Official Hand Over of Mpumalanga Census Report
23 November 2012
Programme Director, HOD Mahlobo
Statistician General, Mr Pali Lehohla,
Director-General in the Office of the Premier, Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize,
Heads of Departments
Chief Executive Officers of various entities,
Officials from Statistics South Africa, Government Departments and other entities,
Esteemed Guests
Members of the Media
Ladies and Gentlemen
Let me first convey the warm greetings of the Honourable Premier, Mr DD Mabuza to Mr Lehohla and officials from Statistics South Africa.
Your team made us proud throughout the period of collecting census data last year, 2011. Today we know more about where we are as a Nation because of the 2011 Census report.
I am delighted to be here today during this important occasion of the launch and official hand over of yet another proudly South African product, by the South Africans – for the South Africans!!
The 2011 Census Report is not just a document. It gives us an indication on how we have progressed in implementing government programmes and population changes over the last ten years.
It is a statement that tells a story on how government programmes have improved the wellbeing of Mpumalanga residents over the last ten years.
This research output is the most credible information that we will use for planning and delivering services to our people.
Through their participation in the project, the people of Mpumalanga made a critical input in determining future resource allocations in the Province.
They also shaped the discourse on redefinition of policy and programme priorities for the forth coming fiscal years.
Specifically, the Census report will be useful in evaluating the performance of the government programme, in relation to the five anchor priorities which are:
- Creating decent work and sustainable livelihoods;
- Harnessing rural development, food security and land reform;
- Working towards a free and compulsory education for all children (ensuring that the doors of learning and teaching are opened to all);
- Providing quality health care for all; and
As we table the Provincial Adjustment Budget Policy Statement on Tuesday, 27 November 2012, we will be mindful of the report and its implication to planning and resource allocations to programmes.
The increase of 0, 3 percent in the population growth of our province is expected to be matched with an improved adjustment in the budget allocation by the National Treasury to the Province.
This will certainly assist in plucking the gaps between the needs our people and extent of delivery, using available resources to implement developmental programmes in the Province.
It is my pleasure to receive this report on behalf of the Honourable Premier, Mr DD Mabuza and the people of Mpumalanga.
I thank you
