For Africa News

Languages Bill to 'improve access to services'

2012-01-28T11:10:00.001+02:00

Pretoria - Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile says the draft South African Languages Bill is not only intended to promote all the country's official languages, but to improve access to services.

The Bill proposes that government departments use at least two languages to communicate with the public. Provinces would also be expected to choose languages that are dominant or mostly spoken to communicate with the public. This, in turn, would open up access to knowledge about services for many more people.

"... National departments [must] ensure access to services," said Mashatile.

Mashatile believes that indigenous African languages should be among those used as official languages, and not just English and Afrikaans.

Addressing the National Press Club in Pretoria on Friday, Mashatile said there was a need to introduce the Bill to promote all the languages in SA, including sign language.

Although sign language is not an official language, Mashatile said government departments should use it to communicate with the public.

Earlier this month, the Portfolio Committee on Arts and Culture held public hearings on the proposed Languages Bill.

The Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) -- which was established to promote and ensure respect for all languages commonly used by communities in South Africa -- also added its views on the draft legislation.

Mashatile said PanSALB would be expected to ensure that the general public knows about the Bill.

"Communities should have a right to complain to PanSALB if they feel that their language is not well represented," Mashatile added.

In May 2004, PanSALB launched a campaign to raise public awareness of their right to be served in their own language at government institutions. - BuaNews

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Deputy Minister honours police

2012-01-28T11:07:00.001+02:00

By Francis Hweshe

Cape Town - Deputy Police Minister Makhotso Sotyu has celebrated National Police Day by saluting South Africa's men and women in blue for their courageous work in keeping South Africa safe.

She was joined in marking the day by Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, Western Cape Commissioner Arno Lamoer and provincial Community Safety MEC Dan Plato, among other officials.

Hundreds of excited officers, clad in their blue shirts, thronged Athlone Stadium outside Cape Town where the celebrations were meant to take place for most of the day.

Sotyu said that she was paying tribute to "heroes and heroines" for their hard work in ensuring that everyone in the country was safe.

She thanked the police for putting the lives of citizens first as they battle crime.

"Thank you very much for what you are doing for the nation," she said, stressing that policing should not just be a career but a "special calling".

She said people should not join the service only because they were jobless or wanted money.

Sotyu also thanked the police for their role in securing recent high profile events such as the COP17 climate change global talks in Durban, and the ANC centenary celebrations staged in Mangaung Municipality in the Free State.

Mkhwanazi, who was in high spirits, thanked the police for their hard work, saying they should celebrate their achievements and enjoy their day.

Plato said that being a member of the police service was an honour. He urged the police to keep doing their duties to ensure the nation remained safe.

Lamoer said the police were winning against crime, gangsterism and alcohol abuse, and that they would not allow the province to be defeated by criminals.

He expressed concern about violence against women and the role alcoholism played in that crime. He added that one of their top priorities was to uproot corruption.

The South African Police Union and the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union sent their messages of support for the celebrations. - BuaNews

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Lotteries Board to respond to NGOs' demands

2012-01-27T21:03:00.000+02:00

Pretoria - The National Lotteries Board (NLB) says it will study the memorandum handed over by a groups of non-governmental organisations on Friday and respond to the issues raised.

About 200 protesters from several organisations marched to the Lotto's offices in Hatfield to hand over a memorandum which highlighted concerns about how the funds are allocated to beneficiaries and lack of transparency.

The NGOs, most of which are facing closure due to funds drying up, have been raising the alarm over the slow response by the board's distributing agencies, bribes to fast track applications, irregular grants, and conflict of interest in some board members.

Speaking to the media after receiving the memo, NLB chairperson Alfred Nevhutanda said they take seriously the allegations and that they will investigate them and take remedial action where needed.

Reacting to the slow pace with which the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) responds to organisations, Nevhutanda attributed it to the increase in the volume of applications, saying there were not enough funds to meet to the demands.

The chairman said the task of distributing funds to thousands of prospective applicants was complex and the board had taken the responsibility to ensure that it carried out its duties and mandate with integrity.

"Due to the large numbers of applications we receive, there will be some instances where there are administrative shortcomings. The board will continue to implement measures to reduce these incidences," he said, citing that they were trying to introduce online electronic applications.

He said the board had also embarked on a restructuring process and that it was trying to streamline the application process.

Applications have more than doubled from an average of 4 000 to over 8 000, and this has put a strain on the system and how it responds to the applications.

Nevhutanda said while the trust aims to help as many worthy organisations as possible, it was impossible to satisfy everyone.

The trust has a budget of R1.8 billion for the 2011/12 financial year.

Given the limited funds, Nevhutanda emphasised that no applicant has an automatic right to the NLDTF funding, even if they meet the requirements. All applications, he said, need to undergo the same process and those which are declined have a right to appeal the decision.

Since its inception in 2000, a total of R15.3 billion has been allocated to over 15 000 beneficiary organisations across the country.

Asked to comment on calls for a forensic audit of grants and lifestyle audits on board members, Nevhutanda said the NLB's books were already audited by the Auditor General and approved by Parliament and also available on the NLB website.

He called on the public and NGOs to report unethical conduct. - BuaNews

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identity document application services to Cape Town teenagers

2012-01-27T10:17:00.001+02:00

Home Affairs takes identity document application services to Cape Town teenagers

26 Jan 2012

The Deputy Minister of the Department of Home Affairs, Fatima Chohan will assist 16-year olds with the application of identity documents (IDs) at the Vangate Mall in Cape Town, where the department’s mobile office will be stationed.

This drive is part of the department’s on-going National Population Registration (NPR) campaign which aims to ensure that each and every citizen, young and old, has been registered and has the right document at a specified time of their lives.

The purpose of this campaign, launched by President Jacob Zuma and the Minister of Home Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, is to ensure that the registration of all child birth is done within 30-days of delivery, 16-year olds and above apply for IDs and to end late registration of births.

An ID is an essential requirement for the matric examinations. It is also a passport to a better life as it enables holders to access all social services provided by government as well as opportunities for, amongst others, further education and training.

Learners from schools in the area including from Langa, Gugulethu, Heideveld and Bonteheuwel are expected to take advantage of the Home Affairs mobile office at Vangate Mall to apply for their IDs. The mobile office will also render all other Home Affairs services to the general public.

Date: Sartuday, 28 January 2012
Time: 9h00 - 13h00
Venue: Piazza at Vangate Mall, Vanguard Drive, Athlone

Enquiries/RSVP:
Zandi Ratshitanga
Cell: 072 379 5181
Email: zandiratshitanga@yahoo.ca

Or

Loedfie Hendricks
Cell: 082 6704145
Email: Loedfiehendricks@gmail.com

Issued by: Department of Home Affairs
26 Jan 2012

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Update on Board of Inquiry: - General Bheki Cele

2012-01-27T10:16:00.001+02:00

Update on Board of Inquiry: National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Bheki Cele

26 Jan 2012

In October last year President Zuma announced the establishment of the Board of Inquiry to look into allegations of misconduct by the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Bheki Cele or into his fitness for the office or into his capacity for the execution of his duties efficiently, in relation to the procurement of office accommodation for the South African Police Service in Pretoria and Durban, as part of the findings and recommendations of the Public Protector, Advocate Thuli Madonsela.

The President suspended the National Commissioner from duty with all his benefits, pending the outcome of the Board of Inquiry.

The Board has since its appointment been undertaking preparations including finding offices, appointing staff and undertaking legal preparations. They have finalised the preparations and it is expected that public hearings will begin next month. Details regarding public hearings will be communicated at a later stage.

The composition of the Board of Inquiry is as follows:

The Board of Inquiry comprises the following members:
Justice Jake Moloi (Chairperson)
Advocate Terry Motau SC
Advocate Anthea Platt

Advocate Lisa Tsatsi has been appointed as the Secretary of the Board.

We thank the City of Tshwane for agreeing to host the Commission for the duration of its work.

