaration on good financial governance earlier today.<br /><br />The declaration acknowledges that the effective and efficient management of public resources in an open, transparent and accountable manner is the foundation of democratic governance.<br /><br />The declaration further serves as our commitment to, at all times, uphold the principles and values enshrined in the Constitution and other fiscal legislative frameworks.<br /><br />By means of this declaration, we solemnly pledge to promote a culture of fiscal discipline and allocative efficiency within the provincial departments of the Western Cape Government and public entities under the jurisdiction of this Government.<br /><br />Madam Speaker, I now turn to the economic context and outlook underpinning the 2017 Budget.<br /><br /><strong>Economic Context and Outlook</strong><br /><br />Madam Speaker, global economic growth slowed to 3.1 per cent in 2016 from 3.2 per cent in 2015.<br /><br />This was due to slower growth in advanced economies while growth in emerging economies remained unchanged.<br /><br />Global economic growth prospects is expected to improve over the medium term. The expected performance in advanced and developing economies will result in growth in world output accelerating to 3.4 per cent in 2017 and 3.6 per cent in 2018.<br /><br />After a bleak performance in 2016, the Bureau of Economic Research projects the South African economy to accelerate to 1 per cent in 2017 and 1.8 per cent in 2018.<br /><br />The recovery is anticipated to be driven by higher consumer spending and, in 2018, an improvement in fixed investment.<br /><br />Madam Speaker, our fiscal situation still faces a number of risks.<br /><br />Despite the tax increase announced in 2016/17, National Treasury projects to collect R30 billion less than the expected revenue in this fiscal year.<br /><br />The South African public sector wage bill has now reached unsustainable levels and is currently crowding out other much needed expenditure programmes aimed at the poor.<br /><br />Debt service costs pose a very serious risk in South Africa.<br /><br />The debt service costs will rise from R142 billion in 2016/17 to over R200 billion  per annum over the MTEF.<br /><br />Madam Speaker, we are still in the middle of a serious drought which is impacting on both the rural and urban parts of the Province.<br /><br />As a result of the drought, we are now facing an increasing food security risk.<br /><br />The economic growth of the Western Cape is expected to accelerate to 1.3 per cent in 2017 and by 2 per cent 2018, mainly driven by faster-than-expected growth in the finance, insurance, real estate and business services sector.<br /><br /><strong>Labour market performance</strong><br /><br />In the Western Cape, there were almost 2.4 million employed individuals in the fourth quarter of 2016.<br /><br />The Western Cape’s broad unemployment rate stood at 20.5 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2016.<br /><br /><strong>Socio-economic developments</strong><br /><br />Madam Speaker, life expectancy continues to increase in the Western Cape, currently standing at 64.2 years for men and 69 years for women.<br /><br />The matric pass rate increased from 75.7 per cent in 2009 to 86.0 per cent in 2016. However, challenges, such as crime, still remain one of the great impediments to an improved socio-economic environment, an issue affecting all provinces in South Africa.<br /><br /><strong>Lost Generation</strong><br /><br />South Africa has nearly 9 million people who are unemployed.<br /><br />This budget brings hope to the lost generation:<br /><br />These are the nearly six million, mainly black young South Africans, who can't find work.<br /><br />The lost generation is the half a million mainly black children who disappear from our education system each year.<br /><br />The lost generation is the three million South Africans under the age of 25 who are Not in Education, Employment or Training.<br /><br />This budget will provide hope to the lost generation on that it focusses on growing the economy and creating jobs, improving the retention rate within the education system and providing much needed training opportunities, targeted at the youth.<br /><br />This Budget is about People, Growth and Prosperity Budget Priorities and Spending Plans.<br /><br />Madam Speaker, let me now turn to the Budget Priorities and Spending Plans of this Government.<br /><br />The 2017 Provincial Budget provides for total expenditure amounting to R59.3 billion in 2017/18, R62.1 billion in 2018/19 and R65.3 billion in 2019/20.<br /><br /><strong>PSG 1: Creating Opportunities for Growth and Jobs.</strong><br /><br />Investment Promotion and Support to key economic sectors.<br /><br />Madam Speaker, the focus of the Agri-processing sector over the 2017 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) will include maintaining and expanding the Western Cape’s share of the Halal market through Halal export promotion and Industrial Parks.<br /><br />Furthermore, exports of wine and brandy to Angola and China are being explored through market access initiatives.<br /><br />Over the 2017 MTEF, the Tourism sector will focus on securing direct access routes from key visitor markets; positioning the Western Cape as the Cycling Capital of Africa and the development of the Madiba Legacy tourism route to maximise culture and heritage tourism.<br /><br />The Oil and Gas sector will focus on the Saldanha Bay Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) and the West Coast Industrial Plan.<br /><br />Over the 2017 MTEF, R125 million is allocated towards the operationalisation of the Saldanha Bay IDZ.<br /><br />Ease of Doing business: This Government continues to support interventions seeking to reduce red tape facing businesses in the Province.<br /><br />Over the 2017 MTEF R30 million is allocated towards red tape reduction initiatives.<br /><br />The Western Cape Government has recently adopted the Regulatory Impact Assessment Methodology to amongst others minimise the impact of regulation on economic growth and job creation.<br /><br />The Western Cape Minister for Economic Opportunities, Alan Winde will elaborate on this during his budget address.<br /><br /><strong>Infrastructure for Growth:</strong><br /><br />Madam Speaker this budget is about growth.<br /><br />I am glad to announce that over the 2017 MTEF, approximately R28 billion will be invested in infrastructure within key sectors such as education, health, social development, human settlements and public works.