Municipal Focus Volume 57

South African Municipal Magazine

www.municipalfocus.co.za

Volume 57

Leaders in Local Government Business Intelligence &

SITHOLE MBANGA

SA CITIES NETWORK

STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS

Preparing The Cities For a Better Future

OR TAMBO SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP

Limpopo North West Western Cape

WATER MONTH

Building Agents of Change

TECHNOLOGY

MUNICIPAL NEWS

Project Tools 1 Business productivity applications

An industry-leading suite of products for your digital transformation. Project Tools hinges on four pillars - engaging clients and customers, empowering employees, optimising your operation and overall digital transformation.

Citizen Engagement

IDP Management

Cemetry Management

Organisational Performance Employee Performance

Rethinking CRM engagement across multiple platforms like never before.

Ensuring the centralisation of all planning and implementation data across financial years.

Comprehensive cemetery management system, fully digitising workflows.

Managing organisational-level strategic outcomes to achieve greater organisational performance.

Empower employees, providing tools and processes for greater collaboration, efficiency and insight.

Document Management

Fixed Asset Register

Help Desk Management

Capital Budget Management

Operational Budget Management

Seamlessly track, manage and store documents in compliance with RSA Records Management Act.

Achieve an mSCOA compliant Fixed Asset Register along with a comprehensive fixed asset policy.

End-to-end secure documentation and tracking of all support and request queries.

Drive efficiency in your capital budget management process linked to your SDBIP and IDP.

Digitise your budgeting workflow to optimize operational efficiency.

Project Tools is a product of Profecia IT

Human Settlements

Infrastructure

Transport Assets

Heritage Assets

Investment Assets

Furniture & Office Equipment

Machinery & Equipment

Community Assets

GRC & Audit Improvement Improve governance, risk and compliance along with audit readiness and improvement.

Other Assets

Computer Equipment

Asset Management The most advanced and streamlined asset management tool yet across all departments.

www.profeciait.co.za

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

SA Cities Network: Interview with CEO Sithole Mbanga

PUBLISHER'S NOTE Our Front Cover Interview with Sithole Mbanga, CEO of SA Cities Network, who has been at the helm of the organisation for 20 years, unpacks amongst others, the rich journey of SACN as it celebrates its 20th Anniversary, its priorities, the release of the 2021 State of Cities Report, and what can be expected from the organisation in 2022 and beyond.

the success of two(2) back-to-back clean audits and is under the sterling leadership of CEO: Sandile Mkhize who has a solid track record in the water and environment sector.

This year was back to normal with the on-time opening of the provincial legislatures after the previous years’ delays due to Covid-19, and Municipal Focus gives an overview of the SoPAs of the NW Province, Limpopo and the Western Cape and the provinces’ plans to address the economic crisis we face.

Government is working hard at bridging the digital divide and to bring our most marginalised communities into the fold. Of note is the teaming up of .ZADNA and NEMISA, harnessing their expertise to execute a grassroots digital skills training partnership with a particular focus on schools.

As we look at Water Month we cover Magalies Water that is riding on

As SA looks for an economic turnaround, and as part of an effort to

We also look at the products and services of Mariswe and Structa Technology, new technologies, water storage solutions, water security and wastewater management.

Nardine Nelson Publisher & CEO Kweda Media & Communications

keep Tshwane in the radar of potential investors, TEDA invites investment into the City promoting its products, services, investment opportunities, logistics infrastructure, Industrial Parks and investment incentives.

The Full Colour Feature showcases Tshwane as a preferred investment, trade and tourism destination in SA. Our Municipal Focus News focuses on four local municipalities highlighting the new leadership and their vision for the regions. What is required is an efficient and responsive approach to service delivery in these critical times when local government leaders are being held to account by their communities.

We must not forget that March gives us an opportunity to stand up for the rights and dignity of all South Africans as we commemorate Human Rights Month. We remember the struggle for the attainment of democracy in South Africa and the unwavering commitment to justice, equality and a non-racial South Africa that was displayed by the men and women that protested against the restrictive pass laws implemented by the apartheid government.

Enjoy the read and keep safe!

Western Cape State of the Province Address

4

Municipal Focus

ARE YOU PLANNING TO ADVANCE YOUR CAREER IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR?

The Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration may be the qualification for you.

With this qualification you will have the opportunity within government to serve at a local, provincial or national level in a management capacity and in so doing, increase your ability to influence and impact key decisions, policy and strategy formation and implementation, within your particular governmental department.

To apply or request more information please contact us on:

TOMORROW IS BEAUTIFUL

DEVELOPING ETHICAL LEADERS FOR THE COMMON GOOD.

011 718 4000 MBS@MILPARK.AC.ZA WWW.MILPARK.AC.ZA

MILPARK EDUCATION (PTY) LTD IS REGISTERED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING (DHET) AS A PRIVATE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION (NO 2007/HE07/003).

FOCUS

Leaders in Local Government Business Intelligence &

WATER

MUNICIPALITIES

ELECTIONS

INFRASTRUCTURE

LOCAL

GOVERNMENT

COVER FEATURE

10 SA CITIES NETWORK: INTERVIEW WITH CEO SITHOLE MBANGA FEATURES

18 Magalies Water: A reliable bulk water provider 22 Structa Technology 28 .ZADNA 32 North West SOPA 36 Umhlosinga Development Agency 40 Western Cape SOPA

22

10

32

6

Municipal Focus

40

WATER

MUNICIPALITIES

ELECTIONS

INFRASTRUCTURE

LOCAL

GOVERNMENT

44 Tshwane Economic Development Agency (TEDA) 48 OR Tambo School of Leadership: Building agents of change 52 Free State DSACR 56 NW Department of Health 60 Mariswe: The newly appointed transaction advisor for the CIty of uMhlathuze Wastewater PPP Project 62 Limpopo SOPA 66 NFMW - A Trusted Custodian MUNICIPAL NEWS

68 Prince Albert Local Municipality 70 Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality 72 Mbhashe Local Municipality 74 Ratlou Local Municipality

48

44

68

70

72

Municipal Focus

7

South African Municipal Magazine

www.municipalfocus.co.za

Volume 57

Leaders in Local Government Business Intelligence &

SITHOLE MBANGA

SA CITIES NETWORK

STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS

Preparing The Cities For a Better Future

OR TAMBO SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP

Limpopo North West Western Cape

WATER MONTH

Building Agents of Change

TECHNOLOGY

MUNICIPAL NEWS

ON THE COVER

SITHOLE MBANGA

CEO: SA CITIES NETWORK

PUBLISHING EDITOR

DISTRIBUTION

Nardine Nelson

GCIS, National Assembly,

nardine@kwedamedia.co.za

NCOP, National & Provincial

+27 82 739 3932

Departments, Municipalities: Mayors, Managers, Heads

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

of Procurement, Tenders and

Contributors

Purchasing Officers, Conferences

Happy Nkhoma

and the Private Sector

Isaac Mahlangu

DESIGN PRINT PUBLISH “Communications, Marketing and Advertising are indispensable tools towards success and growth in any business venture…”

Kweda Media & Communications offers a diverse range of business and sales solutions, strategies and ideas that are customised to meet our clients’ standards and exceed their expectations.

Nwabisa Pondoyi

MAGAZINE DESIGN & LAYOUT Digital Pixels Studio Paul Sampson paul@digital-pixels.co.za Advertising Mphumzi Njovana mphumzi@kwedamedia.co.za Nazly Leite

Our Vision is driven by the passion to inspire, assist and elevate business enterprises by forming strategic collaborations that will yield multiple benefits of success and growth for all.

DIGITAL E-BOOK CREATION

Madala Thepa

nazly@kwedamedia.co.za Production

www.digital-pixels.co.za

PUBLISHED BY Kweda Media & Communications 1 The Village Square, Main Road, Plumstead, Cape Town Tel: +27 (21) 768 0115 www.kwedamedia.co.za

Rayhaan Suleiman production@kwedamedia.co.za

Kweda Media and Communications is a Proudly South African, 100% black female owned company located in Plumstead, Cape Town, registered as a private company since May 2014 - we hold a level 1 B-BBEE certificate. We are a team of multi skilled staff members who have a fresh, innovative and diverse approach to working and always willing to put in the extra time and attention to ensure great service delivery on time.

Your vision… our drive

Administration admin@kwedamedia.co.za Subscriptions / Distribution subscriptions@kwedamedia.co.za

All editorial, business and production correspondence should be addressed to Municipal Focus, PO Box 12454 Plumstead 7800. Manuscripts, illustrations and other material must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. No responsibility can be accepted for unsolicited material. The editor reserves the right to amend and to alter copy and visual material as deemed necessary. Copyright by Kweda Media & Communications. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any form or any means without prior permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in Municipal Focus are not necessarily those of the publishers.

Together, we can build a capable, ethical & developmental South Africa.

Strengthen

Establish

• • • • • •

• • • • •

Service delivery Reputation & credibility Ethical practices Audit outcomes Risk identification & mitigation Management

A robust ethical approach Stronger stakeholder relationships Efficient & economic ways of working A competitive edge Full control through performance measurement

Ensure

Decrease

• •

• • •

Accountability Employees are highly skilled & competent professionals through up-skilling

Costs Wastage Complexity

Assisting Local Government and Municipalities to strengthen their Procurement & Supply Chains and help deliver better services to communities. Now is the time.

Email saenquiries@cips.org.za to find out more.

SA CITIES NETWORK

SA CITIES NETWORK SA Cities Network CEO Sithole Mbanga has been with the organization since 2002 and probably knows its story and can unpack its rich journey better than anyone. This year Mbanga and his team are looking forward to the release of their next edition of the State of Cities Report which will tell a story of the country’s evolving urban development journey. Mbanga was previously the Local Government Coordinator at the National Business Initiative (NBI) and was involved with conducting capacity building training in Municipal Service Partnership (MSP) and participated in the development of the then National Department of Local Government’s (DPLG) national policy on Integrated Development Planning (IDP). Municipal Focus magazine caught up with Mbanga for a conversation about what can be expected from the SA Cities Network (SACN) in 2022 and beyond.

10

Municipal Focus

Municipal Focus

11

SA CITIES NETWORK

As the CEO of the SA Cities Network (SACN), what are your most important priorities?

SM: The SACN was born out of a need and desire by the founding mothers and fathers of democratic local government to learn from each other and share best practice on how to govern and manage cities better by focusing on; 1) creating inclusive cities.

2) building sustainability and resilience.

3) good governance.

4) economic development, as well as 5) long-term city development.

The SACN therefore nurtures and facilitates peer to peer learning based on the above subject matters, informed by empirical research and producing evidence based policy.

On the main there are two issues: 1) The CEO has to ensure that the organisation remains true to its founding principles of sustainably focussing on the city development agenda whilst remaining relevant to the times in which it exist and 2) Building expertise and capacity to deliver on the organisational mandate, both within and outside the SACN itself.

12

Municipal Focus

What are the challenges that your organisation faces currently?

opportunities and effected change during these periods.

SM: Balancing divergent and forever shifting research priorities of its member cities on the one hand, and whilst on the other hand, juxtaposing the research information requirements of a support system that must be fed with policy ingredients that make cities stronger, competitive and enabled to make our economy competitive and job creating, and equally able to sustain lives of communities that live in and make a living out of cities

Finally, they communicate important messages about what is required from and should be on the agendas of urban development actors, particularly incoming city administrations, in the immediate future and beyond.

Over the years, SoCRs have accomplished much. SoCRs are crucial South African urban reference publications, narrating South Africa’s unfolding urban development journey and raising the profile of the urban development challenges in the national development discourse.

They offer credible and unique knowledge developed by numerous data sources, researchers, institutions and references.

Would you please unpack the State of Cities Reports (SoCRs) which your organisation produces; what are they all about and what type of insight do they provide?

SM: SoCRs offer research supporting the policy, planning and decisionmaking work of urban actors across different sectors of society. The reports present five-year perspectives on progress in South Africa’s largest cities. More specifically, evidence, analysis and insight into the development performance of and trends in metropolitan municipalities via city data profiles. They further thematically analyse how these cities have addressed challenges, utilised

What can be expected from the State of Cities Report?

SM: The State of Cities Report 2021 is anchored on urban governance and it emphasises that for cities to achieve their developmental mandate, that role not only rests with city governments but with all-of-society, re: business, academia, NGO’s and the public at large. To do this, city governments need to recognise the need to form alliances with these development

partners to address any challenges and develop solutions that it may face. This focus is born out of the understanding that when the White Paper on Local Government was developed and adopted by Cabinet about 20 years ago, it was an expectation that all-of society would work together to achieve development in cities in line with the intergovernmental relations tools that exist in the country.

Obviously as the local government sector evolves with more demands placed on city governments, in some instances this collaborative objective of the White Paper has been eroded slowly with an expectation that cities can-do-it-all on their own.