Enquiries:
Mac Maharaj
Cell: 079 879 3202

Issued by: The Presidency
26 Jan 2012

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Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela to oversee municipal human settlement delivery

2012-01-27T10:15:00.001+02:00

26 Jan 2012

Human Settlements Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela will visit several municipalities from 30 Jan 2012 until 4 Feb 2012 to ensure the accelerated delivery of housing opportunities to the people who most need them, with a strategic focus on the provision of basic services.

Minister Madikizela is very concerned about the slow pace of housing delivery at the municipal level, and is committed to visiting and working with the municipalities to ensure effective delivery in this regard. The municipalities to be visited are Oudsthoorn, Bitou, George, Mossel Bay, Swartland, Breede Valley, Drakenstein and Stellenbosch.

The Department is on track to spend 100 % of its budget of R1.638bn by the end of this financial year, or March 2012, and has approved and allocated funding to municipalities to implement their housing plans. The Department has a target of delivering 12 652 houses, and is on track to deliver 12 050, or 95% of the houses. However, it also has a target of delivering 13 059 serviced sites, yet with the current rate of delivery, only 8 555 sites will be completed.

Housing delivery is interdependent on efficient and well-functioning municipalities, who submit their housing plans to the provincial government for approval and funding, and upon approval, are expected to implement their housing plans with immediate effect. The Department has an oversight role to ensure that the sites and houses are delivered, whereas local government, or municipalities, are responsible for the on-the-ground work.

Reasons for lack of housing delivery at a municipal level include lack of professional capacity, and poor forward planning of housing needs. The Department, under the leadership of Minister Madikizela, has recently created Professional Resource Teams, consisting of professional personnel, to assist municipalities in the planning and technical aspects of housing delivery. The Department is also placing a greater emphasis on project pipelines, so that if any housing projects become blocked or stalled, there are back-up projects ready to go. These interventions will ensure the accelerated delivery of housing opportunities.

It is expected that through Ministerial intervention, housing delivery can be accelerated and the targets can be met. Minister Madikizela will be accompanied by high level Departmental officials to offer the necessary support to affected municipalities.

For media enquiries:

Bruce Oom
Spokesman for Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela
Human Settlements, Provincial Government of the Western Cape
Cell : 072 4655 177
Tel: 021 483 6622
Fax: 021 483 3888

Issued by: Western Cape Human Settlements
26 Jan 2012

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Tips for budget 2012

2012-01-27T10:14:00.003+02:00

26 Jan 2012

South Africans are reminded to send Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan their tips on what they would like to see in the country’s budget.

The budget tips campaign is run throughout the year and ensures active participation in government programmes, especially matters related to the economy.Minister Gordhan will present the 2012 budget to Parliament on 22 February 2012 at 2pm.

Tips can be sent via:

National Treasury website: www.treasury.gov.za
Fax: 012 315 5126
Post: Private Bag X115, Pretoria 0001
Facebook: Pravin Gordhan’s fan page

For more information please contact:
Sinombulelo Mlisa
Tel: 012 315 5170
Cell: 082 807 5838.

Issued by: National Treasury
26 Jan 2012

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The Foschini Group acquisition of local clothing manufacturer

2012-01-27T10:14:00.001+02:00

26 Jan 2012

The Minister of Economic Development, Ebrahim Patel, today welcomed the decision by the Foschini Group (TFG) to buy into the South African clothing manufacturing sector by purchasing one of its suppliers, Prestige Clothing, a Cape Town based clothing factory.

Minister Patel said “this is a vote of confidence in the South African clothing manufacturing industry and will be a boost for local jobs”.

"The local procurement Accord signed three months ago with business and labour, established a common national commitment to strengthening local supply chains, creating more jobs and improving the competitiveness of South African factories. This transaction can contribute positively to achieving these goals" he said.

Note to editors: The Local Procurement Accord was signed on 31 October 2011 and committed business, labour, government and communities to a partnership to increase domestic procurement and local manufacturing capacity.

Enquiries:
Saleem Mowzer
Special Advisor to Minister Ebrahim Patel
Economic Development Department
Cell: 082 808 8135
Email: smowzer@economic.gov.za or smowzer@iafrica.com

Issued by: Economic Development Department
26 Jan 2012

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SA working to improve economy - Zuma

2012-01-27T03:34:00.001+02:00

Pretoria - South Africa is working towards a thriving mixed economy that is integrated into the Southern African region and African continent as a whole, says President Jacob Zuma.

"Looking ahead in our economic transformation programme, we continue to work towards achieving a thriving mixed economy, premised on creating inclusive employment-creating growth," said the President on Thursday.

He was speaking at a meeting with South African business at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

"This is an economy where the state, private capital, cooperative and other forms of social ownership work together, complementing each other to foster shared economic growth and eliminate poverty. We are also working to build an economy that is increasingly integrated into the Southern African region and our continent as a whole, in furtherance of the goals of development and regeneration of Africa," he said.

As part of the country's efforts to alleviate poverty in the short term, government is supporting employment creation through public works programmes which have proven to be effective in providing short term jobs, while close to 15 million South Africans receive grants.

"Our social assistance programme creates a caring society. We are improving the economic situation and working towards finding means to provide able-bodied grant recipients with skills to help them become independent."

By June 2014, it is envisaged that nearly 60% of the economy of Africa will be a single free trade area, covering the Southern African Development Community, East African community and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa.

This will enable an easier and efficient flow of goods, people and investments.

The country, after hosting the United Nations' COP17 climate change conference in December, is also working to achieve a sustainable economy that is not harmful to the environment or the health of its people.

"With regards to youth support, government has directed that the number of public-sector internships be increased to 60 000 positions by 2013. This will expand the number of public internships more than tenfold."

This year's World Economic Forum annual meeting's theme, The Great Transformation: Shaping New Models, provides an opportunity for innovation in improving solutions to the challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment.

"We are proud of our progress so far in shaping a new model of economic governance and growth - one that is dynamic, sustainable and increasingly inclusive. That is not to play down the very real challenges that we face," he said, adding that the South African economy could not be sustained unless more was done to address social ills and economic exclusion.

"We must also develop strategies for managing the instability of the global economy," said Zuma.
Zuma is accompanied by several Cabinet ministers, including the Ministers of Finance Pravin Gordhan, Trade and Industry Rob Davies and Economic Development Ebrahim Patel.

The WEF is a platform where leaders explore emerging models and solutions for the changing economy of the world. - BuaNews

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Accolades for Princess of Africa

2012-01-27T03:33:00.001+02:00

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has congratulated renowned songstress Yvonne Chaka Chaka, fondly known as the Princess of Africa, for being the first African woman to receive the World Economic Forum's Crystal Award.

The honour was bestowed on Chaka Chaka last night in Davos, Switzerland. The prestigious award was started in 1995 and is presented to distinguished artists who have used their respective talents to improve the state of the world. Some of the previous recipients include US musician extraordinaire Quincy Jones and award winning actor Richard Gere.

"In many respects, Yvonne Chaka Chaka has been a true ambassador of our country, its culture and people. We applaud the wonderful work she does promoting quality health care and other social development issues in the continent. We are immensely proud that the World Economic Forum has today recognised her in this way," said President Zuma in Davos.

Zuma said he was especially pleased that Chaka Chaka's work in the area of global health and issues affecting women and children, especially in Africa, had been afforded the worldwide recognition that it deserved.

"We hope that this award will encourage more people at home and abroad to work together with governments to address matters affecting especially women and children," said the President. - BuaNews

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Corruption the enemy - Radebe

2012-01-27T03:32:00.001+02:00

Johannesburg - Corruption ought to be declared as the enemy of all South Africans, says Justice Minister Jeff Radebe.

Speaking at the launch of Cosatu's anti-corruption initiative - Corruption Watch - in Johannesburg on Thursday, the minister said corruption was a serious challenge and needed to be tackled collectively.