<br /><br />Infrastructure-led growth – Education, Health, Transport<br /><br />Madam Speaker, the Municipal Infrastructure Skills Development Grant will develop capacity within municipalities by creating a pool of young professionals with technical skills related to municipal services such as water, electricity and town planning.<br /><br />This grant also places interns in municipalities.<br /><br />Honourable Speaker, I wish to announce proposals are also being investigated to introduce an infrastructure incentive grant for municipalities.<br /><br />As part of our commitment to incentivise behaviour we would like to encourage mayors and councillors to increase their infrastructure capacity in order to benefit from such incentives once it is ready for implementation.<br /><br /><strong>Education</strong><br /><br />R4.8 billion will be spent on Education Infrastructure over the 2017 MTEF.<br /><br />The following key infrastructure projects will be delivered over and beyond the 2017 MTEF:<br /><br />16 new schools will be built consisting of:</p> <ul><li>637 classrooms</li> <li>220 additional classrooms</li> <li>15 replacement schools will be completed beyond the current MTEF.</li> </ul><p><strong>Health</strong><br /><br />Health Infrastructure has been allocated R2.5 billion over the 2017 MTEF.<br /><br />Capital projects planned over the 2017 MTEF include, amongst others:</p> <ul><li>Upgrades and additions to Emergency Centres at Helderberg, and Victoria Hospitals;</li> <li>Groote Schuur and Tygerberg Hospitals prioritised maintenance and upgrade;</li> <li>New acute psychiatric unit at Khayelitsha, Eerste River, and New Somerset Hospitals;</li> <li>Observatory Forensic Pathology Laboratory (replacement of Salt River Mortuary);</li> <li> Avian Park, Napier, PA Hamlet, and Wolseley clinics; and</li> <li> Hanover Park and Ravensmead Day Centres.</li> </ul><p><strong>Transport</strong><br /><br />Over the 2017 MTEF R9.8 billion is allocated for roads infrastructure and R1.8 billion for Transport and Public Works.<br /><br />The Department plans to deliver the following key projects during the 2017/18 financial year:</p> <ul><li>Reseal of Melkbos Road which is expected to be closed-out during September 2017;</li> <li>Thirty-six Large projects including Simonsvlei, Paarl-Franschhoek, Oudtshoorn-De Rust, Kalbaskraal Road rehabilitation, amongst others which are in the planning stages of infrastructure delivery;</li> <li>Sixteen Mega projects currently under construction including the Worcester (Nekkies) road,</li> <li>Piketberg-Velddrif and Robertson-Bonnievale projects; and</li> <li>The anticipated handover of 11 projects during the 2017/18 financial year.</li> </ul><p>The Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works, Donald Grant, will outline further plans regarding strategic infrastructure projects.<br /><br /><strong>Human Settlements</strong><br /><br />R7.2 billion has been allocated to Human Settlements.<br /><br />Departmental catalytic priority projects over the 2017 MTEF include the following:</p> <ul><li>Southern Corridor: 51 540 opportunities</li> <li>Transhex: 8 000 opportunities</li> <li>Vlakkeland: 2 556 opportunities</li> <li>Belhar: 3 000 opportunities</li> <li>George: 15 000 opportunities; and</li> <li>Investment in bulk infrastructure in the non-metro municipalities to the value of R64 million will assist in accelerating housing delivery and will augment the Municipal Infrastructure Grant allocations of the municipalities.</li> </ul><p>The Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Mr Bonginkosi Madikizela, will expand on these projects during his Budget Speech in this House.<br /><br /><strong>Agriculture</strong><br /><br />Madam Speaker, the Department of Agriculture receives an allocation of R2.5 billion over the 2017 MTEF.<br /><br />Key priorities for the Department include veterinary services, farmer support and development, agricultural economic services and rural development.<br /><br />Green Economy: Over the 2017 MTEF, R73.8 million has been allocated for Green Economy initiatives across the Western Cape Government.<br /><br />Madam Speaker, we welcome the R1 billion investment into Atlantis facilitated by this Government, the City of Cape Town and National Government.<br /><br />This investment will bring economic growth and jobs to Atlantis.<br /><br />The transversal Green Economy programme focuses on the Smart Grids project, exploring opportunities for Liquefied Natural Gas and preparation work around the designation of the Atlantis Special Economic Zone.<br /><br />Furthermore, the assessment of the feasibility of further solar PV installations in Western Cape Government buildings as well as the implementation of electricity and water saving measures will be prioritised.<br /><br />Energy Security Game Changer: This Game Changer aims to ensure energy security that supports economic growth by incorporating diverse and low carbon sources of energy and improving energy efficiency.<br /><br />The key focus areas for the 2017 MTEF include facilitating and enabling independent generation of Solar Panel (PV) installations and doubling the current installed capacity over the next year.<br /><br />Madam Speaker, this budget is about people and giving hope to the lost generation.<br /><br />Skills Development: I am glad to announce that the Province will allocate R193.3 million over the 2017 MTEF for skills development and innovation initiatives.<br /><br />Key focus areas over the medium term include skills programmes, vocational and technical related skills initiatives with a particular focus on bridging the skills gap in the tourism, ICT, and agri‑processing sectors.<br /><br />Apprenticeship Game Changer: Through this Game Changer the Province aims to develop sufficient, appropriately qualified technical and vocational skilled people to meet the needs of prioritised economic growth sectors in the Province.<br /><br />Over the 2017 MTEF, the focus will be placed on introducing 32 500 technically skilled persons into the labour market by 2019.<br /><br />Madam Speaker, our continued investment in the economy is an investment in people, growth and prosperity.<br /><br /><strong>PSG 2: Improve Education Outcomes and Opportunities for Youth Development.</strong><br /><br />Madam Speaker, an allocation of R65.7 billion to the Department of Education will be directed to improving education outcomes over the next 3 years.