Khanyisa newspaper 9 march 2018 sopa edition

09 - 15 March 2018 Vol 11 | Week 09

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Mabuza’s last speech as Mpumalanga Premier

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Mpumalanga Acting Premier Appointed Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Refilwe Mtsweni was appointed as acting Premier of Mpumalanga province.

The Executive Council appointment took place on the 27th of February 2018 just after former Premier David Mabuza was sworn in as the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa.

MEC and Parliamentary officers as they witnessed the outgoing Premier walk out of his former office using the main front door of Building 2, symbolizing the final exit from the Riverside Government Complex, his home for the past 9 years as the Premier of Mpumalanga Province.

It was both a celebration and an emotional time for the

This was shortly after an extra ordinary EXCO special meeting which adopted a

provincial budget which will be tabled next week by Finance MEC Eric Kholwane.

In that meeting he utilized the opportunity to bid farewell to the members of the executive as well as the heads of departments.

At that time Premier Mabuza exercised his authority to appoint an Acting Premier to continue with the duties of

the 2018 year plan for the province. Refilwe Mtsweni was sworn-in as the Acting Premier by newly appointed Judge President of the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, Francis Legodi at the Nelspruit Magistrate Court.

The vacancy of the position of Premier still stands in the Province necessitating an election soon.

The executive council

elected an Acting Premier pending the preparations for the election of a substantive Premier as determined by Section 128 and 131 of the Constitution.

Acting Premier Mtsweni accepted the appointment and committed her support to work with the members of the executive and to act in accordance with the code of ethics prescribed by the Constitution and the national

legislation.

The Mpumalanga office of the Premier congratulated Acting Premier Mtsweni on her new job and further, the office wished the Deputy President Mr. Mabuza, as well as the former Mpuma Education MEC Regina Mhaule (who is now the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation) well on their new national leadership responsibilities.

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02 More News at: www.khanyisamedia.co.za

09 - 15 March 2018 | Vol 11 | Wk 09

FORWARD LOOKING #MPSOPA2018

A

more illustrious and well organised SOPA 2018 of the Mpumalanga province took place on Friday 23 February 2018 with a crowd that was excited to see the Premier / Deputy President designate walking the red carpet.

Mpumalanga premier David Mabuza made his last statement by being simple and plain as he congratulated President Cyril Ramaphosa and thanked former President Jacob Zuma at the opening of the Mpumalanga Legislature.

Premier Mabuza arrived to much fanfare and was welcomed by the SAPS band, guard of honour and a salute by the police commissioner. The Premier walked side by side with speaker of the Mpumalanga legislature Mrs Thandi Shongwe who looked like a flourishing butterfly in her velvet blue glistering gown.

It was the first time in three years that the official opening of the legislature was not disrupted by the EFF. However there had been talks that the EFF was planning to disrupt SOPA proceedings.

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project” said Mabuza.

Out going Premier D D Mabuza greets SOPA guests as he walks with the speaker of the MP Legislature Mrs. Thandi Shongwe

The issue of land and outstanding land claims had already been brought forward to the Premier.

Before Mabuza could speek, EFF provincial leader Collin Sedibe stood without being noted and asked whether this would be David Mabuza's final SOPA, as he may become the country's deputy president in president Ramaphosa's new cabinet?

Reproduction in whole or in part of this publication is strictly prohibited without prior consent. Photographic rights remain the property of Khanyisa Newspaper.

Mabuza mentioned that the

The EFF pressed ahead saying that they were looking forward to the promise to the EFF that the Premier would address the sullen land claims after his speech. The premier did exactly that. After the SOPA address an arrangement was made on the sidelines outside the legislature to speak to those that are affected.

We are pleased to report that the construction of the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market that we mentioned earlier, is gaining traction

“The past few weeks have been a difficult period for all South Africans and we need to Appreciate that out of all the choices we could have made, collectively and individually, the path we have chosen will lead us to a brighter future” said David Mabuza.

events and decisions that were made by the ANC are a demonstration of a maturing democracy and the supremacy of democratic governance. .

