Executive Council Meeting
17 May 2012
The Executive Council held its fortnightly meeting at Riverside Government Complex at Mbombela municipality in the Ehlanzeni district municipality on 16 May 2012.
The Executive Council received the following presentations and progress reports:
- Fresh Produce market– Premier DD Mabuza announced in February during his SOPA that the province is to establish a fresh produce market. In pursuance of this objective the DARDLA brought a French company with worldwide experience to make a presentation to EXCO. The company is currently conducting a feasibility study towards the establishment of a fresh produce market in the province. This company is running one of the biggest fresh produce markets in Paris supplying 18 million consumers. It is also currently establishing similar market in Russia, China, Peru, India, Portugal (already functional), London and Belgium.
- The Presidential Planning Commission – a consultative process on inputs to the Commission is currently underway and will be completed next week for submission to the Presidency by the deadline of April 30. Thus far community stakeholders have been consulted and the main emphasis is job creation; education; health; infrastructure development and the development of rural areas.
- The Sports Academy –the EXCO resolved that the Academy should be an international sports facility that should have the capacity to host international events. The facility will be providing various sports disciplines like canoeing, rowing, football, rugby. The Sports Academy will be located at Emakhazeni local municipality. Construction is planned to commence in October 2012.
The Executive Council approved the following appointments:
- Mr. Richard Mnisi as the new head of department of health and
- EXCO approved the nominated members of the board of MEGA as contemplated with Section 7 of the MEGA Act 2010. They are Mr. J. Vilakazi chairman, Mr. Ayanda Bam, Adv. Andy Lekgoa Mothibi, Mr. PD Mahlangu, Ms S Xulu, Ms PNZ Fakude-Nkuna, Ms N Ntshangase, Mr. DN Mculu, Mr. EJ Linda, Ms H Ralinala and Mr. BJ van der Walt
Comprehensive Rural Development Project (CRDP)
The EXCO approved the CRDP business plan. The CRDP is continuing to focus on our most rural and poor municipalities like Chief Albert Luthuli, Nkomazi, Dr. JS Moroka, Thembisile Hani, Mkhondo and Dr. Pixley ka Isaka Seme. It is focusing on the revitalization of land reform farms; the Masibuyele Emasimini project; food gardens and school nutrition schemes for our impoverished learners including supplying food to early childhood centers. The CRDP is also involved in several infrastructure development programs like the construction of clinics, mortuary and the Mmamethlake Hospital. In the last financial year they were able to create 13000 jobs and job opportunities.
The Schooling Transformation and Reform Strategy (STaRS)
The department of education presented Schooling Transformation and Reform Strategy (STaRS) to improve the learners performance across the system. The aim is to increase the number of learners who qualify for a bachelor entry at university, particularly in mathematics and physical science at 50% and above. Similarly an improvement of at least 10% in grades 3, 6, 9 and 12 in mathematics and languages is targeted for 2012.
EXCO resolved that each MEC including the Premier will adopt three poorly performing schools out of the 31 worst performing schools and engage the learners and parents of these schools. They will also make an introspection of the infrastructure at these schools. Members of the Executive Council will ensure that they visit these schools at least twice a month. MEC’s will also continue their interventions in the Bushbuckridge school circuit to improve the matriculation results in that area.
Early Childhood Development Summit
Exco is of the view that the ECD still remains a critical foundation for long term improvement in the performance in schools. The EXCO therefore approved the holding of the Early Childhood Development Summit on 6-7 June 2012. The main objective of the Summit is to take stock of progress made on ECD delivery in Mpumalanga and to promote provisioning of quality ECD services for children from birth to 6 year olds.
Condolences
The Executive Council passed its condolences to the families and the African National Congress on the passing away of Mr. Roy Padayachie Minister of Public Service and Administration; Mr. Sicelo Sisheka former Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; Dr. Thabo Mamoepa, Ms Thembi Ndlovu and Ms Florence Nyanda. These were veterans and stalwarts of the struggle who had dedicated their lives to the liberation of our country.
Contact person:
Lebona Mosia
Executive Council spokesperson at
Cell: 082 5616465
Tel: 013 7662244
Email: lmosia@mpg.gov.za
Issued by the Communication Chief Directorate, Office of the Premier