<br /><br />Key focus areas include: improving the level of language and mathematics in all schools; increasing the number and quality of passes in the National Senior Certificate; and increasing the quality of education provision in poorer communities.<br /><br /><strong>e-Learning Game Changer:</strong><br /><br />This Game Changer aims to use technology to enhance teaching and learning for all Western Cape learners, predominantly in mathematics and languages towards revolutionising teaching and learning in our schools.<br /><br />Minister Schäfer will expand on some of these key innovative initiatives in her budget address.<br /><br />Over the next three years, the focus will be on ensuring that all teachers and learners will be exposed to a level of technology that is linked to the wide area network that is being rolled out to all Western Cape schools.<br /><br />Early Childhood Development: The Department of Social Development and the Western Cape Education Department will continue to focus on improving access to and quality of ECD education.<br /><br />The Western Cape Minister of Social Development will make further announcements in this regard during his Budget Speech later this month.<br /><br />In support of this an additional R83.9 million has been allocated over the 2017 MTEF.<br /><br /><strong>Social and Economic Opportunities for the Youth:</strong><br /><br />Youth development in the Western Cape places specific emphasis on equipping the youth to transition into responsible, independent, and productive adults.<br /><br />The MOD programme receives an allocation of R152 million over the 2017 MTEF.<br /><br /><strong>After School Game Changer:</strong><br /><br />The After School Game Changer aims to provide quality after school programmes to 20 per cent of learners in no-fee and low-fee schools in the Province.<br /><br />Madam Speaker, our continued investment in improving education outcomes and opportunities for youth development is an investment in people which is an investment in growth and prosperity.<br /><br />As previously stated it is an investment in “the lost generation”.<br /><br />The Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais will make additional announcements regarding arts, culture and sport during her budget speech.<br /><br /><strong>PSG 3: Increase wellness, safety and tackle social ills.</strong><br /><br />One of the key tenets of inclusive growth is promoting the well-being of our citizens, so that they may access opportunities that enable both social development and economic growth.<br /><br />Inclusive and Healthy Communities, families and children:<br /><br />Speaker, I am glad to announce that the Department of Health is allocated R68.5 billion over the 2017 MTEF for the provision of public health services that improve the health outcomes and contribute towards creating public value and overall well-being of the population.<br /><br />The Department is implementing a number of inter-sectoral interventions that target unhealthy lifestyles which contribute to the burden of disease.<br /><br />The Western Cape Minister of Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, will make further announcements in this regard during her budget speech.<br /><br />These include the First 1000 Days initiative; the Western Cape on Wellness (WoW) project; and the Integrated Service Delivery Model in Drakenstein, Saldanha, Gunya and Town 2 in Khayelitsha.<br /><br />Furthermore, the Community-Oriented Primary Care is one of the initiatives aimed at intensifying and scaling up the whole of society and whole of government behavioural initiatives toward improving wellness.<br /><br /><strong>Social development services for the poor and most vulnerable:<br /><br />Persons with Disabilities</strong><br /><br />The Department of Social Development has allocated R512.6 million over the 2017 MTEF to empower and improve the well-being of persons with disabilities.<br /><br />Included in this amount is an additional allocation of R12.7 million over the 2017 MTEF to expand access to appropriate residential care, as these individuals require infrastructure, stimulation and nutrition specific to their needs. The majority of the additional bed spaces unlocked will be within rural areas.<br /><br />Further, the Western Cape Education Department receives R77.789 million over the 2017 MTEF to provide the necessary support, resources and equipment to care centres and schools for the provision of education to children with severe to profound intellectual disabilities.<br /><br />Included in the Departments budget is an amount of R39 million over the 2017 MTEF to address the need for social workers.<br /><br />The Minister of Social Development, Albert Fritz, will announce the details of this support in his Budget Address later this month.<br /><br />The Western Cape Education Department receives R77.8 million over the 2017 MTEF toward, resources and equipment to care centres and schools for the provision of education to children with severe to profound intellectual disabilities.<br /><br />The Provincial Minister of Education, Debbie Schäfer, will make further announcements in this regard.<br /><br />Arts and Culture: The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport is allocated R328 million over the 2017 MTEF towards identifying and enhancing talent within the arts in partnership with various institutions.<br /><br />Madam Speaker, a nation will also prosper when the nation reads.<br /><br />I am therefore pleased to announce that R1 billion has been allocated over the 2017 MTEF for the continued support of 370 public libraries across the Province.<br /><br />Inclusive and Safe Communities, families and children:<br /><br />R923.8 million is allocated towards increasing the safety of our citizens over the 3‑year period.<br /><br />The Department of Community Safety has developed a service delivery model called the “Community Safety Improvement Partnership” as its blueprint for increasing safety.<br /><br />Key elements of the service delivery model include the promotion of professional policing through effective oversight and ensuring that public buildings and public spaces are safe.<br /><br />The Department facilitates the identification of policing needs and priorities with Community Police Forums and institutionalised the Court Watching Briefs to monitor police conduct within the court environment.