The past year has been not so gloomy as investments and projects mushroomed in Mpumalanga making it one of the few provinces that e had more foreign and local investments that made a positive contribution This is a major boost to our economy and will add to the growth in employment figures.

He highlighted the high rate of unemployment, further highlighting the relationship between low levels of education and inadequate skills, as a contributor to poor prospects for employability.

“Our economy declined from 5% GDP growth to 1%, whilst unemployment rose from 20% to 27%. This rise in unemployment, has been TAKING THE LEGISLATURE TO THE PEOPLE 12 TO 16 MARCH 2018

Every effort is made by Khanyisa Newspaper to ensure that the information is correct. Khanyisa Newspaper reserves the right to report unsolicited material being sent through to the publication. Personal views expressed in this newspaper are solely those of the respective contributors and do not reflect those of the publishers. All materials supplied to this newspaper are at the owner's risk.

coupled with rising costs of food and electricity. As of Q4 of 2017, the official unemployment rate for Mpumalanga was standing at 28.9%.

This gloomy picture does not warrant populist slogans. It rather calls for unity and struggle.

It's a blemish we must confront, fight and defeat” he said.

The Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, invites representatives of the media to attend the legislature programme of “Taking the Legislature to the People” which is scheduled to take place at Emalahleni Local Municipality, at SY Mthimunye Stadium in Emalahleni from the 12th to the 16th of March 2018.

The “Taking the Legislature to the People” programme is as shown to the right.

Contact Mr Mathutha Masimula @ 013 766 1165 or 083 777 0130

“The South32 Limited was announced in November 2017.

This is an investment of R4.3 billion into Mpumalanga. This investmentwill extend the life of Klipspruit Colliery by Date Monday,12 March 2018 Tuesday, 13 March 2018

approximately 20 years” he announced.

“This investment will ensure employment to an estimated 740 people and will create 4 000 additional jobs during the construction phase” said the outgoing premier

In 2016 / 2017, we saw a number of our MEC's together with their teams travel to countries like Russia and Asia, signing serious investment deals for Mpumalanga. In response to these ongoing trips the premier mentioned that the outcome has opened markets for farmers to send their produce to Oman and Russia.

The overall benefit is that volume of exports will increase over time owing to the expansion of bilateral relations with other partners.

Thinking Allowed

The Deputy President of the ANC showed appreciation to former president Jacob Zuma by affirming his values of submitting to the people's will, by saying: “We thank our immediate past President Jacob Zuma, for his service to our country. We salute him for his courage and patriotic spirit that prevailed on him to respond in the positive manner that he did. For stepping down and allowing for a peaceful transfer of power, he has contributed in deepening democratic practices in our country”.

Mpuma TV Needs YOU

Read more stories on the Mpumalanga SOPA in the 8 page insert inside this issue.

Responding to the cries from the mining and farm workers sector, he added; “As the provincial government, we have set aside resources to support the Youth Miners Incubation Programme as part of broadening youth participation, and ownership of Mining assets in partnership with industry players, we will support our youth in mining to access prospecting and mining rights”.

In his speech she stressed how the agricultural sector registered a larger share of total employment in the third quarter of 2017, as compared to the national picture. A total of 99 624 people were employed in the provincial agriculture industry. An additional 109 899 citizens were involved in subsistence farming. The other good news that got people clapping was about the success of the fresh produce market project.

“We are pleased to report that the construction of the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market that we mentioned earlier, is gaining traction. Since inception, approximately R500 million has been invested into this

Activity Members of the Legislature will do the political work People’s Assembly

Social Transformation Cluster Committees Oversight visits

Wednesday,14 March 2018

Austin Menzi Moyo Snr.

It is not always that a new TV station is established.

This kind of a milestone always comes with ample opportunities especially for talented and ready to work youth.