"Corruption must be declared our enemy as apartheid was the common enemy for all justice-loving citizens," he said.

Corruption was a serious concern for government, private sector, labour and civil society.

Radebe noted that government has taken steps to fight corruption, and in particular, highlighted the successes of the Asset Forfeiture Unit, which had netted the "top dogs of crime" and frozen assets worth billions.

Small scale corruption also needed to be addressed before it graduated into a culture of impunity that would lead to higher levels of corruption, he said.

The minister was optimistic that Corruption Watch would also highlight corruption in the private sector.
Where corruption was identified, those involved needed to be dealt with effectively, he urged.

Radebe said management in the public sector involved in corruption had to be dealt with harshly, irrespective of their rank and status.

Cosatu Secretary General Zwelinzima Vavi said Corruption Watch would allow citizens to be more involved in fighting corruption.

"A dream has come true - a dream to empower our people so that they may play a more meaningful role in a battle to combat the scourge of corruption."

The launch a Corruption Watch was a critical intervention at a time when there were daily reports of corruption. Each report of corruption had one common message - that corruption was "daylight theft from the poor", he said.

"Cosatu urges all its members and all South Africans to work closely with Corruption Watch to help get rid of this fatal cancer within our society," Vavi added.

Public Protector Thuli Madonsela applauded the initiative, saying Corruption Watch indicated that civil society was taking its rightful place in the fight against corruption.

South Africa needed a united front against corruption if the country was to triumph, and patriotic citizens needed to stand together against the "monster" of corruption as it had done with apartheid, she added.

David Lewis, Corruption Watch's executive director, explained that Corruption Watch will gather information about corruption, analyse it and disseminate it to the public so that it could be used to combat corruption.

The main source of information will be the public, who will be asked to report their experiences or knowledge of corruption on the website or through SMSes.

Some of that information will go to the investigative unit who will decide if it needs further investigation or if it needs to be passed on to law enforcement agencies, Lewis said.

The information gathered will be analysed and the findings or trends will be made available on Corruption Watch's website for comment, he added. - BuaNews

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Minister clears air on Info Bill

2012-01-26T13:34:00.001+02:00

By Francis Hweshe

Cape Town - State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele says the Protection of State Information Bill is aimed at stamping out rising espionage cases as well as the business of peddling state information.

Cwele was briefing the National Council of Provinces' ad hoc committee on Tuesday, which is handling the Bill.

He said it sought to protect valuable state information, promote the handling of sensitive information in the hands of the courts and fight corruption.

Cwele said the Bill would curb increasing "company hijacking", whereby criminals falsified information in the company registry and end up owning shares and becoming company directors.

He was accompanied by the department's acting Director General Dennis Dlomo.

Cwele highlighted that the leaking of state information as well as hiding corruption by officials was "a bad thing". "Corruption eats from the heart of the poor. No official should hide corruption through classification (of information)."

He said information peddling was "a growing cancer and we don't have a legal statute to deal with it".

Dlomo took the house through some of the important tenets of the Bill. He said it provided for conditions on which state information may not be classified.

Such information, he said, pertained to corruption, maladministration, incompetence and inefficiency in government.

He said that an independent Classification Panel would be constituted to deal with the classification, reclassification and declassification of information.

The panel would have the power to set aside wrongful classifications, he said.

Cwele said that if a request is made for information, which in turn happened to be classified, the request must be referred to the concerned minister in the department for a review of its classification status.

That minister would have to declassify the information if, among others, it paused "imminent and serious public safety or environmental risk".

Such information should be given out within 14 days after the request was made.

The committee was being briefed on the Bill before it starts public hearings across the country's nine provinces next week.

Public hearings in the Western Cape are set to start on Monday before the process moves to other provinces. - BuaNews

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Marius Fransman on the return of former President Marc Ravolamanana to Madagascar

2012-01-23T12:40:00.001+02:00

Media statement by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Marius Fransman on the return of former President Marc Ravolamanana to Madagascar

20 Jan 2012

The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Marius Fransman in his capacity as the Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ Troika and President Jacob Zuma's Special Envoy on Madagascar notes the announcement by former President Mr Marc Ravolamanana of his intention to return to the Republic of Madagascar on 21 January 2012.

In this regard, the Chair of the Troika noting the current contextual challenges relating to the political situation in Madagascar, calls on all the political formations and the political leadership, in particular the President of the High Transition Authority Mr Andry Rajoelina and former President Mr Marc Ravolamanana to exercise political maturity.

We implore upon the leadership to put the interests of the Malagasy nation above party political interests and spare no effort in ensuring that the Roadmap is fully implemented in both letter and spirit.

The SADC Roadmap clearly outlines the critical steps that must be taken in order to return the country to political normalcy. Over the past few months, much progress has been made in this regard. Amongst others, these include; the appointment of the President of High Transition Authority, the appointment of the Prime Minister of consensus, the formation of an inclusive executive cabinet of Transition, the appointment of the President of Parliament, the ratification of the Roadmap by parliament as well as the return of former President Ratsiraka.

However, noting this progress much more still needs to be done to ensure that Madagascar returns to constitutional normalcy and a democratic dispensation within the frame work of the Roadmap.

Furthermore, the SADC Organ Troika also calls upon all other stakeholders including civil society to fully support and participate in the process.

The Roadmap remains the cornerstone to the restoration of political stability and peaceful resolution of the political crisis facing the country.

For further information:
Clayson Monyela
Spokesperson for International Relations and Cooperation
Cell: 082 884 5974

Issued by: Department of International Relations and Cooperation
20 Jan 2012

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Eastern Cape education readiness plan for 2012

2012-01-23T12:39:00.001+02:00

18 Jan 2012

The Eastern Cape Education Department has unveiled its re-prioritised service delivery turnaround strategy for the next few months starting in January 2012. The strategy was unveiled during a meeting of the provincial government held in Bhisho recently.

According to the Education MEC Mandla Makupula, the bone of contention for the next few months for the department and its leadership is to ensure that its fight is meant to ensure the children’s education is prioritised. A list of the departmental priorities have been lined up and include the Scholar Transport Programme, provision of Learner & Teacher Support Materials (LTSM), the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) and the implementation of the 2012 Post Provisioning.

Despite the listed priorities there are also other teething issue at this time of the year that include the admission of learners and the availability of infrastructure for teaching and learning.

The department has prioritised these since they help to ensure that schools are able to start teaching on the first day of the academic/school year in compliance to the list of national non-negotiables.

These non-negotiables are meant to ensure that:

Teachers are at school on time, in the classroom teaching and well prepared, there is no abuse of children and no neglect of duty,
Learners are also expected to attend regularly, be punctual, respect educators, be committed to learning, and refrain from substance abuse,
Parents are expected to participate in school activities, support their children with school related work, ensure that there are no learners that are out of school during school hours, and
Departmental officials are expected to support schools, ensure that funds are transferred to schools on time, LTSM is in schools on time, educators are supported in the classroom through subject advisors, etc.

Although the department is still using the same service providers and routes as in 2011 according to the existing budget, and the scholar transport programme will continue with the transportation of deserving learners in 2012.

Additionally, the department has allocated a budget of R881 Million for LTSM to schools and R164 million of the amount will be spent on stationery and the balance which is R617 million will be spent on textbook for both the 4 480 section 21 schools and the 1 132 section 20 schools.

School visiting teams have been dispatched in all the 23 districts to ensure that there is compliance on admissions with mop up arrangements planned despite the fact that there are no envisaged risks and to ensure that any last minute changes to registration of learners is managed.

All departmental schools have received their monies for the three tranches last year (since April 2012) and on the 13th of January 2012, the department will deposit R214 million for feeding, R9,3 million for utensils that include spoons and plates. Additionally, the department will also distribute 32 kitchens to deserving schools with the help of the district officials.