<br /><br /><strong>Provincial Traffic Service</strong><br /><br />The Department of Transport and Public Works will continue to render a 24/7 provincial traffic service.<br /><br />R2.3 billion has been allocated over the 2017 MTEF for traffic regulations to ensure that traffic services are rendered and the registration and licensing of motor vehicles are monitored.<br /><br />This is to ensure that our biggest own revenue source is protected.<br /><br />Furthermore, systems and procedures for improving the evidence required to secure convictions will be elaborated on by my colleague, Minister Grant, during his budget address.<br /><br />Madam Speaker, our continued investment in creating a safe and healthy environment is an investment in our people which is an investment in growth and prosperity.<br /><br /><strong>PSG 4: Enable a resilient, sustainable and inclusive living environment.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Integrated human settlements</strong><br /><br />The Department of Human Settlements is allocated R7 billion over the 2017 MTEF towards the creation of sustainable, integrated and resilient human settlements.<br /><br />The three priority areas include, directing more resources to the upgrading of informal settlements and the provision of basic services to backyard dwellers who continue to wait for houses, increase Affordable/GAP Housing and to prioritise the most deserving people.<br /><br /><strong>Spatial and development planning:</strong><br /><br />The Provincial Spatial Development Framework (PSDF) continues to guide the Western Cape’s spatial agenda towards balancing the space-economy.<br /><br />The Regional Socio-economic Project/Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading project will be rolled out to three additional towns (Saldanha, Darling and Touwsrivier).<br /><br />The Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading (VPUU) Programme will continue in the CoCT covering the areas of Manenberg, Hanover Park, Gugulethu-Nyanga (Gunya) and Khayelitsha.<br /><br />This Programme directly addresses the needs of communities in the Province as it delivers service delivery projects which are visible in poorer communities.<br /><br />An allocation of R101.4 million has been made towards the RSEP/VPUU initiative over the 2017 MTEF.<br /><br />I also want to acknowledge the substantial contribution of 5 million Euros of the German Development Bank, KFW.<br /><br />Water: Water has been identified as a top priority and an enabler for sustainable growth and development.<br /><br />Water security has, however, also been identified as a key risk.<br /><br />For this reason, various initiatives related to water security will be conducted by a number of Departments, notably the Departments of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Agriculture and Local Government.<br /><br />Just over R84 million over the MTEF has been allocated to these departments for the development and implementation of an integrated sustainable water security strategy.<br /><br /><strong>Fire and Disaster Management:</strong><br /><br />The Department of Local Government received R42.5 million over the 2017 MTEF towards this.<br /><br />Furthermore, CapeNature has been allocated R30 million over the 2017 MTEF towards disaster prevention measures which include the management of wildfires, floods and other risks.<br /><br />Madam Speaker, our continued investment in the building of resilient, sustainable and inclusive environments is an investment in growth and prosperity.<br /><br />PSG 5: Embed good governance and integrated service delivery through partnerships and spatial alignment.<br /><br /><strong>Enhanced Governance</strong><br /><br />Madam Speaker, national and provincial treasuries have agreed to strengthen management in municipalities.<br /><br />These will be strengthened with the:</p> <ul><li>Introduction of the Municipal Standard Chart of Accounts from 1 July 2017;</li> <li>Supply Chain Management reform to reduce costs and combat corruption;</li> <li>Enhanced revenue management; and</li> <li>Improving asset management and maintenance of infrastructure.</li> </ul><p>Agbare Speaker, en lede van hierdie Huis, ons is almal dit eens dat plaaslike regering ook onder finansiële druk verkeer.<br /><br />Tydens die Kabinet en Munisipaliteite se ontmoeting het die burgemeesters ons eerstehands ingelig van hul operasionele uitdagings en gepaardgaande fiskale tekorte.<br /><br />Om gehoor hieraan te gee het Premier Zille opdrag gegee dat ons in die Kabinet, deur middel van die geïntegreerde beplanningbestuur en begrotingsmetodiek, die versoeke moet evalueer en oorweeg.<br /><br />The provincial allocations to municipalities are important fiscal instruments to support spatial governance and service delivery for the people.<br /><br />The provincial allocations to municipalities are also aimed at supporting regional economic growth.<br /><br />Madam Speaker, in line with our value of responsive governance, the Premier requested the Cabinet Ministers to approach governance from the perspective of the end-user – in this case the citizen.<br /><br />Madam Speaker, honourable Members, Executive Mayors, Speakers and Councillors, I am pleased to also table today this Government’s commitments to Municipalities in support of the delivery of services to their citizens.<br /><br />The allocation per region is as follows:</p> <ul><li>Cape Town Metro - R40 billion</li> </ul><ul><li>Eden - R4.9 billion</li> </ul><ul><li>West Coast - R3.1 billion</li> </ul><ul><li>Cape Winelands - R7 billion</li> </ul><ul><li>Overberg - R1.9 billion</li> </ul><ul><li>Central Karoo - R678 million</li> </ul><p>The Department of Local Government is allocated R784.3 million over the 2017 MTEF to support municipalities which include, but are not limited to, coordinating a single support plan for municipalities to assess governance maturity and looking at indirect and direct impact on communities for broad based community development.<br /><br />Honourable Speaker, I also wish to announce that the updated data from the 2016 Community Survey will be used over the MTEF to determine the local government equitable share.<br /><br />This is a welcome new development for local government financial support.<br /><br />Supported by strong political leadership Provincial Treasury and the Department of the Premier will continue to fulfil the key role of ensuring achievement of our integrated service delivery agenda in Departments and Municipalities.