Mpumalanga is reach not just in heritage but also in youth talent ranging from dance, music, acting and writing. Ermelo is one such place where Mr. Daniel Mahlo has grouped young talent even as far as Davel to make movies some of which now will find space on TV after waiting for long on Mzansi Magic without any light at the end of the tunnel.

The same Mahlo has written on facebook (check Khanyisa Weekly Newspaper Facebook page wall) to ask talent from around Mpumalanga to come trough generating over 8,000 hits just buy placing it on our Facebook page. See below: “I like to call upon all artists that do all kind of music and local movies to submit their music videos /DVD'S movies so that we can promote our own musicians and film producers in our new tv channel RISING SUN TV that will start to be on air full time in the full channel 24 hours as from the 1st October. We will need lots of music and movies from all Mpumalanga artists.

MPUMALANGA IS RISING UP AS IT A PLACE OF THE RISING SUN. Inbox me with more details.”

The Management and Staff of Khanyisa Newspaper would like to congratulate and wish Mr. D. D. Mabuza all the best in his new position as the Deputy President of South Africa. Halala!

Venue Emalahleni Local Municipality 10:00 -13:00

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14:00

Economic Transformation Cluster Committees Oversight visits Social Transformation Cluster Committees: Oversight Visits

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late

late

09:30 – until late

Austin Menzi Moyo Snr. 09:30 –until late

Thursday, 15 March 2018

Economic Transformation Cluster Committees: Oversight Visits Economic and Social Cluster : Public Hearing

14:00 -17:00

Friday, 16 March 2018

Stakeholder engagements: Agriculture, Elderly and People with Disability, Business, Education and Youth Sector Sitting of the Legislature : Closing address by the Premier

@austinmoyosnr 09:00 – 12:30

www.austinmoyo.com

Austin Moyo / Isibaya Delile 10:00

SOPA

1

STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS -2018

GOVERNMENT

NUTRITION

social

infrastructure

HEALTH

infrastructure

MORE JOBS CREATED IN VARIOUS ECONOMIC SECTORS

2

SOPA

STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS MPUMALANGA PROVINCE

2018

Madiba to be honoured

S

outh Africa’s first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela, will finally be honoured in Mpumalanga, almost five years since the former statesmen died at the age of 95 in December 2013.

Former Mpumalanga premier, David Mabuza, made the announcement during his state of the province address at the legislature in Mbombela last Friday that the government would construct a statue in his honour.

“As part of centenary celebrations, we will, this year, erect a statue of our global icon, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, within the Riverside Government Complex precinct in honour of his selfless service to the people of South Africa and the world,” said Mabuza.

Mandela who spent 27 years in prison for leading the struggle for freedom against the apartheid colonialism would have turned 100 years on the 18th July this year.

Mabuza said that the statue is part of celebrating the centenary of Mandela’s birth and to remind civil servants and politicians of the need to serve the people.

“The statue of this towering figure will be a constant reminder to all of us, public representatives and public servants, that we are here not for own sake, but ‘as loyal servants of the people’. We will be reminded to embrace servant leadership values, and always act in the best interest of the citizens in Mpumalanga,” he said.

The former premier praised Mandela for promoting reconciliation in South Africa even after he was incarcerated for almost three decades.

“He came out harbouring no grudge or quest for revenge against his captors. As he walked free, despite his separation from his family and his people, he called on us to join hands in building a united, nonracial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa,” said Mabuza.

Mabuza also praised the late Albertina Sisulu, who would also have turned 100 this year.

“We draw inspiration from the lives of Tata Mandela and Mama Sisulu. In them, we find strength in knowing that even though our struggle for total emancipation may be steep, it is possible to accomplish. These two great South Africans, fought for social justice and freedom. In honouring their lives, let us be bold in confronting the challenges of our time,”

Mpumalanga spends over R13, 2 billion on infrastructure

S

ince 2014, the Mpumalanga provincial government identified infrastructure development as the centrepiece of economic growth in the province, and that government priority was to increase investment in this sector to grow the province’s economy.