In this iteration of the State of the Cities Report, it is demonstrated that collaboration and co-creation in urban governance is still required and the publication demonstrates through a thematic focus, cases studies where this has been achieved and the impact it has had on the development goals of cities. On the inverse, the document shows what happens when this collaboration is ignored and it also emphasises the need to strengthen mutual respect and coordination of efforts by various spheres of government for development targeted at cities.

The document ultimately provides a strong agenda/roadmap for the 20212026 administration to ensure that urban governance improves through an all-of society approach. If this agenda is implemented, it will lead to greater ownership of the challenges that are faced by cities and this will spark innovative ways to address these through leveraging of resources and ideas by all.

Have previous editions of the State of Cities report focused on the same issues or does the scope change from time to time?

SM: The structural scope of SoCR 2021 is similar to SoCR 2016. But for the first time the SoCR thematically focuses explicitly on issues of urban governance concentrating on cooperative governance and the all-of-society approach. The Report acknowledges that the discourse around cooperative governance and an all-of-society approach is not new. It has been mentioned in previous SoCRs in the context of urban governance but emphasises that it remains very relevant.

Cooperative governance and all-ofsociety practices are increasingly important for South African cities, especially in a climate of dwindling

state resources but growing public demands at the local level for health, economy and social security, and when developmental outcomes are the mandate of or dependent upon other urban actors.

These practices further underpin the National Development Plan, Integrated Urban Development Framework and international instruments, such as the SDGs, and are central concerns that the District Development Model (DDM) is trying to address. However, despite policy support and commitment, these practices are not widespread and not always successful – their use has been haphazard, with isolated instances of (good) practice, rather than broad application.

What will it take to rebuild our cities from crises?

SM: Cities have been driving growth and generating almost two-thirds of the country’s economic activity and despite everything that is going on at a national level, cities remain well positioned to take a leading role in South Africa’s economic recovery and development. However, many of the issues and solutions are not exclusively within the mandate of local government, and so

Municipal Focus

13

SA CITIES NETWORK

Cities have been driving growth and generating almost two-thirds of the country’s economic activity and despite everything that is going on at a national level, cities remain well positioned to take a leading role in South Africa’s economic recovery and development. intergovernmental coordination and the activation of communities become important. Increasing economic and social inclusion will increase the sustainability and competitiveness of cities, and of the national economy.

Good leadership and management are critical, and special attention must be paid to sustainable development and encouraging active citizenship.

There is an opportunity here; we need to take it before the next crisis has a chance to hit. Cities have been driving growth and generating almost two-thirds of the country’s economic activity and despite everything that is going on at a national level, cities remain well positioned to take a leading role in South Africa’s

economic recovery and development.

However, many of the issues and solutions are not exclusively within the mandate of local government, and so intergovernmental coordination and the activation of communities become important.

Increasing economic and social inclusion will increase the sustainability and competitiveness of cities, and of the national economy. What the past few months has shown us is the power of communities, and what can be achieved by an all-of-society effort.

We need everyone to collaborate, and partner to drive the recovery of our cities from these attacks. Good leadership and management are critical.

Revenue collection is a major problem for SA cities; what is your take on the recent aggressive revenue collection initiative launched by the City of Tshwane?

SM: Cities need to be financially sustainable to meet their developmental objectives. While they receive grants from national and provincial governments, the bulk of their revenue comes from the levying tariffs on properties and distribution of water and electricity. When such revenue is either not collected or users and property owners do not honour their obligations to pay for services rendered, it then compromises the ability of cities to render these services sustainably and reliably. So, while it has been the City of Tshwane in the spotlight on this matter of revenue collection, other cities have been embarking on an aggressive revenue collection over time and this is one of the ways to ensure that financial health of cities is improved.

Obviously, while these revenue collection “blitz” will yield revenue in the short term, what is important is to ensure that revenue collection is optimised for the long term and this will require in some instances reengineering of revenue processes in cities, better human resources management and intergovernmental relations while still sustaining the message of user-pays-timeously for sustainable rendering of services.

14

Municipal Focus

One of South African Cities Network’s programmes is the Inclusive Cities Programme, tell us what the programme is about and what does it seek to achieve?

SM: The goal is for SACN to contribute towards safe, spatially transformed and interconnected communities with equitable access to services, social and economic opportunities, especially by the most vulnerable such as children, youth, women and people with disabilities. In this area of work cities are exploring ways of achieving spatial integration through co-creation and implementation with non-government actors outside of government, looking at the efficacy of policy instruments to achieve spatial integration and advocate for policy change where such is needed.

Our work supports the national government’s Integrated Urban Development Framework and focuses not only on how cities are designed but to sustainable human settlements, urban transportation, access to land for private and public use, incorporation of sustainable development in space planning, addressing governance and financing impediments to spatial transformation through an all-ofsociety approach.

This also includes placing young people at the centre of spatial

development by engaging them on an ongoing basis on the future cities they would like to see and giving young people an opportunity to conceptualise it and share what changes they would like to see given that they will be the inhabitants of that future.

The programme has also elevated the need for cities to ensure urban safety through a long-standing partnership with GIZ in which we explore ways of achieving urban safety through design, collaboration, policy and practice.

The work done on urban safety has been documented in the annual publication; State of Urban Safety Report which not only aggregated the annual crime statistics per

metropolitan area, but provides practice notes on what cities are doing and also offers some policy considerations towards improving urban safety. The rationale for this emphasis on urban safety is that while cities may address the apartheid spatial design elements of cities, if there is no sense of safety among those that live, transact and transit these spaces daily, it has an impact on social well-being, the economy and the whole notion of liveability is lost.

The work done by cities in this thematic area is in a form of research and policy analysis, case studies, learning networks among urban safety, built environment and governance practitioners - as well as ongoing facilitated all-of-

The work done on urban safety has been documented in the annual publication-State of Urban Safety Report which not only aggregates the annual crime statistics per each metropolitan area but provides practice notes on what cities are doing and also offer some policy considerations towards improving urban safety.

Municipal Focus

15

SA CITIES NETWORK society- dialogues on the theme as it relates to space, but importantly, through the Healing Fields work which recognises that while we may be focusing on ‘healing’ space, there is a bigger healing that needs to take place among those that are entrusted with driving spatial integration if their efforts are to yield any positive results.

Would you please explain the South African cities’ Good Hood Stories campaign that was embarked on last year and what it was intended to achieve?

SM: Within the SACN, the Built Environment Integration (BEI) programme was established to support local government practitioners who plan and implement spatial transformation and integration in the built environment and to drive a practitioner-centric research agenda to understand how and why spatial transformation is being hindered.

One of the BEI programme’s methodologies has been the use of a case-study approach to provide an indepth understanding of how different spatially transformative projects play out in respective metros. Aside from the work of SACN, municipalities in South Africa are undoubtedly going through a difficult time.

This has been particularly true since the outbreak of the Corona Virus and the multi-dimensional pressures the pandemic has placed on municipalities. Yet even before the outbreak, there has been a growing sense of dissent and unhappiness from residents towards municipalities.

While the cause for residents’ discontent has no doubt been entirely legitimate, there have nonetheless been cases of exemplary work from all sectors of society that should be recognized and celebrated.

The project’s objective is to: Celebrate cases of good practice in cities across South Africa and demonstrate that good things are happening in our cities by different sectors of society.

16

Municipal Focus

What is on SA Cities Network plans for the year 2022?

SM: 2021/22 for the SACN has focussed on reviewing, engaging and defining how we work with cities during this new term of office. We have spent time with city management trying to define what success would look like for cities in the next five years.

Out of the above we now know the areas of focus that each city would like to focus on and we are clear of collaborations to be established in our all-of society approach. This has led to our refined programmatic work which will be implemented in 2022 onwards with emphasis of application of knowledge in cities based on identified challenges.

The success of this will be city mayors owning the work of the SACN and therefore we will be focusing on putting mayors and city managers at the centre of our work. Our new strategy is about continuity and change, reflecting that the organisation will continue with ongoing commitments and projects,

while shifting strategically to be much closer to cities in order to understand and respond to their pressing needs.

Throughout the course of the year, the SACN will continue with ongoing commitments and projects, including the rollout of the State of Cities Report and its 20-year celebration.

The year 2020 marked a crucial time in the history of the government in South Africa.

Twenty years ago - 5 Dec 2000, the first democratic local government elections were held. The transformation of local government aimed to remove racially-based governance and make it a vehicle for the integration of society and the redistribution of municipal services from the well off to the poor.

SACN along with its partners CoGTA, SALGA to name a few, will celebrate the achievements of its role in helping shape the sector during Urban Month in October 2022 by creating a platform to share and learn from good practices and innovation and showcase achievements. We will reflect on the role SACN played in its 20 Year journey of local government transformation.

Proudly SA conducts a series of public sector procurement forums that assist government SCMs better understand their roles and responsibilities in respect of the PPPFA. Look out for upcoming dates, venues or virtual platforms and sign up to be part of these important sessions.

www.proudlysa.co.za | @ProudlySA | 011 327 7778 | info@proudlysa.co.za Municipal Focus

17

MAGALIES WATER

The organization which is based in the platinum-rich Rustenburg Local Municipality, the economic hotbed of the Bojanala Platinum District which contributes above 60% of the province’s gross domestic product (GDP).

18

Municipal Focus

PERFORMING FROM A PLATFORM OF EXCELLENCE UNDER THE STERLING LEADERSHIP OF CEO MR SANDILE PSYCHOLOGY MKHIZE

M

agalies Water is one of the 9 water boards, which have come into existence through an act of parliament, the Water Services Act, 1997 (Act 108 of 1997). The entity which has strengthened its presence in the North West, Gauteng and Limpopo provinces, is a critical player in the development of the local economies of the three provinces.

Magalies Water which recently was awarded a Golden Arrow Award by PMR Africa for their role in stimulating economic growth, and development of the North West Province is riding on the success of back-to-back clean audits with a performance of 93 and 95% during the 2019/20 and 2020/21 financial years.

The organization is based in the platinum-rich Rustenburg Local Municipality, the economic hotbed of the Bojanala Platinum District which contributes above 60% of the province’s gross domestic product (GDP). The region which is concentrated with mining activities is home to some of biggest producers

Mr. Sandile Mkhize

of the world’s platinum group metals.

The 53-year-old water utility is headed

by KwaZulu Natal born Sandile Psychology Mkhize, who is no stranger in the water sector, with extensive experience spanning over twenty

Municipal Focus

19

MAGALIES WATER Magalies Water back in 2014 he held various positions within different institutions including the Department of Water Affairs (now called Water and Sanitation) in the Gauteng Province, Development Bank of Southern Africa, Chevron which is an oil and energy company, AngloGold Ashanti and Humelani Water Services. It came as no surprise when the Ministry of Water and Sanitation announced that Magalies Water would take over from the soon to-be dis-established Sedibeng Water which operates in North West, Free State and Northern Cape.

Chairperson of the Interim Board - Ms. Pinky Mokoto

years. Mkhize, who will be completing his term at the end of 2022 as the entity’s Chief Executive, previously held the position General Manager (GM) for Water Services and was later appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO), has seen the water utility transition and evolve in the last couple of years. His presence has brought the necessary stability to the operations of one of the highest performing water boards in the country.

As the accounting officer, Mkhize has a solid track record in the water and environmental sector. Before joining

20

Municipal Focus

Under Mkhize’s leadership, Magalies Water has shown signs of stability and growth as a reliable bulk water provider. Further to this, the Chief Executive has been engaging all role-players necessary to ensure that the current water challenges are resolved, for the benefit of all stakeholders.

The man at the helm, has been on the charm-offensive having presented an impressive futuristic plan which aims to deal with bulk water supply

challenges in the Waterberg District of Limpopo province, where the water utility has a presence. Magalies Water currently, services Thabazimbi, BelaBela and Modimolle-Mookgophong Local Municipalities.

Under Mkhize’s leadership, Magalies Water has shown signs of stability and growth as a reliable bulk water provider. Further to this, the Chief Executive has been engaging all role-players necessary to ensure that the current water challenges, which are mainly due to staggering demand against current supply constraints are addressed.

Magalies Water is relentless in its endeavour to respond to the current bulk water challenges particularly where consumption patterns are high and will become unsustainable in the future. The Chief Executive provided technical details on how the second phase will be rolled out. The Phase 2 of the Pilanesberg Bulk Water Supply System (PBWSS), which will cost about R900-million, will be approached in 3 phases that will be funded through a multi-year funding by the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) of the Department of Water and Sanitation and Magalies Water capital funding allocations.

Packages involve the following: •

•

•

Phase 1: Construction of Tlhabane Reservoir. This will involve Earthworks where lare large excavation will be done, concrete structures, pipe work comprosing of large diametre steel/pvc and stainless steel pipes, large bore valves in variable sizes.

Phase 2: Construction of Mafenya to Tlhabane bulk water pipeline mainly of steel pipes to withstand high pressure in the system.

Phase 3: Off-take from Phokeng to supply water to Maubu/Seron reservoir including pump station and command reservoir.