<br /><br />This budget that I am tabling today will:</p> <ul><li>Provide the resources for investment in essential public services;</li> <li>Provide ordinary citizens and families with  improved quality public services;</li> <li>Give certainty to the people of the Western Cape of a better future; and</li> <li>Keep the province on a growth trajectory.</li> </ul><p>Broadband Game Changer: The allocations for the roll-out of Broadband for the Province equates to R1.7 billion over the 2017 MTEF and is part of our smart growth and digital strategy.<br /><br />Broadband services will be delivered to 1900 sites which consists of Schools, Hospitals, Emergency Medical Services and Clinics, Rural libraries, Cape Access centres and Government Corporate offices.<br /><br />The purpose of the broadband roll out throughout this province is to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities.<br /><br /><strong>Financing this Budget</strong><br /><br />Madam Speaker, the budget commitments announced earlier will be financed as follows in 2017/18:</p> <ul><li>R44.5 billion from Provincial Equitable Share</li> <li>R11.6 billion from Conditional Grants</li> <li>R2.7 billion from Own Revenue, mainly from motor vehicle license fees, gambling taxes and hospital fees</li> <li>R1.5 billion from Financing</li> </ul><p>The Province will continue to focus on Domestic Resource Mobilisation initiatives to further strengthen its fiscal approach.<br /><br />I will soon table proposals at Cabinet in this regard.<br /><br />Madam Speaker, afford me this opportunity to thank all the Ministers and their respective departments for participating in and assisting us during the 2017 planning and budgeting process, where we robustly interrogated the departmental budget proposals and associated plans and their alignment to the Provincial Strategic Plan.<br /><br />I would also like to take this opportunity to give a special word of gratitude to the Department of the Premier, my Cabinet Colleagues, the Budget Policy Committee, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Department of Local Government who together with the Economic Development Partnership assisted the Provincial Treasury during this budget process in our adjudication and final assessments.<br /><br />Thank you to the staff who assisted in putting together the technical detail in this Budget. We are indeed Better Together.<br /><br />A special word of thanks to the Head Official of Treasury and his talented, proficient and capable budget team who is listening to this speech in the Boardrooms of Treasury.<br /><br />The committed support of my staff in the Ministry as always makes my tasks so much easier.<br /><br />Finally, to my wife and children, thank you for your understanding and for unselfishly allowing me the space to serve the people of the Western Cape and to my father, thank you for the advice which I most certainly value and appreciate.<br /><br />Honourable Speaker, I also want to thank our friends and colleagues from the Bavarian State Ministry of Finance who are in the gallery today.<br /><br />To our friends in Bavaria we say: “Wir schaffen dass”.<br /><br />Speaker, it now gives me great pleasure to table the 2017 Overview of Provincial Revenue and Expenditure, Estimates of Provincial Revenue and Expenditure, the 2017 Western Cape Appropriation Bill, the Western Cape Gazette of Allocations to Municipalities, and this Speech, for discussion and consideration by this House.<br /><br />I thank you.<br /><br />Media enquiries:<br />Daniel Johnson<br />Cell: 079 990 4231<br />E-mail: <a href="mailto:daniel.johnson@westerncape.gov.za">daniel.johnson@westerncape.gov.za</a></p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-province field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">Province</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/taxonomy/term/935" hreflang="en">Western Cape</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-issued-by-source field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">Issued by</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-website-url field--type-link field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://www.westerncape.gov.za/" target="_blank">Western Cape Provincial Government</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-subjects field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">More on</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/taxonomy/term/680" hreflang="en">Budget: provincial</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-western-cape field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">More from</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/western-cape/western-cape-provincial-government" hreflang="en">Western Cape Provincial Government</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/speech-categories/speeches" hreflang="en">Speeches</a></div> Mon, 13 Mar 2017 06:48:00 +0000 Thabangm 761415 at https://www.gov.za https://www.gov.za/speeches/western-cape-budget-speech-201718-7-mar-2017-0000#comments MEC Reagan Allen on Western Cape crime statistics https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/mec-reagan-allen-western-cape-crime-statistics-23-nov-2022 <span>MEC Reagan Allen on Western Cape crime statistics </span> <span><span>Londekile</span></span> <span>Wed, 11/23/2022 - 15:48</span> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-11-23T12:00:00Z">23 Nov 2022</time></div> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h3>Quarterly crime statistics show LEAP partnership continues to push down violent crime</h3> <p>The 2nd Quarter crime statistics for 2022/23 were released earlier today. The numbers show that the solid crime-fighting partnership the Western Cape Government has formed with the City of Cape Town through the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) continues to make positive strides and make a difference in the lives of our residents.</p> <p>There were consistent decreases year-on-year in murder statistics in the following areas where LEAP officers are stationed. Murder has decreased in the following areas in the second quarter of 2022 when compared with statistics from the same period last year:</p> <ul><li>Mfuleni (-32.3%)</li> <li>Kraaifontein (-15.6%)</li> <li>Gugulethu (-16.2%)</li> <li>Khayelitsha (-9.4%)</li> <li>Harare (-3.6%)</li> <li>Delft (0%)</li> </ul><p>There has also been a decline in contact crime in Gugulethu, Delft, Harare and Khayelitsha.</p> <p>The concerning exceptions are Nyanga and Phillipi East, which are unfortunately in the top 30 police stations in the country with the highest murder rates.