This emerged during the state of the province address presented by former premier David Mabuza last week.

Following the elections in 2014, government identified investment in infrastructure as the primary pillar of government programme. This means that every priority that was in the governing party election manifesto, was to be advanced and implemented around infrastructure.

Government increased investment in socioeconomic infrastructure. Hence the budget for 2014 – 2019 of the current Administration, indicates a significant rise in the infrastructure outlay.

The government has embarked on the largest public works programme in the history of the province. It has invested more than R13, 2 billion over the past four years in the rollout of Mpumalanga’s public infrastructure.

Tourism infrastructure Consequently, capital investment in tourism infrastructure through upgrading of nature reserves and upgrading of tourism routes, has resulted in increased tourism spend.

Investment in tourism infrastructure has helped improve the province’s contribution to the economy to R4,6 billion for foreign tourists and R1,8 billion for domestic tourists.

Given the importance of the tourism sector in the provincial economy, the Government will continue to prioritise the growth of tourism sector through increased investment in the development of liberation heritage routes like Makhonjwa Mountains near Barberton, Waterval Boven, Bethal and Mbuzini, The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency will also conclude concession agreements for Manyeleti African Ivory Route and Zithabiseni Resort under a public-private partnership.

The aims to increase transformation of the tourism sector, by increasing the participation of blackowned SMMEs and the youth.

he said.

Sisulu died in 2011 at the age of 93. She was the wife of the late ANC stalwart, Walter Sisulu who was sentenced to life imprisonment alongside Nelson Mandela.

Mabuza also praised Mandela’s former wife, Winnie Madikizela Mandela, in pursuing the struggle for freedom in the face of apartheid tyranny.

“As we celebrate the centenary of his birth, equally, we salute Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela for keeping the Mandela name and the struggle alive defying the odds of repression,” concluded Mabuza.

SOPA

STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS MPUMALANGA PROVINCE

3

2018

Improving MOBILITY AND access FOR THE PEOPLE

S

ince 2009, the provincial government has completed 22 strategic infrastructure projects to improve mobility and access for people who, in the past, were placed very far from their areas of work and central business districts.

This was part of the Integrated Rural Mobility and Access Programme which included the re-graveling of 1861 km of gravel roads in the province.

Consequently, the government has invested up to R7.1 billion on transport infrastructure.

Some of the projects include, the provision of bus shelters in areas such as Simotlasi, Tekwane and Ntokozweni.

Children in the areas of Ronaldsey and Donkerhoek are now able to cross rivers to go to school, without losing a day of learning. Thanks to one of the bridges that the provincial government constructed.

Another significant infrastructure project was the construction of a bridge between Manzini and Mgcobaneni to link these previously separated villages.

The progress that the provincial government has made on infrastructure investment, has laid a foundation towards transforming this largely rural province into a modern state.

The provincial government intends to make Mpumalanga a permanent construction site and in the process, create opportunities for further growth.

Mining created more jobs last year S

outh Africa experienced a low economic growth rate between 2009 and 2015 at 1,9%.

Notwithstanding this the province got back on a recovery path particularly in the agriculture sector.

While Mpumalanga province’s economic growth was expected to be in line with the national growth currently, the provincial growth was expected to pick up, depending on the performance of the mining industry, in particular coal mining. This follows some of the major investments in coal mining in different parts of the province.

Among many other investments in the Province, the expansion of Exxaro coal operations in the Belfast area signifies a great deal of confidence that Mpumalanga is the key destination for investment.

In the same vein, South32 Limited announced in November 2017, an investment of R4.3 billion into Mpumalanga, which will extend the life of its Klipspruit Colliery by approximately 20 years.

This investment will ensure

employment for an estimated 740 concerns about the decline in the people and will create 4 000 additional mining sector’s contribution to job creation as it is one of the biggest jobs during the construction phase. e c o n o m i c The mining sector sectors in the has been shedding Province. jobs in the last Mining sector contributed Thus, the few years, but this p r o v i n c i a l changed in the 11000 jobs in 2017 government fourth quarter of welcomes the 2016 and the fourth sector’s change quarter of 2017, where the sector contributed 11 000 of fortunes which are confirmed by the 2017 figures, which are showing a jobs.

