PREMIER THABANG MAKWETLA' WEEKLY ITINERARY
LAUNCH OF MPUMALANGA BRAND
Premier Thabang Makwetla will launch the much awaited Mpumalanga Brand this coming Wednesday at the Botanical Gardens in Nelspruit.
Date 28 November 2007
Time 18h00-22h00
Venue Botanical Gardens, Nelspruit
Enquiries Mokope Taiwe 082 802 8460
Issued by Communication Section
MpumalangaProvincial Government
SPECIAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING.
WEDNESDAY 12 DECEMBER 2007
The Executive Council of Mpumalanga Provincial Government met to discuss the situation in the Mbombela Local Municipality.
This extraordinary Executive Council meeting arose out of concern of lack of implementation of Section 106 of the Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No. 32 of 2000) as instructed by the Department of Local Government and Housing.
The Departments’ investigation was prompted by a request by the Municipality with regard to administrative and financial problems. The result of the investigation culminated in the department supporting the Mbombela Municipality to ensure that they fulfill their obligations in terms of the Constitution.
The Executive Council in its meeting today expressed concern at the lack of progress in the implementation of the report of Section 106.
The Executive Council resolved to issue a directive to the Mbombela Municipality to implement with immediate effect the following:
· To resolve the high number of critical vacant funded posts, particularly Section 57 managers
· To address issues of 2010 World Cup
· Under spending on Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) allocations.
· They should also address the issue of municipal financial viability and management in regard to the increasing consumer debt.
· Further more, they should address the issue of roles and responsibilities in regard to municipal governance issues.
Issued by the Chief Directorate Communication in the Office of the Premier
MpumalangaProvincial Government
Inquiries Mr. L. Mosia at :
013 7662244/082 5616465.
| Mpumalanga Province unveils its new identity
28 November 2007
Today, the Mpumalanga Province launched its new brand identity with the view to attract increasing numbers of tourists and investments, and enhancing communication with its citizens on development and service delivery.
The new brand aims to encourage all three primary stakeholder groups and seeks to galvanise associated entities responsible for the province's communication –The Mpumalanga Provincial Government, the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) and the Mpumalanga Tourism and Park Agency (MTPA) – and the private sector under a single brand positioning.
The new brand connects with the growth sectors of the provincial economy, which are tourism, investments in forestry, petrochemical industries, agriculture and agro-processing amongst others.More Information
2010 FNB COUNTDOWN CLOCK BRINGS PRIDE TO NELSPRUIT
The corner of Paul Kruger and Brown Streets in the town of Nelspruit was a hive of activity today as First National Bank (FNB) and Mbombela town officials unveiled the city’s 2010 FNB Countdown Clock along with the municipality’s official 2010 logo.
The brightly displayed clock brought overwhelming pride to the town when it was ceremoniously ‘switched-on’ by Mpumalanga Premier Thabang Makwetla and FNB Mpumalanga Regional Director: Public Sector Banking Tsidi Lebenya.
Lebenya said she hoped the brightly coloured time-piece would be a symbolic representation of the massive potential the event presented for the growth and development of the region.
“At FNB, we are confident that 2010 will be a huge success. As an official supporter of the FIFA World Cupä, we believe good preparation and a positive attitude will contribute to our success in hosting the event.”
The FNB Countdown Clock will remind every resident and visitor to the town of Nelspruit exactly how many days are left before South Africa hosts the greatest sporting event on the planet.
Added Makwetla: “The slogan”ke nako” must inspire us to work timeously to provide road infrastructure,health amenities and disaster management capacity and that our Nelspruit CBD becomes a crime free environ in preparation for a world class event. The countdown clock must symbolically remind us that there is serious work going on in our hosting cities.”
Constructed from moulded fibreglass in the insignia FNB turquoise colour, each five-metre tall Countdown Clock bears both the FNB and FIFA logos. Under a digital display (in days) counting down to the 2010 kick-off, the clock bears the bank’s 2010 tagline: ‘Proudly Helping South Africa Shine’.
Another unique physical feature of the clock is a three-dimensional soccer ball designed by internationally renowned sporting experts Adidas. The digital messaging on the clock can be programmed to communicate other appropriate 2010 FIFA World Cupämessages.