</p> <p>Sadly, murders nationally also continue to increase. Murders in the Western Cape increased by 3.9% for the quarter compared with last year which is a concern. Encouragingly though the Western Cape has performed better than the country as a whole, where murder increased by 13.6% and for most of the other provinces which increased (except for the Free State where murder decreased).</p> <p>Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said, “I am deeply concerned that murders in Nyanga and Phillipi East did not continue their downward trend. But at the same time, I am encouraged by the downward trend in the other hotspot areas, once again proving our deployment of LEAP members to murder hotspots in Cape Town continues to bear fruit. Much more still needs to be done, though.<br /><br />By constantly improving our targeted and holistic approach to combatting crime we can further reduce murders and other violent offences. I have asked Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Reagan Allen to interrogate the data and meet with the relevant stakeholders in Nyanga to understand what are the factors that have played a role in the change in the statistics for that area. It is through closely assessing the information and deploying appropriate resources that we are able to make a change on the ground.”</p> <p>The Premier added, “We will analyse the numbers, apply our data-led and evidence-based approach as outlined in the Western Cape Safety Plan, to see what more we need to do with our partner the City of Cape Town, as well as the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement agencies, to keep pushing down murders and making our communities safer and more prosperous. By using data and evidence we need to look at where we can further improve our policing strategy.”</p> <p>Minister Allen emphasised, “These figures show why additional boots on the ground are needed. The presence of LEAP officers is undoubtedly making a significant difference. For this financial year, we’ve availed R400 million to ensure our LEAP members are visible and active in areas where the murder rate is highest.<br /><br />We remain steadfast in our effort to reduce murders, while also combatting crime in general. He added, “LEAP is showing what can be achieved if deployments are strategic and based on evidence and data. If the South African Police Service (SAPS) is under the management of a capable government, such as ours, we can ensure that the deployment of officers also occur in this manner.<br /><br />I will be engaging our departmental and City of Cape Town officials, along with other role players  such as the SAPS management, so that a better understanding can be obtained as to why there are increases in murders in Nyanga and Philippi East. While no area in the Western Cape is the “murder capital” of the country, the increases in these two areas are alarming. It’s vital that we achieve an immediate turnaround in these numbers.</p> <p>Media enquiries:<br />Regan Thaw<br />Media Liaison Officer<br />Office of the Premier<br />Cell: 083 627 7246<br />E-mail: <a href="mailto:Regan.Thaw@westerncape.gov.za">Regan.Thaw@westerncape.gov.za</a></p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-province field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">Province</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/taxonomy/term/935" hreflang="en">Western Cape</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-issued-by-source field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">Issued by</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-website-url field--type-link field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://www.westerncape.gov.za/" target="_blank">Western Cape Provincial Government</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-subjects field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">More on</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/taxonomy/term/667" hreflang="en">Safety and security</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-western-cape field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">More from</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/western-cape/western-cape-provincial-government" hreflang="en">Western Cape Provincial Government</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/speech-categories/media-statements" hreflang="en">Media Statements</a></div> Wed, 23 Nov 2022 13:48:27 +0000 Londekile 817654 at https://www.gov.za https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/mec-reagan-allen-western-cape-crime-statistics-23-nov-2022#comments MEC Tertuis Simmers welcomes appointment as Provincial MEC of Infrastructure https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/mec-tertuis-simmers-welcomes-appointment-provincial-mec-infrastructure-22-apr <span>MEC Tertuis Simmers welcomes appointment as Provincial MEC of Infrastructure</span> <span><span>tsoana</span></span> <span>Fri, 04/22/2022 - 15:09</span> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-04-22T12:00:00Z">22 Apr 2022</time></div> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h3>Minister Simmers honoured to be appointed Provincial Minister of Infrastructure</h3> <p>Today, at the Century City Conference Centre (CCCC), Western Cape Premier Alan Winde announced changes to his Provincial Cabinet.</p> <p>Part of the announcement was the appointment of Tertuis Simmers, the current Provincial Minister of Human Settlements, as the new Provincial Minister of Infrastructure.</p> <p>Minister Simmers will lead this important priority, as well as oversee the establishment of the new Department of Infrastructure, which is expected to be completed by the start of the new financial year.</p> <p>Minister Simmers said: “I am honoured to be given this huge responsibility. I commit to continue serving our people with humility and dignity. I wholeheartedly support the Premier’s vision of how this new Department can help ensure our priorities of jobs, safety and well-being are realised in the Western Cape.”</p> <p>Minister Simmers added: “As we continue to flesh out the various details of what the Department will entail, I look forward to further engagements with all relevant stakeholders. This merger between human settlements and certain components of the transport and public works department allows us to focus on better aligning how infrastructure is conceptualised, planned and delivered in an innovative, integrated and sustainable manner. This is particularly important, as this department will work hand-in-hand with other departments, the various spheres of government and the private sector, where the latter plays the lead role in creating jobs for our people.”