The last few years, there have been slight recovery in terms of the sector’s

contribution to job creation.

The provincial government has also set aside resources to support the Youth Miners Incubation Programme to broaden the participation of the youth in mining.

In partnership with industry players, the government will support youth in mining to access prospecting and mining rights, and ensure that this sector makes a meaningful contribution to youth development,

4

SOPA

STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS MPUMALANGA PROVINCE

2018

Quality health care improves average life expectancy

M

pumalanga’s average life expectancy has improved from 56.9 years and 60.1 years for males and females respectively, to 60 years and 65 years for males and females respectively in 2016.

The provincial government attributeds this to the improvement of the quality of health care in the province and the attendant health care facilities as well as the access to health care services.

The Mpumalanga provincial government’s expenditure on health infrastructure has increased by 312%, from R312 million in 2014 to R1,2 billion in three years.

Among some of the flagship projects that the government carried out during this period, aimed at improving health infrastructure, include the upgrading of Bethal Hospital, which is at 45%, and the construction of the new Mmametlhake Hospital, which is at 86%.

Both hospitals are envisaged to be completed by the end of the 2018/19 financial year.

Two more hospitals are currently under construction, namely, the Middelburg and Mapulaneng hospitals in response to the demand for quality health care in the province.

The provincial government doesn’t want to create an impression that the construction of world-class facilities are the end in themselves.

The government is of the view that the mere existence of the facilities would be meaningless in the absence of a strong and functional health system, that is led by qualified medical personnel.

The government has further identified 116 out of 287 primary health care facilities for support to reach the status of ideal clinic to ease the pressure on the hospitals in the province.

In addition, the government will

procure life-saving equipment at these facilities.

One of the most important additions to the province’s health care systems would be the introduction of the Central Chronic Medicine Dispensing and Distribution System.

The system would ensure that patients do not stand in long queues at clinics and hospitals to get their medication, but can fetch these from contracted pharmacies close to their homes.

Other interventions emanating from the SOPA War on substance abuse

M

pumalanga provincial government has constructed two state of the art in-patient treatment centres in Victor Khanye and Mbomblela municipalities to ensure the successful rehabilitation of both boys and girls who are affected by substance abuse and drug addiction.

In addition, the government has been focusing on skills development and job creation initiatives to ensure that the youth who are affected by substance abuse are prioritised to lead a drug-free life.

Other programmes that were also undertake during the period under review included support foe vulnerable sectors of the society, such as women, youth, children, older persons and people with disabilities.

Central Invoice Bureau

B

efore the end of March 2018 the provincial government will establish a Central Invoice Bureau to ensure that all infrastructure invoices are processed within 10 days.

Later in the year, the work of Central Invoice Bureau will extend to all other invoices across the administration.

The purpose is to ensure the improvement of efficiencies to limit the negative impact of the non-payment of invoices on small businesses.

The premier said that no business must shut down because government has not paid for services rendered.

On Crime and violence

W

omen and children are the most affected by crime and violence, especially rape and murder.

The growing incidents of violent crimes reported over the last few weeks require collective efforts to stem the tide.

It is against this background that communities are urged to assist law enforcement agencies to root out criminal elements within their settlements.

Hence, government would focus on community mobilisation and awareness around identified crime hotspots to roll out a sustained campaign against crimes targeted at women and children.

SOPA

STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS MPUMALANGA PROVINCE

5

2018

Boarding schools enhance access to equal education I

n the past four years, the provincial government has prioritised expenditure on education infrastructure to enhance the quality of education.

This has seen children of the downtrodden poor farm workers and farm dwellers of Donkerhoek and Amsterdam in Mkhondo, Emakhazeni and Steve Tshwete, can get their education in the comfort of boarding schools built by the current Mpumalanga Administration.