To ensure that schools function properly, and following the declaration of 64 752 post basket for the 2012 school year on 30 September 2011 and issuing of school post establishment on the same day last year, all districts developed their own customised management plan to implement the post provisioning in their respective districts. The declared posts resulted in the creation of 8 269 vacant posts and simultaneously 6 715 of educators were rendered additionally because the school post establishment where they are currently employed, had decreased in the number of posts.

The dispatching of departmental teams to all districts seeks to employ and ensure that all experts in all fields work positively to ensure school functionality is prioritised. These teams will prepare daily reports that will identify quick areas for the intervention by the office of the Superintendent General within a short period of time.

All these interventions are meant to ensure that challenges experienced last year are dealt with and that learning and teaching becomes the focus and centrepiece of this school opening season and that all schools meet the minimum requirement for school readiness.

Enquiries:
Loyiso Pulumani
Cell: 083 275 0675

Issued by: Eastern Cape Education
18 Jan 2012

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Lekgola takes stock of govt's progress

2012-01-21T07:58:00.001+02:00

Bela Bela - Government is satisfied with the progress made across its five key priority areas, namely health, education, rural development, job creation as well as safety and crime prevention, Collins Chabane, the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation said on Friday.

Speaking at the end of the Cabinet Lekgotla which started in Bela Bela, Limpopo, on Tuesday, Chabane said the meeting had provided the basis for President Jacob Zuma's State of the Nation Address to be delivered early next month.

"In broad terms, our deliberations focused on the mid-term review, the economic situation and progress on the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission," Chabane said.

He said Zuma was worried that "too many" South Africans were unemployed and living in poverty.

Government will intensify its efforts in job creation, infrastructure development, agriculture, mining and the green economy.

"Government is worried about the capacity of the State to implement some programmes. That is why the Presidential Infrastructure Commission was created to ensure alignment and speedy progress in all major projects that need to be undertaken, including infrastructure," Chabane said.

The four-day meeting also discussed ways to improve the State's capacity in economic planning and the need to strengthen the management and leadership of critical delivery institutions.

"Cabinet therefore examined progress made with regard to the six areas that have been identified under the New Growth Path as the key drivers to reduce unemployment," said Chabane.

Cabinet also emphasised the need for government and its partners in other sectors to maximise the initiatives that have been created to sustain economic activity and growth.

On the reported economic situation in Limpopo, Chabane said the executive will await a report of the ministers who have been tasked to deal with the matter. Last year, Cabinet took a decision to implement a section 100 (1)(b) intervention in the Limpopo government in the wake of a financial meltdown in the province. - BuaNews

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President Zuma to commemorate the Battle of Isandlwana

2012-01-21T07:57:00.001+02:00

20 Jan 2012

President Jacob Zuma will on Sunday, 22 January 2012, join His Majesty King Zwelithini KaBhekuZulu to commemorate the 133th anniversary of the Battle of Isandlwana.

Located in the battle hill of Isandlwana, near Nquthu in the north of the KwaZulu-Natal province, this is the historical site of the battle that took place on 22 January, 1879 and became a major footprint in the history of South Africa where the Zulu Warriors under King Cetshwayo kaMpande, equipped mainly with the traditional assegai iron spears and cow-hide shields, defeated the British Troops.

The event is held annually to honour the bravery of troops at Isandlwana as well as to cement the subsequent warm relations between the citizens of the United Kingdom and South Africa generally, and the excellent cultural relations promoted by both the modern Zulu Royal monarchy and English Royalty.

The event will take place as follows:
Time: 09:00
Venue: Isandlwana, KwaZulu-Natal

Enquiries:
Bongani Majola
Cell: 082 339 1993

Zanele Mngadi
Cell: 082 330 1148

Issued by: The Presidency
20 Jan 2012

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Presidency rejects rumours of Ambassadorial Posting for Premier

2012-01-21T07:56:00.001+02:00

20 Jan 2012

The Presidency has noted false media reports relating to an alleged ambassadorial posting for the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Zweli Mkhize.

Initial reports claimed that President Jacob Zuma was to appoint Dr Mkhize as ambassador to New Zealand and fresh rumours and media enquiries state Australia as the destination. The rumours and reports are false, unfounded and mischievous. The President is not about to, and has also not appointed the Premier as an ambassador to anywhere in the world.

He has also never had a discussion about a diplomatic posting with Premier Mkhize. The stories and rumours are a complete fabrication.

Enquiries:
Mac Maharaj
Cell: 079 879 3203

Issued by: The Presidency
20 Jan 2012

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MEC Sebegoe on the raw sewerage spillage in Groot Marico

2012-01-21T06:50:00.001+02:00

20 Jan 2012

Before I can start with this media briefing, I first want to apologise to everyone, especially members of the media for informing you late about this briefing.

The situation in Groot Marico is a health risk to both human and livestock and as the provincial government, we cannot leave the matter unattended.

Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs together with the Department of Water Affairs and Ngaka Modiri Molema, will work on a number of interventions to effectively deal with the problem of raw sewerage that is spilling into the Groot Marico river an ultimately into the Greater Groot Marico Dam.

It has been discovered that the main causes of spilling of the sewage are the blocked manhole, the infrastructure is old and the fact that there has been an increase in the number of housing settlements around the area.

Part of the intervention plan will include the following:

Rebuilding three damaged manholes and unblocking remaining manholes.
Construction of an appropriately sized conservancy tank which will have a hydraulic retention time.
Installation of additional pipework to the new conservancy tank.
Existing sewage dam will emptied and disposed at Zeerust.
Community campaign to raise awareness regarding the appropriate use of the sewer to mitigate the problems of blockages caused by rags and other solid material.

A regular programme for emptying the conservancy tank is developed and implemented by the municipality for a sustainable management of the reticulation system.

It is unfortunate that the situation has been left unattended for some time; however, I wish to indicate that the matter is receiving the necessary attention.

The department and municipality will work hand in hand in exploring all avenues to salvage the situation and ultimately put the matter to rest.

I also wish to plead with members of the media to exercise patience when requesting government to respond to issues due to the fact that most cases affect communities and should therefore be dealt with in a sensible manner to ensure that we exercise diligence.

Enquiries:
Dineo Lolokwane
Cell: 072 542 8444

Issued by: North West Local Government and Traditional Affairs
20 Jan 2012

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Lekgola takes stock of govt's progress

2012-01-20T18:47:00.001+02:00

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Limpopo hospital food supplies to be addressed

2012-01-20T18:39:00.001+02:00

Polokwane - Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has vowed to get to the bottom of the problems experienced in various government hospitals in Limpopo, including reports of shortage in food supplies for patients.

Relatives of patients were reportedly forced this week to bring food to at least three hospitals after suppliers apparently stopped delivering the food.

"I would like to assure the public that we doing everything we can to get to the bottom of this," Motsoaledi said, adding that some suppliers were told "by various people" not to deliver food to hospitals because they will not be paid.

"We are aware of this. Two suppliers have told me that some people have phoned them to say they must stop supplying because they will not be paid and we are dealing with that," he said.

Motsoaledi was speaking at a media briefing on Thursday to address the implementation of the section 100 (1) intervention in the Limpopo administration.

The minister said the department will move with speed in paying suppliers but that no payments will be made unless the necessary proof of the goods supplied is produced.

"We have paid some but obviously we could not pay where there was no proof. This is the public's money and people need to understand that."

As of 14 December, Motsoaledi said the province owed suppliers R138 million but that only half of these payments could be verified and approved for payment on 23 December. It also emerged that the provincial health department has projected overspending its budget by R461 million.

"It is clear that failure to pay suppliers and possible refusal by suppliers to do business with the provincial administration would be a direct threat to public health in Limpopo," he said.

The national government had since assisted in verifying payments and settling accounts with service providers, while a call has been made to health facilities to continue procuring essential services to ensure the smooth running of public health in the province. - BuaNews

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Flooding Maruleng and Ba-Phalaborwa areas

2012-01-20T09:23:00.002+02:00

19 Jan 2012

Heavy rains reported on the 18th of January 2012 have caused havoc in some areas of Limpopo causing major dams and rivers to overflow, says the Provincial Disaster Management Centre.

