Executive Council Media Statement
25 November 2021- POSTPONEMENT OF THE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE EVENTS
- LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT MEASURES
- IMPLEMENTATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS IN MUNICIPALITIES
- PRIVATE-PUBLIC PARTNERSHIP
- COMMEMORATION OF WORLD AIDS DAY
- NEW APPOINTMENTS EXCO
- Mr H.H. Nkanyane and Ms Lindiwe Motshwane appointed as new Board members of the MRTT
- Mr M.I. Mahlangu: Chief Executive Officer (MEGA)
- Ms T.Z. Ndlovu: Director – Internal Audit (DEDT)
- Mr P.D. Ndwandwe: Director - Gert Sibande Regional Services (DEDT)
- Mr S.J. Sifunda: Director – Internal Audit (EDUCATION)
- Mr J.S. Ndala: Director – Human Resource Management (EDUCATION)
- Ms T.N.P Magwaza: Director - Budget and Expenditure Management (PROVINCIAL TREASURY)
- Mr L.J. Radebe: Director - Interlinked Financial Services (PROVINCIAL TREASURY)
- Ms P.N. Ntuli: Chief Director - Environmental Services (DARDLEA)
- Dr L.B. Cele: Chief Director - Veterinary Services (DARDLEA)
- Mr D.K. Maluleke: Director – Internal Audit (DARDLEA)
- Mr H. Ndlovu: Director - Ehlanzeni North District (DARDLEA)
- Ms N.S. Masoka: Director - Nkangala District (DARDLEA)
- Mr S.T. Ngele: Director – Supply Chain Management (DARDLEA)
The Mpumalanga Provincial Government introduced the Cultutal Experience to bring the various ethnic social groups together in an effort to encourage social cohesion. The festival was introduced in 2016 after a benchmarking exersize with the Mangaung African Cultural Festival (Macufe) in the Free State which used the event to promote economic growth, showcase talent and promote sport and tourism over a period of eight (8) days. In addition, the Cultural Experience, which becomes the provincial signature event also seeks to support small enterprizes and promote the province as a tourist destination of choice.
The Executive Council has resolved to postpone the 6th edition of the Cultural Experience. EXCO expressed concern that the event was not aligned with the primary objectives of what it was meant for, and instructed the Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation (DCSR) to revise the plans for the event in an endevour to re-align it. EXCO further noted the concerns raised by the local artists.
Initially, the event was scheduled to start on Friday, 27 November 2021 until 12 December 2021, however, the new dates will be communicated in due course. EXCO stated that the postponement will provide enough opportunity for revelers to prepare and for the tourism sector to make proper preparations as a pillar for the success of the event. An apology was extended to the people affected by the postponement.
EXCO expressed support for the Councillor Induction Programme aimed at capacitating the newly established Municipal Councils, after the Local Government elections held on 1 November 2021. The programme was initiated by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA). The primary objective of the programme is to train Councillors to execute their duties with efficiency.
The induction programme include among others, the Code of Conduct for Councillors, Financial Management, Public Participation and Oversight. EXCO stated that the training is a panacea for Councillors to execute their duties with diligence and to ensure a smooth transition between the 5th and 6th Administrations, without the interruption service delivery. EXCO noted that more training programmes are in the pipeline to strengthen the capacity of the new Councils to enhance their performance.
EXCO noted the progress made by the Municipalities where Section 106(1)(b) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 was instituted. The Municipalities, namely, Lekwa, Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme and Govan Mbeki have implemented the recommendations of the investigations.
EXCO expressed concern about the failure of the Dr JS Moroka Municipality to implement the resolutions, following findings of maladministration. EXCO issued a directive for the newly established Council in Dr JS Moroka to prioritize the implementation of the resolutions without delay. The Department of Co-operatiive Governance and Traditional Affairs was directed to take drastic steps for the implementation.
The Nkomazi and Bushbuckridge Municipalities were the last to be included for similar investigations. While progress for the implementation of the recommendations was noted in the Nkomazi Municipality, however, a concern was raised about the failure of the Bushbuckridge Municipality to co-operate with the investigators. The new Council was directed to cooperate and to develop a remedial action plan for implementation.
It is the view of EXCO that the implementation of the recommendations in all the affected Municipalities will restore the confidence of the electorate and will ultimately serve as a deterrent against maladministration in future. In its view, by so doing the new Councils will affirm their authority by creating an environment that prevent unwarranted cases of maladministration that paralyze the functionality of Municipalities.
Reports for the investigations have been referred to the law enforcement agencies for further action.
EXCO has approved a Public-Private partnership aimed at accelerating the involvement of the private sector for funding of catalytic projects in Mpumalanga. The Public Partnership Government Initiative (PPGI), an NGO, has identified key economic sectors, such as tourism, agriculture and mining as areas for potential investment and will galvanize funds from the private sector to support the catalytic projects.
EXCO resolved that the initiative should be aligned with the Provincial Growth and Economic Strategy and that an operational model should for the partnership be developed to guide the investment process. An Oversight Committee was established to monitor the partnership, with Acting MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environment Administration, Ms Busi Shiba as Chairperson of the Committee. Others members are MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Mr Vusi Mkhatshwa and MEC for Human Settlement, Mr Speedy Mashilo.
EXCO approved the commemoration of the provincial World AIDS Day, scheduled to take place in Tjakastad in the Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality. With Mpumalanga ranked as the 4th province in the country with a high HIV prevalence, EXCO is hopeful that the commemoration will spur communities into action by supporting the victims. The theme for this year’s commemoration is: “Working Together to End Inequalities, AIDS, TB and COVID-19”
EXCO approved the following new appointments:
Ends…
Issued by Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Enquiries:
(A) Provincial Spokesperson: Mr George Mthethwa
Tel: (013) 766 2242
Mobile: 083 302 2774
E-mail: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za