A similar project to address the consumption phenomenon in the Rustenburg municipal area has been started. While the project is at concept stage, once completed it is intended to increase the bulk water supply capacity to communities of Bethanie, Barseba, Makolokwe and Modikwe through an upgrade of the Kortbegrip pipeline.

Currently Magalies Water, is awaiting approval from the Department of Water and Sanitation for further expansion into Waterberg district with the aim of also servicing the Lephalale municipal area. Mkhize has enjoyed remarkable support from the Chairperson of the Interim Board Ms. Pinky Mokoto, who also is well versed with service delivery dynamics.

Exco Standing left to right: Mr. Tshiamo Mpane – Acting General Manager: Project Management Unit and Mr. Mukesh Daynand – Acting General Manager: Water Services; Sitting left to right: Ms. Kelebogile Mogamisi – General Manager: Stakeholder and Customer Services, Ms. Matshidiso Tabane – Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Sandile Mkhize – Chief Executive, Mr. Ofentse Nthutang – Acting Chief Operations Officer, Ms. Buyiswa Bingwa – Acting General Manager: Corporate Support Services

Currently Magalies Water, is awaiting approval from the Department of Water and Sanitation for further expansion into Waterberg district with the aim of also servicing the Lephalale municipal area.

Municipality from 2009-2011 and the ANC North West provincial media liaison officer from 1997-2004. On the 1st of July 2020, the former Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Lindiwe Sisulu announced the Interim Board of the water utility, following the end-of-term of the previous highest decision-making body of the organisation.

Mokoto served on the Portfolio Committees on Finance and Communications at the National Assembly. She was a member of the National Executive Committee of the ANCYL and Provincial Executive Committee of the ANCWL. She also served as a District Executive Mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District

On the water board achieving two consecutive clean audits, Mokoto said the entity had adopted an intentional approach of ensuring compliance to legal processes such as the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) "our mission is to avoid irregular and fruitless expenditure and also ensuring that customers are provided with acceptable standards of water quality, through effective, efficient service delivery. We are clear on doing things right the first time, from the Board level until the lowest level of responsibility within MW. Our business units are more synchronized and as such collaborate very well to achieve the organizational goals" Mokoto emphasized. The Interim Board Chairperson also attributed the success of the water board, to the good working relationship that exists between the members of the Interim Board, some of whom are chairpersons of differing committees to which Magalies Water’s Executive Committee is accountable to.

Board Members: Standing left to right: Mr. David Morienyane, Mr. Itumeleng Mosala, Ms. Bukeka Mhlutsana, Mr. Motiki Shoahle, Ms. Boitumelo Mokgatle, Ms. Pinky Mokoto, Dr. Tembinkosi Twalo, Dr. Lydia Sebego.

Municipal Focus

21

STRUCTA TECHNOLOGY

SOUTH AFRICA’S LEADING STRUCTURAL STEEL WATER STORAGE TANK FABRICATOR

ANNOUNCES NEW PRODUCT RANGE DEVELOPED

M

r. Rodney Cory, Director Prestank Structa Technology says: "We are indeed proud to have developed a new economical range of water storage solutions, and we are looking forward to be of better service to all companies and municipalities who need such solutions. Our company, Structa Technology, prides itself to be one of our country’s best producers of water storage solutions.

We manufacture Pressed Steel Water Storage Tanks known as Prestanks, as well as our patented Round Water Storage Tank, known as The Roddy Tank, and have now added the newly developed Circotank range. Our water storage solutions therefore offer our water utilities and municipalities three durable, cost effective water storage products spanning a range from 500 liters to 4.2 million litres.

Structa Technology is geared up to assist our government with its water infrastructure and maintenance programme. Due to Structa’s drive and continuous commitment

22

Municipal Focus

to technological advancements the company is able to offer the municipalities more cost effective and durable solutions for water storage.”

The Roddy The Roddy Tank is a welded Sectional Round Galvanized water storage tank that offers the following capacities: 3 900 litres; 7 200 litres and 10 000 litres, specially made where low volume, extra durability and robustness is required.

The Roddy tank has found application in rural water storage, domestic water storage, industrial water storage as well as agricultural water storage. Its longevity last up to 40 years (Hot Dip Galvanized according to SANS 121, ISO1461), is easily transported, erected and requires minimal maintenance.

Circotank Structa Technology has now developed an even more economical

Roddy Tank

Circotank above

but robust round galvanized steel tank range.

The range, branded as Circotank, is manufactured from galvanized steel sheet cold rolled with a stiffening profile. A zincal version is currently being tested for application in corrosive areas. The tanks utilise a PVC liner which hugely improves the speed and quality of build, resulting in a reliable product. Liner replacement is possible thus resulting in ease of maintenance and longevity.

Circotank is offered in two size ranges, being a Maxi-range covering tank sizes of 100,000 litres up to 1,5 million litres and a Midi range covering a very userfriendly range of 5,000 – 20,000 litres.

The Maxi-range is aimed at large scale water storage projects, with typical application in industrial water storage such as fire tanks and mass rural water supply schemes. The tanks are transported in pre-rolled segments, thus allowing for compact transport

Our company, Structa Technology, prides itself to be one of our country's best producers of water storage solutions.

We manufacture Pressed Steel Water Storage Tanks known as Prestanks as well as our patented Round Water Storage Tank known as The Roddy Tank and have now added the newly developed Circotank range.

and easy off-loading. They are erected on concrete ring beam foundations and require reasonably simple earthworks before erection.

Erection is done with a strake lifting system that requires no craneage.

This all adds up to a very economical total cost per cubic metre water storage. Structa has well trained teams available to install the Maxi range.

The Midi-range fills a gap not covered by typical moulded plastic tanks and would find good application where users need storage between 5,000 and 20,000 litres, often on stands to provide distribution pressure.

Structa is particularly excited about this size range as it would find excellent application in schools, clinics and small rural water storage. These tanks are transported in segments and can be assembled on top of stands if required. This eliminates usage of cranes in difficult rural applications. Structa supplies package systems of tanks and stands, ready for assembly, even by the user.

Circotank

Municipal Focus

23

STRUCTA TECHNOLOGY Prestank Structa’s 40-year-old flagship brand namely Prestank has over the years proven itself as a hygienically safe, cost effective and reliable way to store water for communities, commercial sectors, private sectors and even for personalized storage.

Structa’s Prestank Water Storage Tank is the ideal water storage solution for volumes from 10 000 liters and above, especially on elevated stands.

Prestank may be used for various water storage applications from temporary or permanent installations at mines, power stations, building sites, hospitals, water affairs, municipalities, rural communities and agriculture. The Structa Prestanks are fully customizable, high quality water storage solutions that are manufactured according to SANS guidelines and meet South African Hot Dipped Galvanizing requirements.

A major advantage of the sectional tank design is that it facilitates easier handling and transportation over long distances to remote areas, regardless of the final dimensions of the assembled unit. Furthermore, assembly on site is quickly achieved without the need for sophisticated tooling methods.

Minimum maintenance is required because the galvanized steel panels resist weathering from the elements, while maintaining the integrity of the water within from contamination of most forms.

Our Prestank, Circotank and Roddy Tank adhere to the following design codes: SANS 10160 for structural loading and SANS 10162 for structural steel design of tank stands.

Structa Technology Structa Technology is a member of The Structa Group of companies www.structa.co.za and has successfully manufactured steel engineering products for infrastructure projects since 2002. The subsidiaries in the group prides itself to excellent: •

24

Manufacturing standards

Municipal Focus

There's no doubt that the public sector is focused on sovereignty.

This has led to working with cloud vendors to ring fence control, costs, transparency and compliance to build trust between citizens and the government.

Prestank

• • • •

Quality, health and safety standards State of the art machines Highly Skilled and dedicated workforce Innovative design

Structa Technology products are: • • • •

Proudly SA Manufactured by BEE compliant manufacturers Relevant to infrastructure development Compliant in terms of Quality Control

Says Mr. Rodney Cory: “ With our extended product range we can now supply our customer base with a

comprehensive set of products from which to choose the most economical and practical solution to suit their requirements. “

CONTACT DETAILS Rodney Cory (Director) Structa Technology (Pty) Ltd Tel: +27 016 362 9100 E-mail: rodney@structatech.co.za/ watertanks@structatech.co.za Website: www.structatech.co.za; www.prestank.co.za; www.circotank.co.za

sustainable & long term

WATER STORAGE

SOLUTIONS

+27 (0)16 362 9100 www.prestank.co.za

Pressed Steel Sectional Water Tanks Prestank tank capacities range from 1 500 litres to 4.2 million litres designed to SANS 10329:2004 guidelines and SANS structural codes. Our Hot Dipped Galvanising units are easily transported and assembled on even the most remote sites.

Specialists in the manufacturing of domestic and industrial water storage.

Structa Technology is a Level 1 BBBEE Contributor, and is part of the STRUCTA GROUP of Companies

MEYERTON | watertanks1@structatech.co.za Director: Rodney Cory rodney@structatech.co.za | 082 575 2275

Manufactured in SOUTH AFRICA

Municipal Focus Feb22.indd 1

2022/02/14 21:47:10

Robust and Reliable

A DVA NTAG E S

Water Storage Midi Series: 5,000L - 20,000L

Maxi Series: 100kL - 1,500kL

• Highly economical cost to volume ratio • Easily transportable, especially for multiple tanks • Easy assembly, even at elevated heights • NO CRANES REQUIRED • Robust steel tank with high life expectancy • Replaceable liner allows for extended life

Manufactured by Structa Technology (Pty)Ltd BBBEE Level 1

MEYERTON | Tel: 016 362 9100 watertanks1@structatech.co.za Director: rodney@structatech.co.za | 082 575 2275 www.structatech.co.za | www.circotank.co.za Manufactured in SOUTH AFRICA

CELL C

WE OWE IT TO OUR CHILDREN TO BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IT’S ABOUT SOCIAL COHESION AND ECONOMIC INCLUSION he global pandemic has widely been touted as a disruption event catapulting the world into a digital future.

However, there will be no digital future for the majority of South Africans unless we build bridges – and fast.

For South Africa to reach its development potential, for millions of talented young people to become active participants in the new world, digital inclusion must be a priority.

Digital inclusion, at a high level, is where everyone has access to, and can use, information and communication technologies.

There is no way around it – connectivity enables communities to enjoy economic growth.

Opportunity shouldn’t be a dream; it should be a reality. Connectivity shouldn’t be a privilege. If anything, it explains why the UN issued a non-binding resolution in 2016 that said, “the same rights people have offline must also be protected online.”

Being connected, and having access to information, should be within the grasp of more people.

Access to knowledge and information should not be about class.

Digital access should be a leveller.

There’s work to be done and Cell C is ready to play its part. During the hard lockdowns schools closed and millions of children were sent home. As painful as it is to acknowledge, the children of wealthier parents were able to switch to online learning fairly easily. Indeed, it was an adjustment and came with various challenges, but by and large they had appropriate devices, were connected to the internet, and

interacted with teachers who also had the right devices connected to stable, fast internet.

Many more went home without devices, without fibre or stable mobile connections. Their schools and teachers did not have devices, or access to online resources, and were unable to beam education into the homes of equally talented children. This divide is unsustainable.

How, when the divide is so wide, do we tell our nation’s children, our future leaders, to have an opportunity mindset and to dream big? How do we convince them that the fourth industrial revolution offers unimaginable opportunities for young entrepreneurs?

This isn’t new. The #DataMustFall protests were borne from this frustration, and a broad sense that Wi-Fi is the preserve of the elite, a privilege for those that live in upmarket suburbs with access to public hotspots. R100 on data may seem like a small amount but if that data runs out before an assignment is submitted it could be catastrophic for a student working remotely.

Quality connectivity should be a given.

The only way the digital divide will be narrowed is by taking practical steps to facilitate more people connecting to the internet. This is why Cell C has been championing its Network Strategy to give its customers access to a quality, stable network at the best prices and value offers. Cell C contends that the network becomes invisible to the customer when there is quality connectivity. Then, the primary interest shifts to value offers and quality of service they receive. To achieve this, we are making good progress in decommissioning our physical radio access networks (RAN) to roam on partner networks.

This will see customers enjoy like-for-like quality connectivity, while benefiting from the best prices and value. Companies must think out of the box to develop innovative solutions that have the people of South Africa at heart.

Making access possible Finally, there needs to be access to the internet. Some of the biggest obstacles to broad connectivity have been a lack of area infrastructure, cost to the consumer, and contracts – which have tended to drive exclusion and are just not appropriate for price-sensitive customers such as irregular workers, grandmothers, single parents, or university students. Products need to provide an entry to the digital world for people who were previously excluded.

They should provide good speed, be priced fairly, and should not force users into long-term contracts if that will exclude them.

It is important to acknowledge that, in the effort to deliver reliable connectivity, a good broadband LTE service provides a reliable substitute for fixed connectivity such as fibre.