The following role players are managing the situation, SANDF/Air force, Disaster Management (Maruleng, Mopani and COGHSTA), SAPS’ divers search and rescue teams, EMS and Fire Brigade. The air force is leading the operations and 52 people were airlifted. Three people were admitted at the Hoedspruit Military Hospital including an Air force Officer who was on the rescue team in a critical but stable condition. The MEC for CoGHSTA, Mr Soviet Lekganyane, as the political head of the Provincial Disaster Management Centre wished them a speedy recovery and sympathises with their families. He added, however, that he trusts that the Provincial Disaster Management Centre is ready to handle any eventuality.

The following roads have been reported as damaged:

Maruleng Municipality

1. Road no D3786 from Maseke to Mashishimale; gravel materials have been eroded on the top of the culvert and safety measures will be applied.

2. Road no D1100 from D202 –P43/3 to Rubbervalley; pipe culverts washed away. There is a total cut-off of the road, safety measure will be applied.

3. Road no P181/1 from Afcalaco to the Oaks, the road was temporarily closed because of the overflow and is now opened

4. Road no P116/1 from Klasserie to Air force base, there is an overflow crossing the road.

5. Road no P116/1 at Blyde water crosses the road with trees and shrubs because of over flow of the dam.

6. Road no D240 from P116/1 to Essex there is total cut –off because of washed away culverts, safety has been applied, there are no alternative roads temporary measures will be applied i.e. stone pitching.

7. Road no D21 Afcalaco to The Oaks, accumulated sand over the road surface but ride able, arrangement has been made to remove it.

8. Road no D263 from P181/1 to D202 culvert has been washed away stone pitching was temporarily done to allow movement and now it has been washed away but not closed.

9. Road no D2119 Timbavati, two bridges were washed away and the other bridge was partially washed away an alternative road can be provided from P17/4 via D1909 to join D219 after the bridges.

10. Road no P116/1 from Manautsa Park to Hoedspruit damaged.

Tzaneen Municipality

1. Road no P17.3 from Tzaneen to Hamorny is a gravel road it has been eroded to a deeper stage and is no longer ride able water flows in the middle of the ridding surface.

2. Road no D21 from Afcolac to Harmony, bridge washed away and is totally cut-off. Temporary signs will be provided; there is an alternative road starting from P17/3.

The Team will undertake an assessment of the damage as soon as the water levels have gone down for accessibility; and a report will be prepared for the attention of the authorities.

There are no reported deaths thus far and a clean-up operation has commenced and communities are encouraged to participate in the clean-up operation.

The Mayor of Maruleng Municipality, Mr. Puleng Mafologela together with Major General Khumalo of the SANDF, have taken an aerial view of the damage this afternoon. The Mayor subsequently met with the community and stakeholders of Finale, including the Community Development Workers of (CoGHSTA) and municipal officials, at The Oaks Community Hall; to establish the total number of the affected villages.

Disaster Management is everybody’s business. In case of any Disaster, members of the public should report incidents to their district offices or Provincial Disaster Management Centre on the toll free number 0800 222 111. In addition a 24 hrs telephone line has been established to enhance communication. Communities are free to call the number at 015 292 9430.

For missing persons during disaster, members of the public should report the incident to their nearest police stations.

For more information please contact:

Ms. Tseng Diale

Cell: 083 652 5276

Tel: 015 294 2328

E-mail: mediaenquiry@limdlgh.gov.za

Issued by: Limpopo Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs

19 Jan 2012

WCED offers free tuition to matric supplementary exam candidates

2012-01-19T18:11:00.001+02:00

19 Jan 2012

In order to assist learners to pass their supplementary examinations, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is offering free tuition to matric candidates who qualified to write supplementary exams following the 2011 matric exams.

A total of 5 850 candidates have qualified for the 2011/12 supplementary exams. Candidates wishing to write these examinations have up until 24 January to register. Those candidates who register will write their supplementary exams in February and March.

The tuition programme includes broadcasting revision lessons via satellite to 145 schools across the province using the province’s Telematics system.

The WCED and Stellenbosch University set up the system originally to provide extra tuition for matric candidates in the Western Cape.

Expert teachers will provide quality lessons via satellite to candidates who have registered to write the supplementary exams.

The revision lessons will cover seven core subjects – namely Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Accounting, Geography, Life Sciences, English FAL and Afrikaans HL.

The tuition programme will start on 7 February 2012 and end on 8 March 2012.

Candidates who wish to register for these lessons can do so by contacting any of the 145 schools offering the programme. Candidates who arrive unregistered on the day will also be welcomed. However, candidates are encouraged to register in advance for planning purposes.

The supplementary exams start on 9 February 2012 with Computer Applications Technology and will end on 22 March 2012 with Mechanical Technology.

Candidates qualify to write the supplementary exams if they failed no more than two subjects. They can also apply if they missed exams for medical reasons or need higher marks for university study.

Candidates can obtain further details on the tuition programme on the WCED website at: http://wced.school.za.

Candidates who do not have access to any of the 145 schools can purchase support lessons on DVDs at a nominal price from the WCED.

I encourage as many of our candidates who qualify to write the supplementary examinations as possible to register for those examinations and to take advantage of the tuition opportunities available to them. It is a great revision exercise and allows them to address some of their weaknesses in the previous exam.

Enquiries:
Bronagh Casey
Tel: 021 467 2377
Fax: 021 425 3616
Cell: 072 7241422
E-mail: Bronagh.casey@pgwc.gov.za

Issued by: Western Cape Education
19 Jan 2012

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Speech by Minister of Public Works Hon Thulas Nxesi MPat the Annual Strategic Lekgotla 2011, St George Hotel

2012-01-19T16:44:00.001+02:00

19 Nov 2011

Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee
Chairperson of the Select Committee on Public Services
Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Management Committee
Acting DG and senior managers of the Department
Invited presenters
Colleagues

I. Introduction

It gives me great pleasure to be here today and to have this opportunity to share some thoughts with you – and in turn to hear your ideas and to learn from your experiences. I need those inputs from you. This is a multi-faceted and very complex department. It requires a professional and dedicated team to make it work – that’s you. But it also needs strong, clear and determined political leadership.

I believe that as the department and the Ministry we are fundamentally united in a common goal of making this department work better – and delivering the services which our people demand and are entitled to.

This is my third week as Minister of Public Works. It has been a roller coaster – let me share some of my initial experiences:

Between the announcement of my appointment on the Monday and the swearing in on the Tuesday, I was accosted by numerous MPs with lists of complaints about their accommodation – that’s before I’d even been sworn in.

Last Friday, we opened and handed over the impressive new Supreme Court of Appeals Annex in Bloemfontein - an occasion graced by judges representing the various courts and divisions. As soon as the ceremony was over – the learned judges formed into an orderly queue – again bringing their accommodation problems to me – led by the Chief Justice – I should add.

Prestige is causing problems out of all proportion to the small space it occupies in this department. We are going to have to sit down with Prestige and address these challenges. I’m hoping that this Lekgotla will also provide some direction in this regard.

In my first week as Minister I had the pleasure of attending the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Municipal Summit – dealing with a lead programme of this department and government whose central focus is job creation and skills development as part of the wider programme of economic growth and community development.

My pleasure was short-lived however. We were informed that there was a real likelihood of serious under-expenditure on the EPWP programme this year. Colleagues this is a real threat to the reputation and image of the department. In the midst of mass unemployment we cannot have an under-expenditure on government’s lead job creation project. You are going to have to apply your minds to this colleagues.

When I arrived in Public Works, it was no secret that a number of negative reports and investigations had cast the department in a bad light. But I wasn’t expecting yet another lease scandal to break within a few days of taking office – the Independent Complaints Directorate(ICD) lease. I’ve now heard from the Public Protector of yet another questionable lease – for the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of all people. Obviously, we are going to have to reflect on the management of leases during this strategic planning session.