The strategy to build boarding schools in rural areas is aimed at leveling the playing field in terms of access to quality education, irrespective of race or socio-economic status, and is biased in particular to children in farms in order to eradicate dysfunctional farm schools.

These boarding schools provide a new, safe and secure environment for farm children, with all basic necessities that every child needs in a learning environment.

Through this facilities, government hopes to provide equal opportunities for every child by leveling the playing field in terms of access to these facilities.

The provincial government will also construct a school worth R350 million in Thaba Chweu, and another one in Gert Sibande district. The schools are planned to be opened in the 2019 and 2020 academic years, respectively.

Another programme that the provincial government has embarked on, is the provision of water and sanitation infrastructure in schools to

address the services and sanitation backlog in 308 schools.

These schools were provided with modern and decent ablution units.

In some instances with electrification and water connections. In doing so, government restored the dignity of the young people of the province

whilst creating a conducive learning environment for them.

The OR Tambo Maths, Science and Technology Academy in Emalahleni through a partnership between the provincial government and South 32 also opened its doors to improve the quality of teaching, learning and

performance outcomes in maths, science and technology.

The province has also seen the Grade 12 learner performance improving from 47.9% in 2009 to 74.6% in 2017.

The target is to hit the 80% matric pass rate

Did you know?

Libraries During the past four years, Mpumalanga province constructed 11 libraries to inculcate the culture or reading and learning.

Grade 12 results Grade 12 learner performance has improved from 47.9% in 2009 to 74.6% in 2017.

Creative Industries In the current financial year, the provincial government will be launching the Mpumalanga creative industries commission in order to realise the potential of this sector as a major contributor to building social cohesion and economic development in Mpumalanga and the rest of the country,.

Job creation Between the fourth quarter of 2016 and the fourth quarter of 2016, the provincial economy created 87 000 jobs, with commercial sector being the biggest contributor with 35 000 jobs, agriculture at 17 00, private household 14 000, finance at 12 000 and mining at 11 000.

6

SOPA

STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS MPUMALANGA PROVINCE

2018

Agriculture creates 99000 jobs Call to Amakhosi to play role in agricultural revolution

G

overnment’s nutrition programme stimulates the agricultural sector and job creation The agricultural sector has created over 99 000 jobs in 2017, thanks to the government’s nutrition programme which was introduced in the 2017 Government Nutrition Programme.

The programme was started to create a market for small and emerging farmers to supply fresh produce directly to government institutions such as schools and hospitals.

Government’s main focus is to stimulate production to ensure that the agriculture sector expands opportunities for new entrants and creates much needed jobs.

The provincial government is also supporting emerging farmers to be

ready to supply the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market that is under construction. The initiative is aimed at stimulating SMMEs, Co-operatives, as well as township and rural enterprises.

To date, a total of 305 smallholder farmers including local bakeries as

well as the youth-owned transport enterprises have benefited from the Government Nutrition Programme.

In addition to the development of at least 14 farms, eleven of which are productive, the provincial government also plans to make full use of the communal land to bring it to full

production.

In

this

expected

regard, to

play

AmaKhosi their

leadership

role as government embarks on this aggressive agricultural ‘revolution’.

Facts about the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market • Approximately R500 million has been invested into this project since its inception.

• Bulk services infrastructure is in place • A total of 800 jobs were created during the construction phase • Construction of top-structure market buildings, covering 30 000 m2 will commence in April 2018.

• The province will boast a world-class fresh produce market facility that will enable Mpumalanga farmers, particularly the small-scale farmers, to trade their fresh produce to local and international markets by late 2019.

• Markets for Mpumalanga farmers

to send their produce to Oman and Russia are now open. The volume of exports will increase over time owing to expansion of our bilateral relations with other partners.

• The project will open the participation of youth in agriculture through the government’s flagship Fortune 40 Incubator Programme.