Nelspruit soccer enthusiasts along with other FNB customers around the country will be given the exclusive opportunity to win tickets to both the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup through a recently launched customer competition to FNB customers.
As the official National Supporter of the 2010 FIFA World Cup through its US$30 million sponsorship of the event, FNB is entitled to a package of rights and benefits that include access to purchasable match tickets to both tournaments.
Through the 2010 FIFA World Cup Promotion that was unveiled by the bank recently, FNB will be passing their sponsorship benefits to qualifying and active FNB customers by including them in 12 exclusive lucky-draw opportunities to win a pair of tickets to the continent’s most anticipated sporting event.
As the official bank of the Mpumalanga Province, FNB has also partnered with the Government to promote heritage tourism and assist the region’s SMMEs in setting up and running successful tourism businesses in readiness for 2010.
“The clock is ticking, and this should serve as a catalyst for everyone in the Mpumalanga community to focus and use every opportunity they have to improve their lives through this event and beyond,” added Lebenya.
FNB Countdown Clock milestones
FNB is erecting Countdown Clocks at 16 sites, including all ten World Cup host cities. FNB Countdown Clocks launched to date: OR Tambo International Airport (domestic arrivals)
Durban International Airport (exterior parkade)
Cape Town International Airport (exit of airport precinct)
Port Elizabeth Airport (domestic arrivals)
Bloemfontein Airport (carport)
SAFA House
George
Rustenburg
East London
Key dates in the run-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup
14 - 28 June 2009 - FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009
04 December 2009 - Final Draw for the 2010 FIFA World CupäSouth Africa
11 June - 11 July 2010 - 2010 FIFA World CupäSouth Africa
First National Bank is a division of FirstRand Bank Limited
An Authorised Financial Services and Credit Provider (NCRCP20)
For more information please contact:
Prevashni Ramsamy
FNB Brand Communications
Tel: 011 371 7854
Cell: 082 781 2006
pramsamy@fnb.co.za
Vanessa Baard
Fleishman-Hillard
Tel: 011 548 2006
Cell: 083 331 8158
vanessa.baard@fleishman.co.za
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THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING
The Executive Council held its last meeting of the year at Nelspruit yesterday Wednesday 05 December 2007.
Moloto Development Corridor
A final feasibility report on the Moloto Rail Development Corridor was discussed and noted by the Executive Council. This is a provincial ASGISA programme and also one of the five provincial flagship projects. The Executive Council welcomed the report and endorsed the recommendation by the political committee chaired by Jeff Radebe, the Minister of Transport, which includes amongst others that the first phase, which is the section between Siyabuswa and Tshwane, be commenced with by 2008. The infrastructural rail design will be a standard gauge to allow high speed double-deck locomotives to be used, given the distances to be covered and that further work with regard to phase two of the project will also commence soon.
MACfest International
The Executive Council discussed a comprehensive report on the MACfest International that was held at Emalahleni on November 24 to December 2 2006. Identified the following areas for improvement:
· Institutionalization and tightening of monitoring of the service providers
· Scale down the activities to focus on areas that have shown potential to maximize the impact of the intended outcome.
Finally, the Executive Council approved the report and endorsed the continuation of the festival. The Executive Council also approved the hosting of the festival towards the end of next year; with preparations starting henceforth. The festival will have to be structured in a manner that seeks to maximize the benefit of local artists and the people of Mpumalanga.
Other Work in progress in various departments aimed at advancing transformation of society
The Executive Council was also briefed on the following work in progress in various Departments:
ICT rollout by the Department of Education
The Executive Council noted the initiative and progress made by the Department of Education roll-out plan of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at all schools by 2013. Two schools in the province, namely Maripe and Lomahasha Secondary Schools, are part of the 6 schools identified as demonstration schools in the country. The National Department of Education released a White Paper on e-Education in 2003. In the province about 30000 teachers out of 330 000 are computer literate. About 70% of schools in the province are seriously challenged in terms of ICT capacity.
Water Supply to Delmas
A progress report on the situation in Delmas was presented by the Department of Local Government and Housing to the Executive Council. The report indicated that a sewage pipeline; a water purification plant and a pipeline from Rand Water Board to Delmas will be constructed within the next two years. This will be a permanent solution to alleviate the situation of water supply to the Delmas municipality. The Executive Council has approved R30m during last month’s budget adjustment for this project in the current financial year. Additional funding to complete the project will be sought from other funding sources.
