Mpumalanga Cabinet Statement
18 November 2009
The Mpumalanga Executive Council met yesterday (18 November) at the Riverside Government complex to look at among other things the Local Government Turn-Around Strategy that will assist municipalities to produce credible IDPs and improve their ability to manage their finances effectively. The strategy also seeks to ensure that the provision of services to communities is sustainable and that there is stability in the local governance sphere.
The province has been marred by service delivery protests that were characterized by violence, intimidation, destruction of properties and in some instances loss of life. Four municipalities have been placed under administration for a number of different reasons, including the poor implementation of public participation policies, lack of financial management skills and alleged corruption. The Executive Council also supports that the Department will hold a Local Government Indaba.
The department will also assist all municipalities with the development of performance management systems which will be linked with the Technical Premier’s Coordinating Forum and MuniMEC reviews and activities.
On the Liberation Heritage Route
The Executive Council supported the establishment of the Liberation Heritage Route in the Province. The Route will identify and develop precincts on sites with liberation heritage significance.
The Liberation Heritage Route will be configured as a network of sites, some nodes with world heritage status, others with national, provincial and local significance.
The Route will also be about the development of sites which present evidence of a common narrative, national memory and experience.
On the Issue of a University in the Province The Executive Council accepted the feasibility study on the establishment of a University in Mpumalanga Province. The feasibility study was undertaken by the National Institute for Higher Education, which made some proposals to the Executive Council about the mode and the locality of the University.
Exco recommitted itself in the establishment of the University of Mpumalanga, commencing in the 2010/2011 financial year.
On the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women Campaign The Executive Council supports the campaign of 16-days of activism for No Violence Against Women campaign starting with a provincial launch next week in Nkomazi Local Municipality. The campaign aims to generate increased levels of awareness amongst South Africans pertaining to the incidences of violence perpetuated against women and children. The campaign also aims to create awareness of the link between the HIV/Aids and gender-based violence.
Appointments
The Executive Council approved the appointment of Mr. BD Dube as Head of the Department of Human Settlement.
Inquiries:
Mabutho Sithole
Premier Spokesperson
Cell: 082 389 3348
Tel: 013 766 2055
Email:
mabutho@prem.mpu.gov.za
Issued by the Office of the Premier-Mpumalanga Provincial Government