• The government has also ensured the development of further 14 farms to prepare them for production to supply the fresh produce market.

• Eleven of the 14 farms are already in production and they are supplying the Government Nutrition Programme.

Work at the construction site of the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market

are

Artist’s impression of the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market

SOPA

STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS MPUMALANGA PROVINCE

2018

7

Ending the apartheid spatial planning

O

ver the last three years, a total of 27 655 housing units have been delivered.

A further 27 295 sites were serviced by the province.

In addition, government has delivered 273 units since 2014 and a further 880 Rental Units are to be delivered this year.

During the current term, 25 071 title deeds were issued as part of guaranteeing security of land tenure rights. The remaining 54 000 title deeds will also be issued in Ehlanzeni and Nkangala District Municipalities before the end of the current term.

Government also committed to address the failing sanitation infrastructure in Govan Mbeki, Thaba Chweu, Victor Khanye, Pixley Ka Isaka Seme, Emalahleni and Bushbuckridge municipalities.

During the remainder of the current term, government will prioritise

key projects that will address sewer spillages and respond to bulk water infrastructure and sanitation needs.

Provincial and local government resources will be directed towards dealing with the areas of concern that have been raised by the communities

in these municipalities.

Government has identified that the financial sustainability and capacity of municipalities to deliver key basic services needs urgent attention, as this has a direct impact on ordinary people and the business community.

Thus, the provincial government will provide direct support to enhance financial management systems, modernise revenue collection systems, and ensure that municipalities meet their financial obligations, including Eskom account obligations.

Social Enterprise Development Model launched to stimulate township and rural economies

I

n July 2017, the province launched the Social Enterprise Development Model which is aimed at building capacities of local enterprises or manufacturers to supply construction materials to government’s infrastructure projects, be it roads, houses, hospitals or schools.

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism and MEGA are providing the necessary support to SMMEs and Cooperatives that have gone through the assessment process.

The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has committed itself to work with this government in assisting local SMMEs and Cooperatives in attaining manufacturing certification for various materials they produce.

Linked to this was the launch of the Mpumalanga Enterprise Development Fund in partnership with the Standard Bank, which is aimed at providing support to the growth and competitiveness of small businesses.

An amount of R300 million has been set aside to provide funding for SMMEs that have take-off agreements with government.

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SOPA

STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS MPUMALANGA PROVINCE

2018

- Mpumalanga’s Media Partner

03 More News at: www.khanyisamedia.co.za

09 to 15 March 2018 Vol 11 Wk 09

Swearing-in of new members at the Mpumalanga legislature

From left to right : Mr Johanne Mkhatshwa (Chief Whip), Ms Dudu Manana (new member); Speaker Thandi Shongwe and Mr James Skhosana (new member)

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he Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature Mrs Blessing Thandi Shongwe convened a meeting today (28 February 2018), to fill the two seats of the African National Congress that became vacant following the resignation of its former members; Mr DD Mabuza; former Premier of the Mpumalanga Province and Ms R Mhaule, former MEC for Education on 27 February 2018.

As a result, Mr James Skhosana and Ms Duduzile Promise Manana were sworn in as members of the Legislature with effect from 28 February 2018. The Speaker warmly welcomed the members after they took an oath of office and indicated that the Legislature is hoping to benefit from their experience they accumulated through serving at the national level of the legislative sector.

committed that they will perform their duties to the best of their abilities in serving the Legislature, the people of Mpumalanga Province and the Republic of South Africa.

They both expressed their joy in coming back to serve the people of the province of Mpumalanga as a province that is close to their hearts.

The Chief Whip of the majority party in the legislature, Mr Johanne Mkhatshwa also congratulated the new members, encouraging them to continue doing well as representatives of the governing party in the province.

The Speaker handed over documents that will assist in making the job of serving in the Legislature easy for the new members and wished them well in their duties as she concluded the swearing in process.

In taking the oath both the members

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09 - 15 March 2018 | Vol 11 | Wk 09

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