New school designs by the Department of Education
The Executive Council noted new prototype layout and architectural designs for new primary and secondary schools for historically disadvantage areas. The Department of Education intends to start building in 2008. The new designs include:
· Covered walkways and access for people with physical disabilities
· Computer room and library
· Indoor sports halls at primary and secondary levels
· Fencing and security
· Sports fields
· Forty learners per classroom for primary schools
· Thirty five learners per classroom for secondary schools
The Department of Education also presented an assessment report of about 500 unfinished schools dating back to 2001 which will cost the department about R70m. The Department is to embark on a rigorous process to complete these unfinished schools. The report was noted by the Executive Council.
New EXCO approved senior management appointments
The Executive Council approved the following appointments:
· Ms Joyce Noluvuyo Pakade-Nombeleka- General Manager (Chief Director) trade and industry development in the Department of Economic Development and Planning. She is currently working for the department of foreign affairs as acting chief director: Foreign Affairs Institute.
· Mr. Letshela Jonas as the Senior Manager (Director) communication in the Department of Economic Development and Planning. He is currently (Manager) Deputy Director: strategy and media liaison in the Office of the Premier – Gauteng Province.
· Mr. Mntuwani Paul Shongwe as the General Manager business regulation and governance in the Department of Economic Development and Planning. He is currently working for the Mbombela Local Municipality.
Mr. Lemmy Makomanyane Mduli as the General Manager: Integrated Economic Development services in the Department of Economic Development and Planning. He is currently Senior Manager and acting head of department in the same department.
· Mr. Johan Doctor Mdluli as the Senior Manager:Tourism in the Department of Economic Development and Planning. He is currently working for the Metsweding District Municipality in Gauteng province as local economic development and tourism coordinator.
· Mr. Teboho Nicolaas Chabeli as Senior Manager: human resources management in the Department of Economic Development and Planning. He is currently working for the North West Education Department as manager for human resources.
· Mr. Sibusiso Matsebula as Senior Manager: financial accounting in the Department of Roads and Transport. He is currently working for the same department as manager: management accounting.
· Ms Florence Molatelo Dhlamini as Senior Manager: development implementation support services (social) in the department of health and social services. She is currently manager in the same department responsible for community development.
· Ms SE Botha as Senior Manager: population development and trends in the Department of Health and Social Services. She is currently employed as manager in the same department.
· Ms Thembeni Mhlongo as senior manager: planning and information in the Department of Health and Social Services. She is currently appointed as manager in the same department responsible for HIV and AIDS programme.
· Mr. David Mtembu as the Senior Manager for the Bushbuckridge Region in the Department of Education. He is currently SADTU provincial secretary.
The Executive Council commended the police for the speedy arrest of the four thugs who recently shot a tourist in the province. They include two South Africans and two Mozambicans, however three Mozambicans escaped to their country of origin and the South African Police together with their Mozambicans counterparts are hot on their heels.
The Executive Council also commended the Department of Education for holding incident-free matriculation examinations. The department also wishes to inform the public that the matriculation examination results will be announced on December 28, 2007.
The Executive Council wishes all the people of Mpumalanga a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. It however appealed to all motorists and pedestrians to be extra careful when driving and crossing roads during the festive season. Lastly, it made a passionate plea to all motorists – “DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE”
Issued by the Communication Chief Directorate
Office of the Premier
NELSPRUIT
Contact Lebona Mosia at 082 5616465/013 7662244 or LMosia@mpg.gov.za
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| UMSOBOMVU LAUNCHES A BIGGER, BETTER YOUTH CENTRE
Nelspruit-Mpumalanga Premier, Thabang Makwetla and Umsobomvu Youth Fund CEO,Malose Kekana, last night launched a first multi purpose youth advisory centre in the provincial capital, of Mpumalanga , Nelspruit.
Dignitaries at the Nelspruit launch included the Premier of Mpumalanga, Mr Thabang Makwetla, Mayor of Mbombela Local Municipality, Mr J Nsibande and the MEC of Economic Development and Planning Mr C Padayachee
Established in 2001, Umsobomvu has over the years been responsible for implementing and mainstreaming youth development programmes for young South Africans between the ages of 18 – 35 years old and women to help them have sustainable livelihoods.