A remote worker or university student should not have to forego the ability to participate in meetings or interact with course material if there is no fixed infrastructure in that area, or if price excludes them. Home Connecta Flexi makes access to fast, reliable connectivity affordable without contracts.

To change our world, we need practical solutions to immense challenges.

Poverty, unemployment, and inequality won’t necessarily be solved by providing an internet connection. But the door will be opened, and behind that door lies education, information and resources.

- Simo Mkhize, Chief Commercial Officer at Cell C

26

Municipal Focus

WE’RE READY TO

CHANGE YOUR WORLD. Cell C is equipped to meet the needs of Government through tailor-made, innovative solutions.

Our strategic partnerships enable us to offer cost-effective and flexible packages complemented by quality network coverage.

Don’t you think it’s time to choose a truly South African telecommunications partner that is genuinely committed to local suppliers and uplifting our community?

CHANGE YOUR WORLD

BY PARTNERING WITH CELL C.

EMAIL: government@cellc.co.za

Municipal Focus Municipal Focus

27 53

.ZADNA

Calling SMME’s, youth and women to actively participate in South Africa’s domain name industry, anyone can benefit – Angel Selebano

28

Municipal Focus

GAIN FROM SA’S WEB

S

ince 1994, South Africa’s internet industry has been dominated by a few players.

This may no longer be the case as the .ZA Domain Name Authority (ZADNA) creates opportunities for new entrants to the Information Communications and Technology (ICT) sector – particularly for South African youth, women and people living with disabilities.

ZADNA – the statutory regulator and manager of the .za domain namespace, which is South Africa’s internet country code top-level domain – is actively seeking ways to ensure that South Africans participate in this simple yet seemingly complex ecosystem. Citizens within the sector are encouraged to subscribe as members of ZADNA. This is a crucial step to bridging the digital divide and allowing all stakeholders to contribute to the policy development of the .za namespace and be part of improving the country’s internet ecosystem.

ZADNA’s educational initiatives ensure that communities know about business opportunities within the industry. Opportunities vary from being a reseller to a registrar for domain names, which allows you to own an entity that provides domain names such as co.za.

ZADNA recently terminated a 10-year long registry operating agreement for the commercial .za second-level domains. This was followed by a Request For Information (RFI) process from the industry for ZADNA to determine the current skill set and competencies available within South Africa.

“This RFI process was insightful as it presented options and solutions for the registry services market and created the opportunity for small businesses to form alliances with big players in delivering registry services and solutions for South Africa,” says Molehe Wesi, ZADNA’s CEO. “We have decided to open the space for all people, irrespective of their demographic background, to embrace the opportunity presented by the technology landscape. Everyone uses the web daily, and we see no reason why they shouldn’t participate in the economic activity of the industry that they support,” says Wesi. “ZADNA is now facilitating an enabling environment for entrepreneurs to contribute meaningfully to the ICT sector.” This means that a young entrepreneur from a township can now actively participate in the domain namespace by either becoming a registrar, a website domain name reseller, or even an entity that provides opportunities for the youth to drive the ecosystem.

“We are determined to realise the obligations of the Electronic

Communications and Transactions Act by demystifying the industry and implementing an enabling regulatory framework to allow more participants to engage in economic activity.

Anyone can participate,” says Wesi.

“We will conduct virtual workshops to empower passionate young people, people with disabilities and women to engage in the process and embrace the opportunities,” he explains.

According to Wesi, ZADNA strives to strengthen relations and engagement with the .za stakeholders, ensure collaborative efforts are pursued, and that the namespace remains competitive.

ZADNA is a nonprofit organisation.

It is accountable to its members and the South African Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, but does not receive government funding.

Scan this QR code to go directly to the ZADNA website.

T: 010 020 3910 E: info@zadna.org.za E: www.zadna.org.za

Municipal Focus

29

.ZADNA

THE NATIONAL ELECTRONIC MEDIA INSTITUTE OF SA (NEMISA) PARTNERS WITH THE .ZA DOMAIN NAME AUTHORITY (ZADNA) to bridge the digital skills gap in rural areas and townships across SA.

N

EMISA and ZADNA have joined hands to execute a grassroots digital skills training partnership. The two entities, under the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, have signed a 3-yearlong partnership agreement which will see the two parties harness their expertise to address the digital skills shortages within the country and with a particular focus on schools.

NEMISA’s mandate is to be a sustainable skills training provider in digital technologies and creative media spaces. NEMISA targets in-

30

Municipal Focus

school and out of school youth, women, people with disabilities, SMME’s and communities in general.

ZA Domain Name Authority (ZADNA) is a State-Owned Entity established in section 59 of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, 2002 (Act 25 of 2002). It is accountable to its members and the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT). ZADNA is mandated to manage and administer the .za domain namespace, which is South Africa’s internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD).

Among other initiatives, the two entities have agreed to: i.

Enhance their drive to deliver training to schools, districts, and local municipalities to benefit from the NEMISA training programmes.

ii. Assist beneficiaries in constituting an online presence by increasing .za domains for schools and SMMEs. iii. Offer ZADNA advocacy support through its platforms. iv. Avail NEMISA Learning

As part of this exciting partnership between the two institutions, ZADNA has identified a need to digitise South African public schools by providing the “.za domain” name under the school.za second-level domain (SLD). During the first 12 months of piloting the project, 200 school domain names will be registered and connected.

NEMISA CEO Trevor Rammitlwa said: “Introducing rural and township schools to the online world in a more aggressive way will make a big dent in fighting the digital divide in South Africa. The partnership between NEMISA and ZADNA is the needed catalyst for this cause.”

has identified a need to digitise South African public schools by providing the “.za domain” name under the school.za second-level domain (SLD). During the first 12 months of piloting the project, 200 school domain names will be registered and connected. This will be followed by a further 734 public schools per year for the next two years and 734 public schools in the last year.

A total of 2 400 schools during the life of the project will therefore have benefited.

As part of this exciting partnership between the two institutions, ZADNA

According to Mr Molehe Wesi, CEO of ZADNA, the school.za digitisation

Management System to deliver online learning. v. Co-fund joint projects as may be identified from time to time.

project aims to digitise South African public schools by providing .za domain names to transform education through a viable alternative mode of teaching and learning. “Through this initiative, as the Authority, we intend to ensure the learners build and mature their digital presence. The beneficiary schools will leverage these domain names as a platform for teaching and learning.

In addition, NEMISA coordinators will go to the schools to conduct digital literacy training to the educators and students.

Municipal Focus

31

CIRCULAR NORTH WEST ECONOMY SOPA

“In fulfilling our role as a developmental state, we will also be reviewing the role and functions of State-Owned Enterprises in order to ensure that they are properly positioned as effective instruments in the task of economic development and job creation in the province,” Maape said.

Honourable Premier: Bushy Maape

32

Municipal Focus

HONOURABLE PREMIER BUSHY MAAPE DELIVERS STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS

N

orth West Premier Bushy Maape delivered a State of the Province Address which made a promise that his administration is working towards turning the province into a working one which is guided by values of respect, accountability, professionalism, and listening, caring and responsive government.

He said the failure to deliver basic services has now escalated and impacts economic activities, stifling production capacities of many businesses, and causing further hardships through job losses.

Maape admitted that the province’s economy has taken a battering due to the impact of Covid-19 pandemic as the provincial GDP contracted by 7.6% in 2020. Economic recovery is projected to be about 6% of GDP in 2021 and 1.9% in 2022, Maape said.

Dealing with high unemployment With the unemployment rate in the North West currently standing at 35.7% and youth unemployment at an alltime high of 63%, Maape described these numbers as a ticking time-bomb.

Maape said a Provincial Jobs Summit to be held in May 2022 will see organised labour, business and other stakeholders coming together under one roof to build consensus and compacts on growing the province’s economy in order to create jobs.

The premier singled out the Ditsobotla Municipality as having been identified

as the best place to start building the relationship between government, business and labour, given that this municipality was one of the worst affected by service delivery breakdowns in the course of 2021.

“I would like to use this occasion to extend a word of appreciation to the North West Chamber of Commerce and Industry and to the Lichtenburg Business Chamber for the constructive way in which they are collaborating with government in this regard,” Maape said.

He also cited the Noord Wes Korporasie (NWK) which concluded an agreement with the provincial Department of Public Works and Roads, whereby the NWK will assist with maintenance of certain rural gravel roads in the province.

“This approach is being replicated in other parts of the province as is the case in Madibeng Local Municipality

where mining houses have offered to provide both engineering expertise and project management skills in speeding up the expansion of the Brits Water Treatment Works, a project that has been delayed for many years,” Maape said.

Maape said as part of creating job opportunities in the province, his administration will pursue efforts to realise the establishment of the Bojanala Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

He said government has identified several mega projects such as the development of a smart city in the border municipalities of Gauteng and the Madibeng Local Municipality.

“In fulfilling our role as a developmental state, we will also be reviewing the role and functions of State-Owned Enterprises in order to ensure that they are properly positioned as effective instruments in the task of economic development and job creation in the province,” Maape said.

Municipal Focus

33

CIRCULAR NORTH WEST ECONOMY SOPA He said some of the public infrastructure projects to be implemented by the department of public works include the completion of nine new schools across the province during the financial year 2022/23.

Road upgrades and maintenance projects Maape also announced 20 road upgrades and maintenance projects for the financial year 2022/23 to be implemented across four districts.

These include the upgrading from gravel to surface standard of the road from Gamokgatla to Uitkyk and from Modimong to Taung.

He said SMMEs are crucial to the economy and creation of job opportunities and their survival is a key priority for his administration.

“We report that the SMME Relief Fund administered by the North West Development Corporation (NWDC) has so far paid a total of 4353 beneficiaries resulting in expenditure of more than R22.8 million. This support to SMMEs will be increased and continued,” Maape said.

Infrastructure development initiativesHe said the delivery of public and social infrastructure is one of the critical drivers of economic recovery and creation of the much needed jobs. “The total provincial infrastructure budget for the 2022/23 financial year is estimated at R4.824 billion and the province will spend in excess of R14 billion on infrastructure projects over the 2022 MTEF period,” Maape said.

He said more than R1.2 billion will be spent on education especially on the maintenance and construction of new schools. The Department of Health will be allocated R581 million in 2022/23 financial year for maintenance, rehabilitation, and construction of health facilities.

Maape also announced that Public works and Roads will receive R1.3 billion in 2022/23 for road infrastructure. “The performance and the capacity of provincial departments

34

Municipal Focus

and state-owned entities to deliver on the infrastructure mandate has not been good if not unsatisfactory,” Maape said.

Maape said his administration will address problems of under spending of the infrastructure expenditure which has led to the province losing conditional grant allocations from Treasury in the past.

He said 12 494 job opportunities, will be created across all infrastructure delivery departments in the 2022/23 financial year through the Expanded Public Works Programme.

A special maintenance project of a road in Wolmaranstad town and a section of the road between Danville and Dada motors through Mahikeng town are among some of the projects to be undertaken in the new financial year.

Maape also announced that the road from Delareyville to Schweizer-Reneke will be rehabilitated while there’ll be pothole patching in large sections of the road from Schweizer Reneke border to Wolmaransstad. The road from Morokweng to Bona Bona will be resealed this year.

The Public Works Department will complete two new Community Libraries in Dinokana and Wolmaranstad; renovate two Community Libraries in Mabeskraal and Ganyesa, stated Maape.

Maape also announced that in honouring the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the province will construct the Desmond Tutu Old Age Home, and the Desmond Tutu Museum in the Matlosana Local Municipality at the Desmond Tutu Memorial Site donated by the local municipality.

“The two departments of Social Development and Arts, Culture & Sport are to include these in their respective departmental plans and provide funding. We will continue our support for the iconic liberation heritage through the Onkgopotse Tiro, JB Marks, Moses Kotane and Ruth Mompati Foundations,” Maape said.

Youth skills development The premier also announced youth skills development initiatives which will take place in the 2022/2023 financial year that are aimed at arming the youth in the province with critical skills that will make them employable.

The premier also announced youth skills development initiatives which will take place in the 2022/2023 financial year that are aimed at arming the youth in the province with critical skills that will make them employable. amount of R50m to improve the infrastructure and conveyance of bulk water from Molopo Eye to Mahikeng reservoirs and water treatment plants.

Water infrastructure

“One Hundred and twenty (120) young people will benefit from the interventions focusing on skills development, in areas of road marking and pothole patching in partnership with DEDECT and the Construction SETA,” Maape said.

He said the Department of Social Development will train additional three hundred (300) youths in terms of the National Youth Service.

“R 11million has been set aside through the Agricultural Graduate Programme to train 120 unemployed graduates, who will be placed at various agricultural farms and enterprises across the province,” he said.

Maape said he was excited to announce that the Ministry of Water and Sanitation has committed an

The premier said the provincial government will continue in 2022 to provide coordination in addressing short-term challenges of water provision, and in liaising with the national department for sustainable bulk supply of water.