But what also concerns me colleagues is that we are slow to respond to these matters. For instance, two weeks after the ICD revelations, we were unable to respond to the request of the Police Portfolio Committee for further particulars. This compounds the problem. The department appears to be defensive and lacking in transparency. We will also need to review the communications strategy of the department.

Let’s not even mention the weekly articles in the Mail & Guardian – which now refers to us as the Department of Irregular Expenditure. Again colleagues, we have to review our modus operandi if we are going to address these challenges.

So colleagues, that was my first three weeks in Public Works.

When I was appointed, the media were very quick to ask me: Minister, you’ve been handed this poisoned chalice – what is your turn-around plan for the department?

My answer has been consistent, as follows:

First, we are aware that there are serious challenges, but I want to find out for myself, and I will not allow the media to dictate the pace or content of my response;

Moreover, it cannot be correct that every time you have a new minister, then we scrap everything and start again from ground zero. We have to review our operations; assess what is working; identify gaps and begin to fill these.

I said that the best I could do at this stage was to embark on a listening campaign – and read and research for myself – what is a very complex portfolio – and engage with people on the ground. That is an on-going process.

But of course as Minister I cannot listen for ever. I have to act. That is why the President put me in this position. And I see this strategic planning session as an important transition – from the listening phase – into a period of focused planning – informed by the deliberations of this Lekgotla.

So what do we need to do at this Lekgotla? You would expect that such an event would focus on the following:

to engage with and refine the draft strategic plan for 2012/13
to evaluate the performance of the department, branch by branch and region by region
to refresh the mission of the organisation, and
to clarify a common vision which we all buy into and which guides service delivery in line with national priorities.

These are all important tasks – and in normal circumstances this would be what we would be doing. But clearly – in Public Works – we are not dealing with normal circumstances. We sit with an audit disclaimer and negative reports from the Public Protector - with more to come from the Special Investigations Unit - which should send a very loud message that it cannot be business as usual.

So colleagues, what is it we need to do – as Public Works – to address the very clear challenges we face. In the time available I want to cover the following areas:

1. The values and ethos of the department
2. Major threats and priorities
3. Key outcomes and deliverables expected of the department, and
4. Proposals for a way forward: in particular, the kind of processes we need to put in place as a department to take us forward.

II. Values and ethos

The problem I am having with this department is that whilst I have been welcomed with goodwill by people who are articulate, talented and professional – and yet – the department is clearly in trouble – with a very poor public image, and negative reports from at least three very credible agencies. How do we explain this paradox? Let’s try and understand where we are.

First, we have to point to the lack of stability and firm leadership in the department. Someone told me that in the seven years she had been with Public Works – since 2004 – there have been nine different Director-General’s (DGs) and acting DGs, and five different ministers. Currently we sit with a suspended DG, a suspended Acting DG and an Acting DG – and it cascades down so that a large number of senior management are also acting.

It has to be a priority for me to sort out this situation, and to ensure that we put in place stable leadership to provide a clear strategy and direction to the department. I am committed to making that happen.

Secondly, we need to tackle the very negative effects of corruption and tenderpreneurs on the department. These are not unsubstantiated rumours, colleagues. Fortunately we have a highly effective investigative unit in the form of the Special Investigation Unit (SUI). They investigate and then they assist us to formulate charges. That is where we are now. I am very confident that corrupt individuals will be dealt with – sooner rather than later.

Allow me to digress and make some general comments about corruption in public life:

First, corruption undermines the public’s trust in the institutions of government.

It also represents a massive betrayal of our people – particularly the poor. Let’s be clear here. When you defraud government, you are defrauding the poor – you are robbing the hungry and those in need.

Public corruption is also hugely demoralising for all those honest, hard-working public servants who do try to make a difference.

Third, corruption thrives where control systems are weak. This is the clear message we are getting from the Office of the Auditor General. But they have said that they will help us to address this. I will say more about this in relation to projects.

Fourth, is the issue of appropriate skills. Now I am well aware that we have skilled people in the department – indeed they tell me that generally the professional staff – are under-utilised. But – given the scale and persistence of the problems experienced – we have to ask the question: do we have enough of the right skills in the right places?

We have to address this – let me hasten to add – not in a negative, punitive way which seeks to place blame on the officials. The problems of Public Works are systemic. I am committed to providing support and development to officials who want to build this department. Where there are gaps in the skills mix we have to move rapidly to fill these.

Finally, we have to look at attitudes, and the work ethic and culture of the organisation – particularly at the level of top management. I have been talking to the SIU, the Public Protector and the Auditor General (AG). The story is the same: they say they have received only grudging cooperation from the top management of the department. The Auditor General’s Office goes as far as to say that the actions of management border on unlawful conduct in terms of the PFMA. This will not be tolerated.

The AG’s Office also tells me that even when department officials say they agree to a course of action – in reality nothing happens. They simply do nothing. This is why major programmes of the department have been stalled for years.

Just some examples:

The review of the Expropriation Act – a process which began in 2005
A commitment to draw up a Register of Immovable Assets was made as far back as 2006.

There were similar delays in addressing systemic problems identified with the Property Management Trading Entity (PMTE) – going back to 2006.

We have to turn this situation around, colleagues. To this end I have requested the Acting DG to arrange for regular engagements between myself and the management. I want to take it one step further. I will be requesting one-on-one meetings with all members of EXCO – so that we can better understand each other.

The end point of this process – which we must strive for together - is a situation where there is a strong, unified management in the department which understands the mandate of Public Works and is committed to making the necessary changes to make it happen.

III. Major threats and priorities

The programme of Day One of this Lekgotla revolves around the notion of threats and priorities. I know it sounds very negative – very short-term – but honestly colleagues, that is where we are as Public Works right now. If we – as Public Works – don’t sort out these problems ourselves – and soon - someone else will come in to do it for us.

It’s time to wake up and smell the coffee. Colleagues, read the negative reports on a daily basis in the media. Scan the political environment. Get a sense of how we are perceived by the elected representatives of the people – the MPs who vote on our budget.

Sometimes, I have to feel pity for your Acting DG – in the next week he is being summoned to appear before the Standing Committee on Appropriations, the Select Committee and the Portfolio Committee on Public Works, and the Police Portfolio Committee – and he has to support me as I answer oral questions in Parliament. He doesn’t know whether he’s coming or going. But that’s what we have to expect if the department is in perpetual crisis.

Let me focus on some of the main threats and priorities – as I see it. I will speak briefly to the following:

The Audit disclaimer
The Register of Immovable Assets
The PMTE
Lease management
Projects and construction
Procurement
Prestige
EPWP and job creation
The transformation agenda
The DPW brand

The Audit disclaimer

The disclaimer is an indicator of very deep rooted challenges in terms of financial controls – I know that. But we have to focus on removing the disclaimer in the next audit – that gives us three or four months. I am glad to see that the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is leading a commission tomorrow that focuses on this. My own sense is that we are going to need help. That is why I want you to carefully interrogate the proposal by Ernst and Young this afternoon – which focuses on the audit whilst striving to embed good accounting practices – which we have lost in some instances – whilst working on the longer term issue of skills, procedures and appropriate structures.

The Register of Immovable Assets

Again, listen carefully to the input from Ernst and Young. We may have something to celebrate. After years of false starts, false hopes and false promises – Public Works is about to announce the adoption of a solid plan to draw up and verify an accurate Asset Register. Let us ensure as a department, that we give the necessary support – and closely monitor – to make sure the process is a success.

Lease management

This is causing huge embarrassment to the department. It is also the subject of investigation – and probably criminal charges down the line. We are going to have to look at this in depth – I will need to consult with experts in the field. But the process starts here. In the commissions tomorrow I need you to tell me where we are going wrong – and how we can deal with these tenderpreneurs – who are draining the resources of the department and undermining government itself.