Through the implementation of YACs and other Umsobomvu access points, the organisation managed to reach close to 500 000 young people in 2006 alone and wants to reach more – one of the main reasons for the expansion of the Nelspruit YAC.
“After seeing how effective our YACs have been in terms of service provision and accessibility to communities across South Africa, we sought to expand the existing ones which would from now on offer all our services and products at one place,” said Malose Kekana, Umsobomvu's chief executive officer.
“We will be opening more full-service YACs in Durban , Rustenburg, Witbank and Cape Town and other provinces to enhance our visibility and accessibility to young South Africans,” Kekana added.
“For many of our youth,access to information is one of the major constraints that hamper their development.Access to career information,job opportunites,bsiness development opportunites,and economic development services remain a challenge for our youth in general and in far flung rural areas in particular,” said the Mpumalanga province Premier, Thabang Makwetla.
“In a developing economy,we need to expand coverage of youth development services to underdeveloped parts of the country so that we stimulate local economic development,and impact positively on employment and entrepreneuship opportunities” he explained.
Other services on offer at the Nelspruit YAC are trained staff that provide information and counseling support services on careers, assessments, study strategies for young people who are still at school; job preparedness services which assist a young person on the skills of writing a selling CV, help in preparing for an interview and/or preparing for the work environment. The YAC staff will also refer young people to relevant employment agencies or youth service providers that can help them look for jobs.
In addition, the YAC will assist budding entrepreneurs by offering them business development services to help them create, enhance or sustain their enterprises as well at to link them to business or employment opportunities.
The YAC will also assist students by providing scholarship, linking them to bursaries, learnerships, volunteerships and internship information while also providing contact details for educational institutions for those seeking to study further.
Trained staff will also offer one on one consultation with infomediaries, offer business consultancy vouchers which a young entrepreneur can use to purchase business support services such as business plan development, marketing and branding of the business, financial administration and other services. The South African Youth card (SAY) which is offered for free, offers discounts on, among others, movies, books and travel. Microfinance will offer loans of up to R100 000.
“We want to see every young person around Nelspruit make use of this centre for his/her benefit - it is there for young people. And Umsobomvu will continue to do its ultimate best to make sure that YACs are user-friendly and that all the tools that young people need to empower themselves are at their reach,” Kekana concluded.
For more information contact :
Ntime Skhosana
Premiers Spokesperson
0824966875
Lloyd Marlowe
Umsobomvu Youth Fund
082390 3419
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PREMIER THABANG MAKWETLA OPENS YOUTH ADVISORY CENTER
NELSPRUIT,Mpumalanga Premier Thabang Makwetla will launch the Nelspruit Youth Advisory Center in the provincial capital tomorrow(29/01/2008). The center forms part of a partnership between the provincial government and the Umsobomvu Youth Fund in their common goal to bring youth empowerment services and products closer to the people,particularly the rural youth constituency.
Umsobomvu Youth Fund was established in 2001 with a mandate to facilitate opportunities for young people to acquire skills,access job opportunities or pursue enterprise initiatives.Since then UYF has committed over R1. billion in various projects across the country.
According to Stats SA 2007 community survey, Mpumalanga youth constitute % of its total population estimated to be 3,6 million. As a result,Mpumalanga is also faced with the challenge of expanding opportunities for youth participation in our regional economy. Youth unemployment,limited or lack of access to government services and products,graduate unemployment,social and cultural exclusion etc are some of the developmental challenges facing young persons in Mpumalanga.
In this connection, opportunities in our key economic growth sectors that include agro-processing,manufacturing,energy supply,tourism,cultural and sporting industries and 2010 related activities have an important role to play in advancing youth development through providing meaningful opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.
Premier Makwetla and the provincial government believe that through the youth advisory center and other interventions such as the national youth service,graduate internships,learnerships,investment in education and other talents, the provincial government has begun the process of reversing the effects of social and economic marginalisation of the youth.
EVENT DETAILS:
17H00- Ribbon cutting by Premier Makwetla at advisory center(shop 8,Nedbank building)
18h00- Formal program starts at Mbombela Civic Center to be adressed by Premier Makwetla and UYF CEO Malose Kekana
ISSUED BY:
Ntime Skhosana
Premiers Spokesperson
0824966875 or 0137662055
Mpumalanga Provincial Government
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