Maape said this will include speeding up the implementation of water projects such as the Taung Dam, Brits Water Treatment Works and the Bloemhof-Schweizer Renecke pipeline.

“Our goal is to ensure that there is no one who goes to sleep at night without access to clean water,” Maape said.

The premier said the provincial government will release over 48 farm portions in line with government’s socio-economic objectives, including

land reform, black economic empowerment, and alleviation of poverty.

Maape saidin May this year the provincial government “will consult with various stakeholders to table and adopt the first Anti-Corruption Strategy for the North West Province and adopt a pledge committing government and all social partners to implement measures to combat corruption in society in general.”

Maape also announced that there would be changes to how the office of the premier in the North West is structured to be able to better conduct its role as the central coordinating point for policy and programme implementation.

“The Executive Council has resolved that a review of the structure in the Office of the Premier should be done to strengthen its coordination capacity also as it relates to youth, project management, anti-corruption, investigations, and compliance monitoring,” Maape said.

Website: http://www.nwpg.gov.za Postal Address: Private Bag X65, MMABATHO, 2735 Street Address: Garona Building, South wing, 3rd Floor, Dr James Moroka Drive, MMABATHO Phone: 018 388 3456 Fax: 018 388 3008

Municipal Focus

35

UMHLOSINGA DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

UMHLOSINGA DEVELOPMENT AGENCY uMhlosinga Development Agency (UMDA) is a municipal entity of uMkhanyakude District Municipality established in terms of the Local Government Municipal Systems Act, Section 86H. UMDA is mandated to facilitate sustainable economic growth and development for the benefit of the entire community falling under the uMkhanyakude District Municipality, inter alia through the promotion, initiation and management of various private, public, economic, social, cultural, environmental and infrastructure programmes within the jurisdiction of the uMkhanyakude District Municipality.

UMDA was formed and incorporated as a Development Entity for the express and sole purpose of assisting the uMkhanyakude District Family of Municipalities to achieve global standards of social and economic growth and development for all within the area of jurisdiction of uMkhanyakude District Municipality partnerships and technical support.

The uMhlosinga Development Agency Vision follows from that of the District and is: “To be the reliable economic development Agency that facilitates economic development and investments in the uMkhanyakude District.”

36

Municipal Focus

UMDA through the RASET programme, led by the KZN Office of the Premier, received fleet that is to assist farmers with access to markets for their produce. To date the programme has unlocked public and private markets for farmers of uMkhanyakude.

uMhlosinga Development Agency (UMDA) was formed and incorporated as a Development Entity for the express and sole purpose of assisting the uMkhanyakude District Family of Municipalities.

The Mission of UMDA is to co-ordinate, plan and manage the implementation of a locally driven program of catalytic projects, to fast track the development of the local economy of the district of uMkhanyakude.

The Goals of UMDA that flow from the Vision and Mission Statement and based on the mandate of the development agency are as follows: 1) To promote sustainable commercialisation of agriculture and establishment of agri-business industries in the district; 2) To develop a world class tourism sector; 3) To develop settlements that promote urbanisation and industrialisation; 4) To promote entrepreneurial development, developing business effectiveness and competitiveness,

Construction of Mkuze Airport

business retention and renewal, attracting new business and promoting investment in all economic sectors; 5) To develop world class catalytic infrastructure that promotes economic development; 6) To develop institutional capacity of UMDA, at all levels, with the capacity to effectively implement and raise funds for catalytic projects and operational needs.

The Goals are further unpacked into Objective Areas as is indicated below: 1. Agriculture and Agri-business Development 1.1 Permaculture 1.2 Commercial Farming 1.3 Agribusiness Development 1.4 Exports 2. Tourism Development 2.1 Product Development 2.2 Destination Marketing 2.3 Research and Knowledge Management

2.4 Skills Development 3. Develop Infrastructure and Green Economy 3.1 Commercial air transport 3.2 Renewable Energy 3.3 ICT Infrastructure 3.4 Waste Management Programme 4. Urbanisation and Industrialisation Development 4.1 Urban nodal development 4.2 Rural land development 5. SMME Development and Support 5.1 Establishment of SMME One Stop Shop 5.2 Establishment of SMME Unit within UMDA 5.3 Provide necessary training & capacity building to SMME 5.4 Development of SMME Strategy for UMDA

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) invested appoximately R100m which went towards the fencing of the 40ha airport, rehabilitation of the 1.8km runaway and the construction of the terminal building. The airport is planned to be a Category 3 flying to JHB.

6. Institutional Development 6.1 Human Resources 6.2 Finance 6.3 Corporate Governance

Municipal Focus

37

UMHLOSINGA DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

In conversations with...

Thulani Mthethwa Chairman of the Board of Directors

T

he 2020\21 financial year was the third financial year of this Board. As a Board charged with facilitating socio-economic development of uMkhanyakude District Municipality, it is our role to provide strategic leadership and oversight to UMDA. As reported last year this board has established two additional Board Committees over and above the statutory board committee. These committees are the Strategy, Investment and Trade Committee (STIC), Human Resources, Remuneration and Finance Committee (HRRFC) and the statutory board committee being the Audit Committee. The board committees are strategically formed to enable this board to play an effective oversight on key matters of the agency and ensure compliance with the Municipal Finance Management Act, Municipal Systems Act and the Companies Act in the main.

“This past year and half have seen some drastic changes in global economics and as a development agency mandated to facilitate socioeconomic development, this has necessitated the need to be innovative in our approach towards economic development. The global pandemic has challenged us all to rethink of our economic development initiatives.

As a district, we have developed the uMkhanyakude Economic Recovery

38

Municipal Focus

Plan in line with the KwaZulu Natal Economic Recovery Plan to respond to the challenges to the economy as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Whiles the Covid-19 pandemic has devastated and widen the economic backlogs of our district, agriculture has shown our straight. During these triumph times, as an agency we continued to support farmers of the uMkhanyakude by facilitating access to markets.

“The future of this district and its people depend on us all. As we forge ahead, the vision of this Board is what will transform this district’s economic landscape. On behalf of the Board, I would like to assure all that together, we can build a brighter and prosperous district for generations to come.”

“Five agreements with markets outside the district were signed and these agreements have been implemented. uMkhanyakude farmers have supplied produce to markets, proving that this district has the potential of being a food basket for South Africa. “uMkhanyakude District has one of the largest coast lines and a world heritage site being iSimangaliso

Wetland Park. This very district borders two countries, Kingdom of eSwatini and Mozambique. The district enjoys the N2 which is a gateway to other emerging economies and secondary towns. Over 50% of land in the district is under Ingonyama Trust. As a development agency creating strategic partnerships for maximisation of the opportunities that lay in this district is the focus of this Board. This financial year, UMDA has maintained and expanded its strategic partnerships with Amakhosi aseNdlukulu, local municipalities, sector departments, investors and stakeholders at large.

“UMDA’s vision is, To be a Reliable Economic Development Agency that facilitates Economic Development Growth and Investment in uMkhanyakude District. This vision gives us all a task to develop strategies and plans that will make UMDA an agency of choice for economic development. The spin-off of this vision will touch the lives of all involved in the economic value chain thus transform the lives of the very people we serve as a state.

“The future of this district and its people depend on us all. As we forge ahead, the vision of this Board is what will transform this district’s economic landscape. On behalf of the Board, I would like to assure all that together, we can build a brighter and prosperous district for generations to come.”

and...

Thembisile Khumalo Acting Chief Executive Officer

A

ccording to KZN COGTA district development agencies are special purpose vehicles designed as implementers of strategic economic development projects and programmes facilitating both public and private partnerships.

This year UMDA has continued with creating strategic partnerships for economic development in uMkhanyakude. Although government has been working hard to eradicate this pandemic, many sectors of society have been confronted with the accelerated decline in socio-economic conditions.

The triple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality has been exacerbated by this pandemic. Since the outbreak of the Covid 19 pandemic some sectors of the economy have been forced to shut down and many people have been left unemployed.

“In uMkhanyakude District, the COVID-19 pandemic came at a time when the district was struggling to create jobs and the unemployment rate was on the increase, while the GDP was already on the decline.

Before the pandemic, the district economy relied on agriculture and tourism as the leading economic sectors. Although the agricultural sector has been resilient after the outbreak of COVID-19, the tourism sector, which relied on international visitors, has been seriously affected by the restrictions on international travel.

“To mitigate the impact of COVID-19, the government resolved on fast tracking all infrastructure projects

to create jobs and to support the agricultural sector to sustain food security in the country. In line with government’s strategy to recover the economy from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, UMDA’s focus in the 2020/21 financial year was on infrastructure and agricultural development projects.

The two major infrastructure projects that were identified by UMDA for implementation in the 2020-2021 financial year were the Mkhuze Airport Aviation Development Project and Mkhuze Non-Aviation/Aerotropolis Development Project.

“UMDA remains committed to being a strategic partner to spearhead local economic development in uMkhanyakude District.”

“On the aviation development, UMDA was able to commence the construction of Mkhuze Airport Terminal Building with financial support from the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, and the Department of Transport. By the end of the financial year (i.e., June 2021), construction was currently sitting at 98% to completion. On the nonaviation development, all necessary documentation and processes were concluded and waiting for Council approval to lease the land for development.

“On agriculture, UMDA is assisting local farmers to access markets. In addition, the development agency has been providing transport for farmers to transport their produce to respective markets. While farmers are being supported, local SMMEs are struggling to access business support in the district. As a result, UMDA has commenced with investigations to establish a one-stop shop business support in the district.

“UMDA’s mandate is to facilitate economic growth in the district, and to execute this mandate, the development agency relies on external stakeholders for support and funding, Thus, for UMDA to continue providing services to the community of uMkhanyakude, confidence must be maintained with all stakeholders, including the family of municipalities within the district. In the 2019-2020 financial year, the entity received a qualified audit opinion and the Board of Directors together with management have been working hard to ensure an improve audit opinion for the just ended financial year. In the last financial year, UMDA’s governance structures have improved, and key positions have been filled and the better audit outcome is expected from the previous financial years.

“UMDA remains committed to being a strategic partner to spearhead local economic development in uMkhanyakude District.”

Municipal Focus

39

WESTERN CAPE SOPA

WESTERN CAPE STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS

40

Municipal Focus

Western Cape Premier: Alan Winde

W

estern Cape Premier Alan Winde has announced new departments which are meant to accelerate service delivery in the province as his administration fights the devastation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. During his 2022 State of the Province, Winde also spoke about how the province would intensify its Covid-19 response by bringing about drastic changes that will pave a path to economic recovery and job creation. “We have had nearly two years of loss caused by a global pandemic that not only took many of our loved ones away but took away our jobs and our hope too. This year, things have to change,” Winde said.

Responding to the Covid-19 pandemic He said it was time that the province addresses the economic damage caused by the Covid-19 pandemic through among others innovation and doing things differently. “The damage caused by the pandemic is significant. And the resources at our disposal to address this challenge are currently not sufficient,” said Winde. He said under the current circumstances normal is not going to close this gap. “We have, in my view, only one option. We must rethink, we must focus, and we must innovate, so that we don’t only recover, but we do better than before,” he said.

Winde said his plan sets out “to push back against going back to normal and push forward towards doing even better” to ensure that the province delivers “dignity and well-being that every person in our province deserves.”

“I want to set out why we have reached a point where we can and must change. As I have said

throughout this pandemic, we must always be evidence-led and data driven,” Winde said.

The premier said crucial data provided by the province’s Department of Health shows us that 90% of people surveyed in a study in November 2021 had protection against Covid-19, either through vaccination or through prior infection.

Dealing with the pandemic Winde said what the province was facing is what he often refers to as “pandemic number two”, which is a pandemic of joblessness and hunger.

He stated that statistics have shown that from the first quarter of 2020 to the third quarter of 2021, unemployment in the Western Cape increased by 132 000. “While we still have the lowest expanded unemployment rate in South Africa, this statistic is very worrying,” Winde said. The General Household Survey has also revealed that the percentage of households with adults present, who experience hunger due to a lack of food sometimes, often or always, increased from 11.3% in 2019 to 17% in 2020, stated Winde. He said it’s time to end the National State of Disaster Speaker as the country and the province needed to push forward as that “does require that we be brave and make bold decisions, as we have had to do throughout the pandemic.”

Challenges faced by Western Cape He said the challenges faced by the province have been compounded by the failure of national departments and entities to deliver critical services in the Western Cape Province.

Among others Winde cited the lack of police resources in the province and the mismanagement of the Passenger Rail Agency of SA which has left the rail network in the province in disarray.

“The Port of Cape Town, which should be a booming gateway to growth and jobs, is slow and inefficient and of course, Eskom’s load-shedding continues to burden our small businesses and disrupt the lives of our residents,” Winde said.

He said the time for diagnosis is over and the province needed to do something about the challenges it is facing.