</p> <p>Minister Simmers continued: “With an allocation of R30.3 billion over the medium term towards infrastructure, the Western Cape Government is demonstrating its commitment to ensuring that we use infrastructure to unlock economic growth and create jobs.”</p> <p>Media Enquiries:<br />Marcellino Martin<br />Spokesperson for Minister Tertuis Simmers<br /><a href="mailto:Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za">Marcellino.martin@westerncape.gov.za</a><br />021 483 3397 (o)<br />082 721 3362 (m) or</p> <p>Nathan Adriaanse<br />Director Communication & Stakeholder Relations<br /><a href="mailto:Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za">Nathan.Adriaanse@westerncape.gov.za</a><br />021 483 2868 (o)<br />083 263 1720 (m)</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-province field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">Province</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/taxonomy/term/935" hreflang="en">Western Cape</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-issued-by-source field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">Issued by</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-website-url field--type-link field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://www.westerncape.gov.za/" target="_blank">Western Cape Provincial Government</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-subjects field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">More on</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/taxonomy/term/662" hreflang="en">Provincial government</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-western-cape field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">More from</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/western-cape/western-cape-provincial-government" hreflang="en">Western Cape Provincial Government</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/speech-categories/media-statements" hreflang="en">Media Statements</a></div> Fri, 22 Apr 2022 13:09:10 +0000 tsoana 813142 at https://www.gov.za https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/mec-tertuis-simmers-welcomes-appointment-provincial-mec-infrastructure-22-apr#comments MECs Debbie Schafer and Nomafrench Mbombo visit school wellness mobile in Khayelitsha https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/mecs-debbie-schafer-and-nomafrench-mbombo-visit-school-wellness-mobile <span>MECs Debbie Schafer and Nomafrench Mbombo visit school wellness mobile in Khayelitsha </span> <span><span>Londekile</span></span> <span>Tue, 01/29/2019 - 12:42</span> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2019-01-29T12:00:00Z">29 Jan 2019</time></div> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h3>Western Cape Ministers of Education and Health visit school wellness mobile at Yomelela Primary School in Khayelitsha</h3> <p>Today, Western Cape Minister of Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo and Western Cape Minister of Education, Ms Debbie Schafer visited the Wellness mobile for school health at Yomelela Primary School in Khayelitsha where Gr R – Grade 1 learners at the school received dental screenings.</p> <p>The School Wellness Mobile Project is a successful collaboration with the private sector. This flagship project of the Western Cape Government was rolled out in 2014 as a transversal strategy by the Departments of Health and Education, putting life into the Integrated School Health Programme.</p> <p>The Western Cape Government is extremely pleased that this project has reached so many deserving learners throughout the Metro, and in the rural districts.</p> <p>The health mobiles have been instrumental in taking primary healthcare to children in ‘hard-to-reach-areas’ of this province. It has assisted us in ensuring that no child goes through school without having had the necessary screenings.</p> <p>By focusing on children’s health, the Western Cape Government has made the strategic decision to prevent illness, uplift communities, and empower youths with the tools they need to succeed in school and life beyond the classroom.</p> <p>“The Western Cape Government is committed to providing quality healthcare services to the entire population in the Western Cape.  The focus is on prevention and promotion of wellness rather than the curative. This project is playing such a key role in particularly poor and rural areas, screening learners for conditions that require the necessary intervention” said Mbombo.</p> <p>Since the start of the service, we have conducted over 3000 school visits in the metro and rural districts with over 400 000 learners having benefitted from treatment at these mobile clinics.</p> <p>Each Wellness Mobile for School Health includes:  </p> <ul><li>a consultation room where general health screening can be performed. This includes a physical assessment, assessment of gross motor skills, height and weight, ear, nose and throat examination, screening for TB symptoms and other psycho-social issues.</li> <li>a dental unit section for screening for oral health and rendering of dental and oral hygiene services; and</li> <li>an optometry unit, for the testing of eyesight in order to provide learners with spectacles if needed.</li> <li>These units were selected to be included in the Wellness Mobiles after it was found that many young learners living in poor areas did not have access to these health services.  The advantage of this one-stop health service is that learners who are identified as needing spectacles and dental care, will now be attended to on the spot.</li> </ul><p>We are also focusing on schools situated in areas where it is most challenging for parents to access dentists and optometrists. We believe that ensuring poor learners have proper access to health services, including spectacles and dental care, will also have a positive effect on education outcomes in the province.</p> <p>“A healthy learner is more likely to succeed than a learner who experiences challenges with their health.  As the Education Department, our key task is to ensure literate and numerate learners in the formative years.   