Executive Council Media Statement
25 July 2024
PREMIER NDLOVU AND EXCO APPROVE THE MKHONDO MUNICIPALITY INVESTIGATION REPORT AND A PLAN TO RECRUIT CRIME PREVENTION WARDENSMpumalanga Premier, Mr Mandla Ndlovu convened the sitting of the Executive Council on Wednesday, to discuss among others, a report flowing from an investigation conducted in terms of Section 106(1)(b) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act of 2000 in Mkhondo Local Municipality. The sitting further discussed the establishment of crime prevention Wardens to reduce the levels of crime in the province.
During the meeting, the Premier directed EXCO members to pay special attention on the pressing needs of the communities in a quest to reduce socio-economic challenges in Mpumalanga. He cited poverty, access to water and the state of the road conditions, among them. “Nineteen percent (19%) of our graduates in Mpumalanga are unemployed. Thirteen percent (13%) households have no access to piped water. Fourty percent (40%) of our roads are not tarred. These explain the need to fix Mpumalanga, and make it a province that our people will be proud of,” Mr Ndlovu emphasised.
During the sitting EXCO resolved the following matters:
- Section 106 investigation in Mkhondo Local Municipality
The Provincial Government, during the term of the 6th administration, instituted an investigation in terms of Section 106(1)(b) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act which sought to determine a range of allegations levelled against the Mkhondo Municipality. These included financial mismanagement, non-compliance to applicable prescripts and irregular appointments.
EXCO resolved that the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs, Mr Speed Mashilo will table the report to the Mkhondo Municipal Council together with the action plan for adoption and implement the recommendations. Furthermore, EXCO directed the Department to monitor the implementation of the action plan and report progress. - Establishment of crime prevention Wardens
EXCO approved the plan to employ 1200 crime prevention Wardens to clamp down crime and violence in the province. The Provincial Government embarked on an extensive benchmarking exercise in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal to understand the role and effectiveness of crime prevention structures. As part of their role, the Wardens will patrol and search schools and will work closely with liquor traders and tavern owners to monitor compliance.
The recruits will undergo an extensive training programme in relation to the firearm and crowd management before their deployment to ninety (90) police stations in the province. Their appointment will be effective from September 2024 and will work under the supervision of police officers once they resume their duties.
In approving the plan, EXCO expressed confidence that the crime prevention Wardens will contribute significantly to the province’s efforts to create a conducive environment for investments for the realization of the inclusive economic growth and job creation.
Issued by Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Enquiries:Provincial Spokesperson: Mr George Mthethwa
Tel: (013) 766 2242
Mobile: 083 302 2774
E-mail: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za