“That is exactly what we did during the Covid-19 pandemic and it is this energy that I want to harness. When we were confronted with the virus and the prospect of the pain and the loss that it would inevitably bring, we didn’t complain,” he said.

New departments created Winde announced that a new department that will solely be focussed on Infrastructure and another which would focus on mobility would be new additions.Winde said since 2019, the Western Cape has spent over R19 billion on infrastructures across its departments with two departments namely Transport and Public Works and the Department of Human Settlements which will be responsible for spending R18 billion on new projects over the next three years as they have a combined total budget of R11.5 billion in the 2021/22 adjusted budget. “In the existing structure of our government, however, there is no

Municipal Focus

41

WESTERN CAPE SOPA medium-to-long term “that will significantly modernise this platform to ensure that we have a pipeline right into the future.” Winde said the projects included the Belhar, Klipfontein and Helderberg Regional Hospitals, the Tygerberg Central Hospital development and the Swartland District Hospital.

“Preparation is commencing for the Belhar and Klipfontein Regional hospitals, and detailed planning to enable a Public-Private Partnership for the Tygerberg Central Hospital development has also begun, working in collaboration with the World Bank,” Winde said. individual infrastructure department where all the programmes can be carefully considered and aligned to ensure the greatest impact,” Winde said.

The premier said in his view, this needs to change, especially if Western Cape is going to focus, innovate and do more with less.

“I have therefore, after careful consideration, decided that a new Department solely responsible for Infrastructure will be created in the Western Cape, through the merger of the Human Settlements Department, and specific components of the Transport and Public Works Department, including the Western Cape’s property portfolio and our road programmes,” Winde said.

He said the Infrastructure Department will be tasked with leading the change, working together with local governments in the Western Cape, the National Government as well as the private sector to ensure that they collectively complete quality; catalytic infrastructure projects that will help create jobs in an inclusive way.

“They will also take forward the establishment of a Schedule 3D Infrastructure Entity. As part of this change, we will create a Department responsible for Mobility, which will include our transport programmes, such as our financial support to bus and taxi services, including our Blue Dot Taxi pilot,” WInde said.

42

Municipal Focus

He said the department responsible for mobility will also focus on finding specific, innovative strategies to improve mobility in the Western Cape, especially in the greater Cape Town area, “given the very serious failings of the National rail network. “ Job creation initiatives He said the province will massively invest in job-creating infrastructure by committing the funding that is required.

“While the Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities will set out his plans to budget for this priority in more detail next month, I can today also confirm that we plan to substantially increase our infrastructure spend over the 2022 Medium Term Expenditure Framework,” Winde said.

He said the province will become a construction site with cranes, excavators and road-graders all across the Western Cape.

“One area that we intend to focus on is on health infrastructure because a well-run, modern healthcare system will ensure that our people live a longer and healthier life,” Winde said.

Health and education infrastructure projects He announced that the province was planning five mega health infrastructure projects over the

He also announced that the province will also invest in education infrastructure with the construction of new schools in the Western Cape with some about to be completed already.

“The new Delft North Primary School has been completed and the Moorreesburg High School project is planned for completion by the end of the 2022/23 financial year,” Winde said.

He also mentioned that replacement schools of Chatsworth Primary School in the West Coast, Panorama Primary School in Vredenburg and Umyezo Wama Apile Primary School in Grabouw are already under construction.

Attracting investment Winde also announced moves that are aimed at attracting investment through the development of economic infrastructure.

“If we are to attract investment and enable the private sector to create jobs, we need to invest in assets that facilitate economic growth. This includes quality roads that enable our goods to be transported and sold at home and abroad,” Winde said.

He said over the next financial year the province will be launching three new road upgrade projects. “This is in addition to 91 road projects currently in progress in various phases, worth approximately R3 billion,” Winde said.

He also mentioned The Atlantis Special

Economic Zone (SEZ) which was recently gazetted by National Treasury as a Schedule 3D public enterprise which “has now completed the last milestone required to become fully operational.”

“This approval now enables the SEZ to transact with investors, tenants and partners towards creating jobs, increasing business revenue and stimulating the Western Cape economy,” he said.

Winde said the project has to date secured over R790 million in investments, with two investors expanding in this financial year, creating over 400 jobs.

“This year, we plan to secure an additional three investors for the SEZ. We are also aggressively recruiting investment for the Saldanha Bay IDZ. Despite numerous challenges, the IDZ helped create 2000 jobs this financial year,” Winde said.

Housing projects Winde also mentioned numerous social housing projects which are currently under construction including the Conradie Park development, and the Belhar CBD development, in partnership with the University of the Western Cape.

“We will soon be adding another social housing development to this mix through the Founders Garden Artscape Precinct development, which is smack-middle in the Cape Town CBD. To get this project off the ground, we have so far determined the project feasibility on a financial, legal and technical level, which are critical first steps. We have also designed the development procurement documentation that includes a Request for Proposal and a draft Sale & Development Agreement,” Winde said.

in the Cape Town CBD, at the former Robbie Nurock Clinic, which will provide support to an additional 120 homeless adults. This is in addition to increasing the number of homeless shelter beds to 2500

by March this year.

“We will also provide funding for the operation of a new safe space in Drakenstein, in partnership with the municipality. And we have ensured that funded shelters provide psychosocial support and reunification services,” Winde said.

Supporting the vulnerable Winde also announced efforts to support the vulnerable in the province which include a new homeless shelter

Winde said his administration will be trying out new ideas and if they fail, they will provide important lessons and empower the province to be able to try again. “We will keep on finding new ways to be the government that the people of the Western Cape deserve, so you can live a long and happy life,” he concluded.

For further information Call: 0860 142 142 (8am to 8pm) SMS: Send HELP to 079 769 1207 (standard rates) Visit: 9 Wale Street, Cape Town Email: service@westerncape.gov.za

Municipal Focus

43

TEDA

The City of Tshwane is a favoured location for multinational companies investing in South Africa. It has been the destination of choice for a majority of investments in the automotive and components sector, with 5 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and over 200 Tier 1, 2 and 3 suppliers based in the City.

INVEST IN TSHWANE

S

outh Africa’s Capital City, the City of Tshwane, is situated in the province of Gauteng, the economic centre of South Africa. As the seat of government, Tshwane is the country’s administrative hub and houses 134 embassies, 30 international organisations making it second only to Washington DC in terms of the concentration of the diplomatic and foreign missions. It is also home to over 30 Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed companies as well as various multinational companies.

The city is home to four universities and various research institutes and its

44

Municipal Focus

knowledge and information industry is well-developed. Tshwane has a high literacy rate, a large concentration of financial and business services in the region, support of educational institutions and communication infrastructure, including broadband capacity.

With many tourist attractions and business facilities, The City is a popular destination for travellers with a rich history of offerings that include the Dinokeng Nature Reserve, Groenkloof Nature Reserve, Freedom Park, Union Buildings and the Voortrekker Monument.

Why Invest in Tshwane Favoured Destination for Multinationals The City of Tshwane is a favoured location for multinational companies investing in South Africa. It has been the destination of choice for a majority of investments in the automotive and components sector, with 5 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and over 200 Tier 1, 2 and 3 suppliers based in the City. Tshwane is also the manufacturing base for over 90% of the South African aerospace and defence sectors.

• Well Developed Infrastructure • Proximity to Markets • Reserarch and Development Capital • Attractive Investment incentives • Diplomatic Capital • Well Developed Legal System • High Quality Of Living Sectors Primary Sectors - Automotives and components - Agriculture and Agro-Processing - Green Economy Secondary Sectors - Aerospace and Defense

-

Business Process Outsourcing and Offshoring Mining and Beneficiation

Investment Opportunities Tshwane (Pyramid South) Freight Rail Terminal and Logistics Hub TEDA is facilitating a planned development of an intermodal freight terminal with rail and road facilities.

The terminal will have rail yard, container stacking yard, warehouses, light industrial site, offices, gate operations and high security perimeter fence with 24/7 CCTV. It will operate 24/7 and 365 days per year. The trains will be operated by Transnet Freight

Rail and the Intermodal Freight location is in northern Tshwane linked to the current TFR’s Pyramid South Rail facilities including National Rail Network servicing SADC. Its proximity to junction of N1 and N4 and a direct road link to Wonderboom Airport makes it an ideal inland port.

Impact • • •

Inland Port with biggest capacity in SADC -> 500 000 TEUs Only Black owned facility in the Country Catalyst (social & economic enabler for National, Gauteng Provincial, Tshwane growth)

Municipal Focus

45

TEDA

•

•

•

Lower the cost of doing business by introducing efficiency in transportation logistics Job creation – estimate 1000 during construction and 500 - 2000 post construction Mzansi Rail Technologies (MRT), is set to start with the construction of Tshwane Intermodal Freight Terminal (TFT Logistics Hub) at Pyramid South, Pretoria North, South Africa. Since the Project announcement by the Tshwane Economic Development Agency (TEDA), a wholly owned agency of the City of Tshwane in 2018, MRT has now completed the feasibility study and obtained the environmental authorization to proceed to the next phase of the project development.

The TFT Logistics Hub promoters are inviting potential investors, freight logistics providers and retailers to consider taking an early market position in a modern, efficient, and economic infrastructure.

The promoters are also calling on potential users to express interest by contacting them directly, for further investment opportunities.

Mzansi Rail Technologies are the promoters and developers of the Pyramid South Intermodal Freight Terminal (TFT Logistics Hub). Founded in 2012, and with over 25 years of industry and strategic expertise.

The Project will impact positively to the Gauteng economy and of City of Tshwane.

46

Municipal Focus

Research and Development Capital

•

Tshwane has a high concentration of academic, medical, social science, technology and scientific institutions which produces 90% of medical, science and technology research in the country and 60% of the country’s overall research output.

• •

Business Incentives The country offers a range of sector specific investment incentives aimed at reducing cost of investing into the City and country. Some of the relevant incentive schemes for the potential investor to Tshwane are tabulated below: • •

Automotive Investment Scheme.

Agro-Processing Supporting Scheme(APS)

• •

12I Tax Allowance Incentives (121 TAI) Global Business Services Critical Infrastructure Programme(CIP) Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme(MCEP) Loan Facility Black Industrialist Scheme

Catalytic Projects • • • • • • • •

Rosslyn Hub Tshwane BPO Park East Capital Eco One Centurion Aerospace Village Hazeldean Development Rainbow Junction Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone

Board Members

Industrial Parks The City boasts the following Industrial Parks among others:

181 Industrial Hermanstad • Automotive Supplier Park • Babelegi

Gugu Pride Malaza Board Chairperson

Industrial Park • Centurion Aerospace Village • CSIR Scientia Campus• Ekandustria 3 • Ga-Rankuwa Industrial • Gateway Industrial Park • Hennopspark Industrial • Highway Business Park • Innovation Hub • Kirkney - ZAND PARK • Koedoespoort • Kuper Legh Industrial Park • Louwlardia Logistics Park • Mabopane Industrial • Montana Park Industrial • N4 Gateway Industrial Park • Persequor Technopark • Pretoria Industrial Park • Pretoria West Industrial Area • Platinum Industrial Park • Rosslyn Industrial Area, Roseville Industrial Park • Route 21 Corporate Park • SAMCOR • Samrand Business Park • Scientia Techno Park • Sildale Industrial Park • Silver Park • Silverton Business Park • Soshanguve Industrial • Sunderland Ridge • Tannery Industrial Park,Waltloo Industrial Area • Willow Park Industrial • Wonderboom Airport Industrial • Samrand Business Park • Scientia Techno Park, Sildale Industrial Park, Silver Park, Silverton Business Park • Soshanguve Industrial • Sunderland Ridge • Tannery Industrial Park • Waltloo Industrial Area, Willow Park Industrial • Wonderboom Airport Industrial

Thokozani Thwala Board Member

Khuliso Kennedy Maimela Board Member

Jan Mocke Board Member

Anjue Hirachund Board Member

For further information on investments please contact us on: 012 258 6552 or visit www.teda.org.za

Municipal Focus

47

OR TAMBO SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP

The OR Tambo School of Leadership comprises of a number of programs under its umbrella and each of them has elements or background of political education fused with in-depth intellectual discussions.

48

Municipal Focus

OR TAMBO SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP BUILDING AGENTS OF CHANGE

T

he OR Tambo School of Leadership is a political education institution established by the African National Congress (ANC). The name of the School was inspired by the former president of the ANC Oliver Reginald Tambo for his great leadership and the contribution he made to the liberation of South Africa. The School opened its doors and began to operate in April 2019 under the leadership of the Principal and the Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr David Masondo, and it has since been gaining momentum.

What Offerings does the School Have?

The OR Tambo School of Leadership comprises of a number of programs under its umbrella and each of them has elements or background of political education fused with in-depth intellectual discussions. Programs offered by the school are: Prerequisite Courses, Strategic Courses, Book Club, Umrabulo Journals, Umrabulo Dialogues and as of recently we rolled out the induction training to local government councillors of the African National Congress. All activities mentioned above are accessible through our website on: https://www.ortamboschool.org.za/.