Investment from Government and the private sector into these wellness mobiles is much bigger than only the healthcare of our children; it is also an investment into their education, and ultimately their future.   This service also creates awareness of the importance of health beyond the school environment through to families and communities”, said Minister Schäfer</p> <p>*** Photos available on request.</p> <p>Media enquiries:<br />Colleen Smart<br />Spokesperson for Minister Mbombo<br />Tel: 021 483 5862<br />Cell: 072 825 3257<br />E<strong>-</strong>mail: <a href="mailto:colleen.smart@westerncape.gov.za">colleen.smart@westerncape.gov.za</a></p> <p>Jessica Shelver<br />Spokesperson for Minister Schäfer<br />Tel: 021 467 2376<br />E-mail: <a href="mailto:Jessica.shelver@westerncape.gov.za">Jessica.shelver@westerncape.gov.za</a></p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-province field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">Province</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/taxonomy/term/935" hreflang="en">Western Cape</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-issued-by-source field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">Issued by</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-website-url field--type-link field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://www.westerncape.gov.za/" target="_blank">Western Cape Provincial Government</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-subjects field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">More on</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/taxonomy/term/705" hreflang="en">Education</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/taxonomy/term/707" hreflang="en">Health</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-western-cape field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">More from</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/western-cape/western-cape-provincial-government" hreflang="en">Western Cape Provincial Government</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/speech-categories/media-statements" hreflang="en">Media Statements</a></div> Tue, 29 Jan 2019 10:42:27 +0000 Londekile 786253 at https://www.gov.za https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/mecs-debbie-schafer-and-nomafrench-mbombo-visit-school-wellness-mobile#comments MECs Plato and Mbombo hand over equipment and certificates in Western Cape, 26 Sept https://www.gov.za/speeches/mec-plato-and-mec-mbombo-empowers-khayelitsha-neighbourhood-watch-26-sep-2016-0000 <span>MECs Plato and Mbombo hand over equipment and certificates in Western Cape, 26 Sept</span> <span><span>Senzi</span></span> <span>Mon, 09/26/2016 - 08:33</span> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2016-09-26T12:00:00Z">26 Sep 2016</time></div> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h3><strong>MEC Plato and MEC Mbombo empowers Khayelitsha Neighbourhood Watch</strong></h3> <p>Today, Monday 26 September 2016, Western Cape MEC of Community Safety, Dan Plato, and Western Cape MEC of Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, will hand over equipment and certificates in recognition of the first accredited Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) in the Western Cape to complete First Aid skills training.</p> <p>The handover of the First Aid certificates and equipment to the Neighbourhood Watch members of Town 2, Khayelitsha, follows the First Aid training the members received at Tygerberg Hospital from the Western Cape Health Department.</p> <p>As part of the Western Cape Government’s Alcohol Harms Reduction Game Changer, Neighbourhood Watches are being empowered with the necessary skills, equipment and support to provide holistic safety services to the communities they serve, including First Aid.</p> <p>The three Alcohol Harms Reduction areas in the province see NHW members manning the Safety Kiosks supplied by the Department of Community Safety, which provides a contact point for communities to report any safety concerns or incidents. From there it can then be rapidly escalated to the police or law enforcement agencies.</p> <p>With the additional First Aid training, the Safety Kiosks and NHW members also provide a contact point for individuals who have been injured, to provide immediate interim support until emergency services can respond.</p> <p>Safety is everyone’s responsibility and through the Alcohol Harms Reduction Game Changer the Western Cape Government is empowering every day community members to help each other and create safer environments within communities across the province.</p> <p>There will be an opportunity for photographs and interviews.</p> <p>All media are invited to attend:</p> <p>Details:</p> <p>Date: Monday, 26 September 2016<br />Time: 9h00<br />Venue: Philani Community Hall, Cnr Bekelentloko and Hlomela St, Khayelitsha</p> <p>Media enquiries:<br />Ewald Botha<br />Cell: 079 694 1113</p> <p>Luyanda Mfeka<br />Cell: 076 171 5978</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-province field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">Province</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/taxonomy/term/935" hreflang="en">Western Cape</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-speech-event-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">Event Category</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/event-category/government-activities" hreflang="en">Government activities</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-issued-by-source field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">Issued by</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-website-url field--type-link field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://www.westerncape.gov.za/" target="_blank">Western Cape Provincial Government</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-western-cape field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <div class="field__label">More from</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/western-cape/western-cape-provincial-government" hreflang="en">Western Cape Provincial Government</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gcis-speech-category field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://www.gov.za/taxonomy/term/950" hreflang="en">Media advisories</a></div> Mon, 26 Sep 2016 06:33:28 +0000 Senzi 756286 at https://www.gov.za https://www.gov.za/speeches/mec-plato-and-mec-mbombo-empowers-khayelitsha-neighbourhood-watch-26-sep-2016-0000#comments