Unfinished, perpetual projects

I want to spend some little time on this. Two days ago I was invited to a meeting with the Minister of Health and his managing engineer – a Dr Shaker – some of the professionals here may know him. He presented statistical evidence indicating some of the problems hampering service delivery in the health field – from the side of Public Works. Let me give you some examples:

Under-expenditure – the amount of capital under-expenditure in Health has doubled each year since 2007 – with the result that in real terms there has been no expansion in the stock of social infrastructure for Health in four years. Last year the Department of Health stopped this trend of escalating capital under-expenditure – not by building new hospitals – but by expediently transferring the unspent capital budget to buy new equipment.

The absence of clear norms and standards for projects – resulting in over-charging and wildly different per capita costs across provinces – by a factor of four. In other words it can cost between one and four million to provide a hospital bed, depending on what province you are in.

Unfinished projects – not only do these unfinished projects delay the delivery of health services to our people, they also result in massive over-run costs and interest payments. It has reached the stage where the Minister of Health is going to propose that all new projects be put on hold as far as Public Works is concerned – until we have completed the existing projects.

So we have the situation where there is massive under-spending on the budget and over-spending – by an average of 40% - on individual projects. [The norm would be a variation of about 15% we are told.]

Fortunately I know the Minister of Health very well. He was telling me this not to score political points or as part of a turf war – but to ask for our help in improving the delivery of health infrastructure to the people. And that must be our response as a department – to see how we can work together and learn from each other. I must say I am a little cautious of the refrain: “reclaiming our mandate” – although I understand the reasons for it – because it suggests that as Public Works we are in a battle for turf with other departments and agencies.

I would propose an alternative slogan along the lines: “fulfilling our mandate” – implying that we do this in cooperation with other departments.

The good news is that it is already happening. The Health Minister’s managing engineer made a number of proposals for improving operations including:

Augmenting the core group of professionals in the provinces and nationally, based on a detailed analysis of the functional needs of the mandate.
Introducing strict governance and infrastructure protocols and procedures
Greater over-sight of procurement
All of this is designed to result in improved service delivery, reduced costs and reigning in the tenderpreneurs.

I said the good news was that it is already happening. The process has already been rolled out in Western and Eastern Cape, and currently in Free State. I want to meet with any of the Public Works professionals who have been involved in these processes – to get their take on it. Please contact me. Meanwhile, we are going to need a detailed session with Dr Shaker and the Projects and Professional Services to discuss these issues – and I am talking here of a positive engagement where we seek to learn from each other.

The PMTE (Property Management Trading Entity)

Again we are going to have to look at this in depth. This is core business and clearly there are many challenges. My thanks to the Auditor General’s Office who agreed to step in at short notice to kick-start the discussion.

Procurement

This is an area which is attracting the attention of the Public Protector and the SIU. Watch this space for further developments. In the meantime, I’m appealing to the honest and patriotic public servants amongst us – who I believe to be in the majority – to tell us what the problems are: why are we being overcharged as government, and how do we stop it?

Prestige

Prestige – you are making my life miserable. I used to be well-liked amongst my peers in Parliament. Now I’m rapidly becoming Public Enemy No 1. Prestige manages to combine fruitless and wasteful expenditure on a grand scale with universal client dissatisfaction. You do not fix bad management by throwing more money at it. If I exaggerate the situation please set me straight.

Crucially we need to do the following:

Improve management of leases, maintenance and renovations – based on a careful needs analysis
Develop clear policies which cap wasteful expenditure – that’s your job, and
Sell the policy to the clients. That’s my job – and I commit to having this discussion with cabinet colleagues.

EPWP and job creation

We heard at the Summit two weeks ago of the good work that is being done in EPWP. I want to hear how we are going to strengthen the existing programme, and replicate and expand into new areas and sectors – in order to prevent under-expenditure – but more crucially to roll out work opportunities and skills development on an increased scale to our people.

This goal, I believe, will benefit form a broad discussion about how EPWP fits into government’s vision for community and economic development captured in the New Growth Path.

The transformation agenda

I have formed the impression – and correct me if I’m wrong – that the department’s transformation agenda has stalled, or at least it’s stuck in a low gear:

The black professionals and subcontractors are complaining about the lack of transformation in construction and the property sector;
In relation to the green economy, we are doing good work, but we are not leading;
On gender and disability, we are doing something – but we could do more.
Crucial areas of policy and legislation are on the back burner.

I want to make a suggestion. This department announced – some time ago - that it will review the White Paper which is felt to be out-dated now. I believe that if we commit to doing this properly, the process could be a vital catalyst in revitalising the transformation agenda – and also give us an opportunity to review and re-conceptualise what we do as a department.

Please, give me your thoughts on this.

The DPW brand

None of us can be happy when we read the very negative accounts of Public Works in the newspapers. It offends us as professionals. So how do we change the public perception. Ultimately we have to change the way we operate and the kind of service we provide to clients. But equally we have to review the way we communicate our message. Let me offer some words of advice – based on my own experience:

If there is a problem – own up, embrace the issue, and get your version of events out first.

Secondly, when you do good – as in the case of some of the EPWP projects and some of the building projects – tell people about it. You will remember the late Minister Asmal who was a master at getting the media to carry his message. He had a saying that went like this: “In politics … silence is not necessarily a virtue.”

I look forward to having a discussion with the Communications Department as to how we are going to rebuild the DPW brand and send a positive message.

IV. Outcomes

The January 2010 Cabinet Lekgotla adopted 12 outcomes which government would strive to achieve. This required a complete change of mind-set on the part of departments which are required to cooperate as clusters and to record, monitor and evaluate their outputs in terms of the contribution to the allotted outcomes. In the case of Public Works, we contribute to the following outcomes:

Outcome 4: Decent employment through inclusive economic growth

Outcome 8: Sustainable human settlements and improved quality of household life

Outcome 12: An efficient effective and development oriented public service and an empowered, fair and inclusive citizenship.

This outcomes approach entails a radical rethink of government processes and outputs. I am not convinced that Public Works has made this transition.

I have to ask: has the department played its full role in the various clusters and implementation forums?

And within the department, we have to ask – have we understood the new approach to service delivery? At the level of branches and regions do we identify with the various outcomes? Most importantly, are we measuring departmental outputs in relation to the stated outcomes, or is it business as usual. That is one reason why it is vital to have a strong functioning M&E (Monitoring and Evaluation) Unit – to measure performance against the defined outcomes which government has set.

That is the standard by which you we will be judged as a department, and that is how I will be assessed as a minister. Colleagues this is core business. Let’s be open about this. If colleagues do not understand the approach, or if they don’t see the relevance – let’s have that discussion and address the concerns.

That is also why it is important to track expenditure – by branch and by region. In particular we need to be able to pick up actual or projected under- or over-expenditures – so that we can take remedial action. I will be asking for monthly meetings in this respect – where we meet with management to receive and analyse the updated data. That is essentially what I am asking for in session five today – high level reporting which indicates financial performance by branch and region and alerts us to the possible danger areas going forward.

Some of the earlier drafts of this programme – suggested that we would be doing this in the early hours of the morning. I think we can agree that that will not be necessary.

V. The way forward: processes

Colleagues, it cannot be business as usual. We have to mobilise everyone in this department to combat the immediate threats to the organisation. Equally we need to be very clear that short-term wins – such as removing the disclaimer – can only be sustained – if they are part of more fundamental, deep-rooted structural change. This will not happen by itself. This will require profound thought and reflection, capable management and commitment from all of us.

As a department we need to conceptualise a process of organisational review and renewal which involves the participation of every member of the department.

Perhaps this can be linked to the review of the White Paper – a process by which we refresh the vision and mission of the department – rooted in the changing mandate from government.

And then we have to put in place a process to review the structures and design of the department with the express intent of improving service delivery to clients and the public generally.

From my side, I have already met with the ministers from Finance, Public Service and Administration and Home Affairs to establish a political team to support and advise me. I will also call on them for technical support as we confront the challenges that lie ahead.