1. Prerequisite Courses The prerequisite courses are online entry level or introductory political education courses comprising of:

• • • •

History of South Africa and the ANC Building the ANC Organization Government Economic Development

All four courses are online and they need to be completed in a sequence.

They are open to all members of the public whether they are ANC members or not. Registration and enrollment of the prerequisite course are located on our website and any persons interested in participating can go to: https://www.ortamboschool.org.za/ prerequisite-courses/

• • • •

Introduction to Basic Economics, Development and Economics for South Africa Africa in the Global Economy Gender Relations and Women’s Emancipation, to mention a few

The courses assist participants to supplement or broaden their understanding of political education and registration is possible through visiting our website on: https://www. ortamboschool.org.za/strategiccourses/ 3. Book Club

2. Strategic Courses The strategic courses are advanced or additional courses including thirteen modules which can only be undertaken once the prerequisite courses have been finalised.

The modules include

The Book Club is part of the School’s political education massification project and it entails quarterly facilitated sessions where a selected book or writing of the quarter is reviewed and discussed. To become a book club member participants are

Municipal Focus

49

OR TAMBO SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP required to register on:https://www. ortamboschool.org.za/book-clubregistration/ All members of the public are welcome to register and participate in the book club reviews.

4. Umrabulo Journal Umrabulo Journals are political education publications of the African National Congress. They are intended to share information that is educational as well as lay a basis for debate.

The Journals are a combination of articles that are linked to a chosen theme and released on a quarterly basis on our website and the School’s social media pages.

5. Umrabulo Dialogues Umrabulo is a political education programme of the ANC that include lectures, talks and discussions.

The dialogues were previously hosted in a physical setting but due to COVID 19 regulations they are now hosted virtually. Umrabulo offerings are the foundation for further reflection, discussion and debate.

Participants of the dialogues comprise of the progressive and democratic movements as well as the general public.

6. ANC Councillor Induction Program As of the 3rd of December 2021, the OR Tambo School of Leadership

OR Tambo School of Leadership Principal: David Masondo

commenced on a rollout of the councilor induction program to ANC deployees. The programme focused on the delivery of key elements contained in the ANC’s manifesto. Meaning emphases is on improving service delivery, accountability and public participation. The programme has been rolled on a weekly basis from the 3rd of December 2021 and currently ongoing, the induction is rolled out across all 9 provinces in the country.

Areas covered during the induction workshop include: • •

•

What are the development challenges facing South Africa.

What are ANC’s goals, strategies, policies and manifesto as it relates to local government.

Role and expectations from ANC councillors regarding elements such as service delivery, accountability and decision-making.

For councillors to qualify to be part of the induction programme, they must have completed the School’s Prerequisite Courses.

After this workshop there will be additional offerings targeted such as political communication, at local government councillors to enhance and strengthen the knowledge and role in their local communities.

7. Other Programmes of the OR Tambo School of Leadership In addition to the core programmes already mentioned the OR Tambo School of Leadership has other projects in the pipeline to assist in improving the quality of our content and to further enhance and close gaps were necessary.

All relevant information will be communicated through our website and all social media pages in due course.

SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES Facebook: www.facebook.com/RTamboSchool/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ORTamboSchool Instagram: www.instagram.com/ ortamboschoolofleadership Website: https://www.ortamboschool.org.za/ Board Members

50

Municipal Focus

Worried about ransomware? (you should be)

47%

of South African organisations suffered a ransomware attack in the last year.

Prevent ransomware, maintain productivity and eliminate data loss with Mimecast’s advanced ransomware protection solution.

Read more: info.mimecast.com/ransomware-kit

FREE STATE DSACR

FREE STATE DSACR CREATING AN ACTIVE AND WINNING NATION THROUGH SPORTS ARTS AND CULTURE was posthumously awarded with the Order of Ikhamanga Award by the State President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, for his outstanding literary work.

Dr. KPD Maphalla

1. FREE STATE DSACR CELEBRATES DR KPD MAPHALLA On 25 February 2022 the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation (DSACR) honoured and celebrated the late Dr Khotso Pieter David Maphalla (popularly known as KPD) who departed on 05 April 2021 at the age of 66. Following his departure, the late Dr KPD Maphalla

Due to the advent of COVID-19 lockdown regulations, the Free State Province had not had an opportunity to celebrate this milestone achieved by its son of the soil. DSACR did, however, decide to host an event in celebration of this late icon on 25 February 2022, a day on which he would have celebrated his birthday.

Born in the Free State in 1955, Dr KPD Maphalla was a renowned and prolific writer in the Sesotho language.

Unequalled in Sesotho literature, he has authored more than 70 literary books. His works, which span across all genres, have been prescribed for use in schools and tertiary institutions and have also been the subject of research by Masters and PhD students at universities.

During his lifetime Dr KPD Maphalla received numerous accolades including an honorary doctorate from the University of the Free State.

From winning the Orator of the Year award as a student at Tshiya College of Education in 1976, he went on to amass a string of awards which included Radio Sesotho Astera, Thomas Mofolo Floating Trophy and recognition from a number of publishing houses.

2. FREE STATE DSACR REPRESENTED AT LIBRARIES MARKETING & ADVOCACY INDABA On 24 February 2022, the National Library of South Africa (NLSA) – an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture – convened a Libraries Marketing & Advocacy Indaba in Cape Town where all provincial heads of library services from all nine provinces of South Africa met together with government communication officers to strategize about ways to improve the visibility of libraries in the country.

This three day event was convened under the theme: “Enhancing Library Visibility in Pursuit of the Promotion of Access to Information Resources”.

The Indaba also noted that this year has been declared by UNESCO as “The Year of the Beginning of the Decade for Indigenous Languages.”

Speakers included academics, librarians and government communicators such as Dr Buhle Mbambo Thatha from the National University of Lesotho, Mr Hayford Siaw from Ghana Library Authority, Mr Danny Legodi from the National Heritage Council, Mr Mandla Ntombela

52

Municipal Focus

from the South African Library for the Blind as well as Mr Mandla Mona from the Centre for the Book at NLSA, just to mention a few. These speakers highlighted challenges that libraries face especially during the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and amidst the digital age that the world finds itself in. They also shared knowledge about opportunities that exist for libraries in various communities.

South Africa continues to be plagued by low rates of a population that reads.

Research estimates that only 14% of South Africans read books and only 5% read to their children.

The FS DSACR was represented by the Acting Director for Library Services Mme Rasby Ramugondo, Assistant Director for Development Services Mme Henna Adendorff, as well as Mr Fezile Sonkwane the Assistant Director for Internal Communication and Speech Writing. DSACR was also afforded an opportunity to present challenges, achievements and opportunities that exist within library services in the province.

In celebration of WRAD, the NLSA and FS DSACR donated reading material to Tharollo Combined School in QwaQwa. Reading books in their mother tongues, studies confirm, fosters a love for reading at a young age. It is against this backdrop that the NLSA and FS DSACR observed WRAD; a day that celebrates the reading aloud and storytelling at Tharollo Combined School in QwaQwa from 10H00 to 14H00.

Activities on the day included: Book donation, Reading out aloud, Poetry, Impromptu reading, Storytelling, Preschool rhymes and Motivational talks.

4. FS PROUDLY HOST NATIONAL SPORTS CHAMPIONSHIPS The Free State Province was the proud host of the 2022 National School Sport Championships that took place in Bloemfontein from 03-06 February.

All athletes who participated in these championships were provincial champions in their own right and

were selected through a process that kick-started at school sport competition level, proceeding to local, district and provincial competitions.

Provinces sent their best athletes to this year’s National School Sport Championships as representatives across various sport codes.

Speaking at the closing ceremony the Free State MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation,

3. WORLD READ ALOUD DAY HOSTED IN QWAQWA The FS DSACR in partnership with the National Library of South Africa (NLSA) celebrated World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) on 02 February 2022 in QwaQwa. This initiative was aimed at promoting reading for pleasure and improving literacy levels, as various research suggests that South Africa has low literacy levels and hence poses a threat to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Municipal Focus

53

FREE STATE DSACR Mme Limakatso Mahasa, stated that, “Gathered here are young athletes who have reaffirmed our country as a country of champions and an active nation. We are proud and confident that this contingent of young sports men and women will one day represent our country at a global level with distinction. These athletes and champions are the cream of the crop and have been nurtured here in our country. They are the hope that the future of sport is looking bright for our provinces and the country.”

MEC Mahasa went further to lament that, “We need more young people to be actively involved in sport, especially at school level, and seated here are good examples of what sport can do to enhance social cohesion and combat delinquent practices such as crime in our communities. Sport, Recreation and Education are important vehicles for building a transformed, nonracial, non-sexist society, united in its diversity. These are also essential in the promotion of national reconciliation, social cohesion and national identity.”

The MEC said that school sport provides a platform for all learners, skilled or unskilled, with an opportunity to develop their potential at a very early age. He said the DSACR believes that School Sport is the bedrock of our entire sport development continuum and it sets a foundation from which some of the great sports persons can develop their potential. He said sport is an important medium that, if pursued in the spirit in which it is intended, has the capacity for instilling in our youth the morals and values that we would like to see in all aspects of their lives. He stated that sport has an important role to play in the moral regeneration process that we are embarking upon.

5. FS DSACR HOST SENIOR CITIZENS GAMES The Free State DSACR in collaboration with the Office of the Premier, Provincial Senior Citizens Committee, Lejweleputswa District Municipality,

54

Municipal Focus

as well as the Tswelopele Local Municipality, hosted the 2022 edition of the Senior Citizens Games on 23 February 2022.

These Games were aimed at reactivating Senior Citizens after the sector was affected by the COVID-19 global health pandemic, when many of our Senior Citizens were at a high-risk of contracting the virus due to a number of comorbidities.

Participants will take part in the following sport codes: • • • • • • • • •

Ball pass & kick Duck walk Ball relay Ring the stick Rugby ball throw Dress up Jukskei Goal shooting Passing the ball

Commenting on this programme, the MEC stated that, “In building an active and winning nation, the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation will spare no effort in ensuring that our senior citizens are part of this ideal.

We seek to build a society wherein sport and recreation are part of every citizen’s lifestyle and contribute towards good health for all. This programme is a platform where our senior citizens get to keep themselves active and take care of their health.”

CONTACT DETAILS Postal: Private Bag X20606, Bloemfontein, 9300 Physical: HOD: Building, Sport & Recreation Grounds, Free State Psychiatric Complex Tel: 051 407 3520/22 Fax: 051 407 3541 Web: www.sacr.fs.gov.za

Y O U R

F U N D ,

Y O U R

S A V I N G S ,

Y O U R

R E F U T U

NJMPF IS ONE OF SOUTH AFRICA’S MOST AWARDED RETIREMENT FUNDS. NJMPF has proven to be an anchor in uncertain storms and has continued to provide superior retirement services for over 8 decades!

Te l : 0 8 6 1 0 6 5 6 7 3

|

It has a record of over a decade of Clean Audits from the Auditor General - it is no wonder that it is the Fund of choice for municipal workers in KZN.

Email: info@njmpf.co.za

|

We b s i t e : w w w. n j m p f. c o. z a

NW DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

“I am proud to reflect on the progress made to date with regard to promotion of access to healthcare, capacity building, as well as efforts and resources deployed to wage war against the Covid-19 pandemic,” said the MEC.

56

Municipal Focus

MEC MADODA SAMBATHA REFLECTS

ON HEALTH PORTFOLIO WORK IN THE NORTH WEST PROVINCE

T

he MEC for Health in the North West Province, Mr Madoda Sambatha, reflected on his work as a political head for the provincial department during the 2021/2022 budget vote. MEC Sambatha outlined a comprehensive plan to get the North West Department of Health on a path to render effective and efficient healthcare services amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Provincial Department is not spared from the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and the devastating impacts of it characterized by diminishing resources. Despite these challenges, the Department committed to continue to improve accessibility to good quality healthcare to all in the North West Province with the budget allocation for the 2021/22 financial year of R14.1 billion which included the R562 million Covid-19 funding.

“I am proud to reflect on the progress made to date with regard to promotion of access to healthcare, capacity building, as well as efforts and resources deployed to wage war against the Covid-19 pandemic,” said the MEC. The Department unveiled an ambitious blueprint to deal with issues of health infrastructure development, care and maintenance of facilities, as well as opening new facilities for our communities in our deep rural areas. A new state-of-the art clinic was officially opened in Mmakaunyane, Moretele Local Municipality in Bojanala District on 10 November 2021 and the Jouberton Community Health Centre started to add to quality healthcare for communities in Jouberton, City of Matlosana

MEC for Health in the North West Province, Mr Madoda Sambatha

Municipality in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District on 12 May 2021 in a phase-in approach.

The construction of Rapulana Clinic in Lotlhakane village, Mahikeng Local Municipality in Ngaka Modiri Molema District is well underway and should be completed on schedule.