I want to reiterate what I said earlier. Fundamentally - as the ministry and as the department – we have a common interest in turning this department around and making it a success. It’s my job to convince people that it can be done and to start to mobilise the goodwill and resources required. Your job – as managers – is to unlock the talent and knowledge that resides in the people who work in this department. At the risk of being accused of plagiarism, let me conclude by saying that: “working together we can achieve so much more.”

I thank you.

Issued by: Department of Public Works
19 Nov 2011

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Deputy Minister Dikobe Ben Martins to launch 49M national road show

2012-01-19T16:43:00.001+02:00

19 Jan 2012

The Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises, Dikobe Ben Martins, will launch the 2012 national road show of the country’s biggest energy saving movement, 49M, on Sunday, 22 January 2012 in Emalahleni (Witbank), Mpumalanga.

The details are:

Date: 22 January 2012
Time: 14h00
Venue: Extension 5 grounds (Next to Love Life) Emalahleni (Witbank)

The launch is taking place against the background of Eskom’s appeal to citizens to partner with the entity to keep the lights on by switching off all non-essential electrical equipment, particularly air-conditioning, geysers and swimming pool pumps.

Deputy Minister Martins will be joined by leaders of the provincial government, councillors and other stakeholders.

The 49M movement was launched in March last year by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe as a response to the country’s constrained power system, a global call to save energy and the need to save money as a result of the economic downturn as well as rising electricity costs.

The campaign, which will take place in all nine provinces aims to:

encourage all South Africans to lead energy smart lifestyles
encourage others to be energy efficient
ensure a sustainable future for South Africa
encourage the use to energy efficient light bulbs.

Deputy Minister Martins will call on communities, industry players and the business community to heed the call to save energy and encourage all South Africans to become ambassadors of the 49m movement.

Enquiries:
Masibonge Mzwakali
Cell: 071 6092380
E-mail: masibonge.mzwakali@dpe.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Public Enterprises
19 Jan 2012

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Nedbank repo rate remain unchanged

2012-01-19T15:27:00.005+02:00

19 January 2012

NEDBANK INTEREST RATES REMAIN UNCHANGED

Following today’s announcement by the Monetary Policy Committee the repo rate of 9.00 percent will remain unchanged. Nedbank has announced that there will therefore no change to their current prime overdraft rate, the vehicle and asset finance rate and the mortgage rate applicable to home loans.

The charitable donations made on behalf of clients to a Nedbank Affinity linked investment account will remain unchanged.

Notes:

The new Nedbank Affinity investment accounts include fixed, term and notice deposits, money-market investment accounts. Based on a client’s balance Nedbank donates a percentage to a cause that the client cares about, namely environment and climate change through The Green Trust, needy children through the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, arts and culture through the Arts & Culture Trust and sport development The Sports Trust. The donations here do not impact the client’s investment return, but are from Nedbank reducing its margin. Since inception the Nedbank Affinity programme has donated nearly R130 million to over 1000 causes.

ENDS

…………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Issued by Nedbank Group Communications

Sisulu to discuss festive season operations soon

2012-01-19T13:49:00.001+02:00

Pretoria - Defence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu will respond to media queries related to the South African National Defence Force's involvement in the festive season crime-fighting operations soon, says the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

Sisulu, who is currently at the Cabinet Lekgotla in Bela Bela, is aware of media enquires about the role of the SANDF alongside the police in crime-fighting, Government Communications said in a statement.

"The minister regrets that she is unable to deal with these questions at this time, but says media would be welcome to ask her about this matter immediately after the Lekgotla, which ends on Friday, or during the series of media briefings that will follow the 9 February State of the Nation Address by the President," it added. - BuaNews

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More downside risks for developing countries

2012-01-19T13:48:00.000+02:00

Jakarta - Developing countries should prepare for further downside risks, as EuroZone debt problems and weakening growth in several big emerging economies are dimming global growth prospects, the World Bank said in a statement on Thursday.

In its newly-released Global Economic Prospects (GEP) 2012, the bank has lowered its growth forecast for 2012 to 5.4% for developing countries and 1.4% for high-income countries (-0. 3% for the Eurozone), down from its June estimates of 6.2 and 2.7% (1.8% for the Eurozone).

Global growth is now projected at 2.5% and 3.1% for 2012 and 2013 respectively.

It said slower growth was already visible in weakening global trade and commodity prices.

Global exports of goods and services expanded an estimated 6.6% in 2011 (down from 12.4% in 2010), and are projected to rise by only 4.7% in 2012.

Global prices of energy, metals and minerals, and agricultural products are down 10.25% and 19% since peaks in early 2011.

Declining commodity prices have contributed to an easing of headline inflation in most developing countries.

Although international food prices eased in recent months, down 14% from their peak in February 2011, food security for the poorest, including in the Horn of Africa, remains a central concern.

"Developing countries need to evaluate their vulnerabilities and prepare for further shocks, while there is still time," said Justin Yifu Lin, World Bank's Chief Economist and senior vice president for development economics.

To prepare for that possibility, Hans Timmer, director of development prospects at the World Bank, said that developing countries should pre-finance budget deficits, prioritise spending on social safety nets and infrastructure, and stress-test domestic banks.

While prospects in most low-and middle-income countries remain favourable, the ripple effects of the crisis in high-income countries are being felt worldwide.

Meanwhile on Wednesday, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it would raise $500 billion in additional resources to beef up its firewall amid mounting worries over the on-going Eurozone debt crisis.

"Based on staff's estimate of global potential financing needs of about $1 trillion in the coming years, the Fund would aim to raise up to $500 billion in additional lending resources," a Fund spokesman said in a short statement Wednesday.

"This total includes the recent European commitment of about $200 billion in increased Fund resources. At this preliminary stage, we are exploring options on funding and will have no further comment until the necessary consultations with the Fund's membership have been completed," added the spokesman.

"Fund management and staff will explore options for increasing the Fund's firepower, subject to adequate safeguards. I welcome Executive Directors' collective interest in resolving the crisis and securing global economic stability," IMF chief Christine Lagarde said on Tuesday. - BuaNews-Xinhua

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“It's your future, start preparing for it now” – MEC Mmemezi

2012-01-19T13:42:00.002+02:00

19 Jan 2012

It is back to school and the Gauteng government is once more implementing its mandate of ensuring smooth and well-running schools. As part of the Back to School Campaign, the MEC for Local Government and Housing Humphrey Mmemezi visited three schools in Atteridgevile, Tshwane.

The aim of the visit was to motivate learners, offer support and ensure that everything was ready. MEC Mmemezi visited Phelindaba High School, N'wa Mhinga and Isaac More Primary Schools.

Addressing pupils at Phelindaba High, Mmemezi said each learner must decide what they want to do with their future because everyone has a choice.

"Your future will help you become someone great, start preparing for it now," Mmemezi said, adding that one does not have to come from a rich family to make have a bright future. "Some of the successful people were once poor. God gave you a brain, use it," he said.

Mmemezi highlighted that government prioritises education hence the majority of the budget is allocated to it. "From today onwards, know that you are not alone, we as government are here to support you, but you must know that change starts with you," he said.

The MEC further said that the government does not want the country to have beggars and this can be achieved through proper education.

In addition to the motivation, MEC also handed over new school uniforms to ten learners as part of the Social Development Programme.

One of the students who benefitted from the programme, Mpho Ratsela, said he was happy about what the government is doing for them. Mpho is an orphan and staying with guardians.

He said he started benefiting from the programme since Grade 8 and he is now in Grade 11. "I really appreciate the help we are getting because not only do we get new school uniform every year, but also lunch daily," he said. Mpho wants to study to become a Chartered Accountant after matric.

The programme of the day culminated with the planting of trees at all the schools.

Enquiries:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 083 259 5640

Issued by: Gauteng Local Government and Housing
19 Jan 2012