Other capital projects are at various stages of implementation and the Department hopes to make pronouncements soon. “In our efforts to continue to improve our facilities and install high-tech equipment to afford our people quality healthcare service, 4 optical laboratories were launched across four districts (Bojanala, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Kenneth Kaunda); located at Mahikeng Provincial Hospital (Mahikeng), Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital (Vryburg), Klerksdorp Hospital

Municipal Focus

57

NW DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

(Klerksdorp) and Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital (Rustenburg). These optical laboratories well ensure proper eye-care services and accelerate production of prescription glasses in a quick and efficient manner for our poor communities,” said the MEC. The above mentioned efforts will augment the capacity of the provincial hospitals that currently hosted marathon operations to restore sight for some members of the communities. In a joint effort Joe Morolong Memorial Hospital and Mahikeng Provincial Hospital conducted eye operations, where 38 patients underwent successful restoration of sight in one weekend.

To respond effectively to medical emergencies, the Department has

added 20 new ambulances to its fleet which are fully operational across the Province with the allocation as in the following Districts: Ngaka Modiri Molema (9 ambulances), Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati (6 ambulances) Bojanala (3 ambulances) and Dr Kenneth Kaunda (2 ambulances).

To fill the gap cause by the braindrain of medical professionals in the Province, the Department of Health in the 2021/22 financial year managed to recruit 188 community service doctors and 89 community service nurses in its efforts to ensure proper healthcare services are rendered to our communities. These appointments are supported by an additional 351 posts filled for the period under review, which includes, the new Head of Department, Mr Obakeng Mongale

who assumed his duties on 01 April 2021 to stabilise the departmental administration.

The Department of Health spared no effort in its bitter battle with the Covid-19 pandemic. The North West Province implemented its vaccination campaign on 17 February 2021 and to date, just over 1.9 million doses have been administered against the provincial target of 2.7 million people.

The MEC led a strong vaccination drive to ensure access to vaccine and various stakeholders were roped in to assist in this mammoth task. Traditional leaders, Churches and Traditional Health Practitioners were enlisted to convey messages to various corners of the Province and to mobilize communities to rally behind the call to register to vaccinate against the Covid-19 virus.

As the MEC for Health in North West, Mr Madoda Sambatha said he is proud of all the strides the Department has made so far in ensuring healthy living for all. He said that the work of the Department is far from done but, “I take solace from our late statesman, Tata Nelson Mandela, who once said: ‘After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.’

Contact Details Cnr 1st Street & Sekame Road, Mahikeng, 2745 Tel: 018 391 4000 / 18 391 4001 Web: www.health.nwpg.gov.za/doh

58

Municipal Focus

Over 75 Years of dedication to Local Industry!

A thriving manufacturing industry creates jobs and business opportunities, enables skills development and improves our competitiveness in global markets. A first step is procuring locally manufactured goods, this has obvious benefits for national competitiveness and economic growth.

SABS’ mandate is to provide standardisation, voluntary conformity assessment, and local content verification services to enable the achievement of the country's industrial, economic, and developmental objectives. Local content verification in terms of the implementation guidelines of the recently published Mining Charter as well as fulfill the verification requirements of designated products and sectors for local procurement in line with the amended regulations to the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA). Start your Local Content Verification by scanning our QR Code below or Contact us!

Certify your Municipality for SANS 18091:2020 Quality Management Systems (QMS) Guidelines for the application of ISO 9001 in local government SANS/ISO 18091 is applicable to all local government processes at all levels (i.e. strategical, tactical-managerial and operational) in order to constitute a comprehensive quality management system that focuses on the local government achieving its objectives. The comprehensive character of this system is essential to ensure that all the areas of the local government have a specified level of reliability (i.e. effectiveness of the processes).

GET STANDARD

ONLINE

SABS_MunicipalFocus_03/2022

SABS provides services to assist the implementation of best practice solutions • • • • • •

More than 7000 South African National Standards Laboratory Testing Services for a diverse range of Products Certification of Companies to Management System Standards Certification of Products and the Application of the SABS Mark Scheme Training of Management and Employees on Implementations of SANS Local Content Verification for South African manufacturing industry

SABS a Trusted Partner in Delivering Quality Assurance.

Contact SABS to establish support for your Standardisation, Testing, Training and Certification Aspirations.

FIND INFO LCV

ONLINE

MARISWE

MARISWE APPOINTED TRANSACTION ADVISOR FOR CITY OF uMHLATHUZE WASTEWATER REUSE PPP PROJECT

T

he City of uMhlathuze is a key economic hub in KwaZuluNatal with a population of about 400 000. Incorporating Richards Bay and Empangeni among others, it is home to numerous large heavy industries and the Port of Richards Bay which has been identified as “one of the world’s leading bulk ports, handling approximately 60% of South Africa’s seaborne cargo.”

The project infrastructure will include wastewater collection pipelines, a regional treatment plant and distribution pipelines, and associated pumpstations.

Recognising the importance of water security, the City of uMhlathuze has prioritised the treatment and reuse of wastewater which is readily available in large volumes. In collaboration with National Treasury, a decision was made to conduct a feasibility study and appoint a Transaction Advisor to procure a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Agreement, should this be selected as a viable solution. Mariswe was appointed to head a consortium which concluded the feasibility study In May 2019 and the procurement of a PPP Agreement was subsequently approved.

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) is managing the components relating to site readiness and enablement such as environmental studies, surveys and other required investigations.

“Mariswe has continued its association with the project as the Transaction Advisor for the procurement of the PPP Agreement,” reports Mariswe Project Manager Annalize Visser.

Significant relief “In essence the project entails the collection and treatment of domestic and industrial wastewater from the Richards Bay and Empangeni areas and distribution of the reuse water to industrial off-takers in and around Richards Bay. The plant capacity envisaged is 75 Mℓ/d, which will provide significant relief to the City of uMhlathuze and its industrial users, particularly during drought periods which appear to occur on a five-year cycle,” she explains.

60

Municipal Focus

Mariswe has appointed three subconsultants - Rudkor Consulting as financial specialist, Ledwaba Mazwai as legal specialist and Turner & Townsend as PPP specialist. Mariswe is the project manager and technical specialist.

“Besides reducing pollution into the sea, this wastewater re-use project is strategic in providing water security to industry during severe drought.”

The first stage of the procurement process involves issuing a Request for Qualification to the market, which will enable the City of uMhlathuze to shortlist suitably qualified and experienced bidders.

In turn the shortlisted bidders will submit their proposals. Discussions with potential off-takers have commenced and will be concluded before the Request for Proposals is issued to the bidders.

Once the Request for Qualification has been issued to the market, it is estimated that the procurement process will be concluded within 30 months.The project is funded by the City of uMhlathuze, the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA), and National Treasury.

Regional Head KwaZulu-Natal - Zwe Msomi

More investment “Besides reducing pollution into the sea, this wastewater re-use project is strategic in providing water security to industry during severe drought,” explains Zwe Msomi, KwaZulu-Natal Regional Head at Mariswe. “The five-year drought cycle recently experienced in KwaZulu-Natal was a clear indication of how vulnerable the Province is in terms of water to sustain its economic activities. This project will alleviate the severe impact of water restrictions on big industries in Richards Bay.” Msomi adds that the project will also make 75ML available to the municipality for its development plans, which in turn will attract more investment to the region. “The project will create a major boost to the Richards Bay economy during construction and create more jobs during the PPP concession period as many downstream activities will arise from the project value chain.

We therefore urge local industry and affected stakeholders to support this initiative as a contribution by the municipality to enhance the quality of life of its citizens.”

50 Years of Making Life Simpler

Mariswe engineers the infrastructure that provides the foundation for life. More than that, it is our pledge and passion to provide relevant solutions that improve the lives of the people in our communities.

In 2022 we mark 50 years of service to infrastructure development in South Africa.

Municipal Focus

61

LIMPOPO SOPA

LIMPOPO STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND JOB CREATION

T

he central theme of Limpopo Premier Chupu Mathabatha’s State of the Province was about economic recovery and the creation of much-needed jobs in the province.

Mathabatha said to achieve the aspired economic growth levels and to support job creation initiatives, fight poverty and inequality his province Limpopo needs to promote growth– enhancing plans.

“There is a need to position Limpopo Province as an investment destination of choice for both domestic and foreign investors,” said Mathabatha.

High unemployment rate that will go a long way in helping to industrialize the province and thus creating the much-needed jobs for the people,” Mathabatha said.

Mine operations would be rolling underground mining infrastructure in Sekhukhune with an investment value of R1.2 billion.

At 49.9%, Limpopo has the third highest expanded unemployment rate after the provinces of the Eastern Cape (53%) and the Northern Cape (50.3%).

Amongst other investments projects that Mathabatha highlighted included the Masingita Group which has pledged R5.46 billion for the construction of the Nkuna Smart City in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality.

“The project is anticipated to create 350 construction jobs and 600 permanent jobs during full production,” he said.

To reverse the economic damage caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Mathabatha said the total investment and intervention by their economic recovery plan is projected at around R170 billion and will create 48 000 jobs in the next five to ten years.

Mathabatha announced that the construction of the Phase 1 of the Nkuna Smart City has already commenced and it is anticipated to create 585 construction jobs and 325 permanent jobs.

According to the Stats SA’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the period between 1 April 2021 and 30 June 2021, one out of every two people in the Limpopo labour force was unemployed.

“In addition, the implementation of the Limpopo Industrial Master Plan has also received R208 billion in investment pledges from the Limpopo Investment Conference and

62

Municipal Focus

Mining sector job opportunities In reducing high unemployment levels and grow provincial economy, Mathabatha said the Sefateng Chrome

“I am also happy to report that Ivanhoe Mines is also living up to its investment commitments. To date, the company has already spent R7 billion of the R9 billion commitments on mining infrastructure in the Waterberg Region,” he said.

Mathabatha said the remaining R2 billion will be spent in the current calendar year.

“So far, the investment has created 778 jobs, and this figure is expected to rise to 1000 jobs by December 2022,” said Mathabatha.

Mathabatha further said an investment commitment of R48 billion from Anglo American & De Beers will see R3,9 billion spent on the Mototolo Mine in Sekhukhune, in the first quarter of 2022.

The project has extended the life of the mine, thus helping to sustain the existing jobs, he said.

Tourism sector projects Tourism in Limpopo contributes significantly to the national and provincial economies of South Africa, with more than 5% to Limpopo’s economy and 3% to the national economy, Mathabatha said.

The Premier also shed a light about two hospitality projects that will boost provincial tourism sector and create permanent jobs for the people of the province.

“With an investment value of R250 million, the construction of Amazin Hotel in Capricorn Region is expected to commence in September 2022.

The project will create a good number of jobs both during and post construction,” he said.

commitments has been spent with the pack-house expected to be fully operational around April/May. Mathabatha said the project is expected to create 250 jobs when fully operational.

Special Economic Zones

Mathabathat also indicated that Shekinah Lion & Game Lodge had already spent R47 million of the R60 million commitment for a hospitality project in the Waterberg Region.

“The facility will create permanent jobs through hospitality services,” said Mathabatha.

Mathabatha also announced that farming enterprise and world leader in tomato production ZZ2 had pledged R128 million for the construction of a pack-house in the Mopani Region.

A total value of the R128 million

The Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (SEZ) will be officially launched in 2022/23 financial year. Mathabatha announced that such Special Economic Zones are designed to increase trade balance, employment, increase investment, job creation and effective administration.

Mathabatha said his administration has put aside R600 million towards infrastructure roll-out in Musina town.

“Government is well on track in turning the Musina-Makhado Corridor into a melting-pot of industrial activity. The manufacturing, agro-processing and

Municipal Focus

63

LIMPOPO SOPA logistics hubs of the project are finally taking off the ground, In keeping with the global policy shift on energy generation and the commitment to sustain development, SEZ has embraced the net-zero carbon emission goal by introducing green solar power,” Mathabatha said.

Mathabatha also announced that progress towards designing the Fetakgomo -Tubatse SEZ is at an advanced with about 21 companies that seek to invest around R45 billion and create over 8 000 jobs already showing interest.

Focus on education Mathabatha announced that he will be convening a provincial education Lekgotla in March 2022 to help find long-lasting solutions to education challenges.

He said the Lekgotla will focus on holding accountability sessions with districts and circuit managers on performance of their respective districts and circuits and come up with intervention strategies to improve learner performance across the system.

Among others the Lekgotla will also focus on issues around holding principals accountable for underperformance in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Mathabatha said they are have completed sanitation infrastructure at 135 schools across the province and construction of similar infrastructure is still underway at about 27 more schools.

“Government also re-advertised for the construction of additional 47 new school sanitation infrastructure for 2022/23. The school sanitation projects are being implemented with a budget of R455 million, ”said Mathabatha.

He said the partnership between Government and Mvula Trust is implementing sanitation projects at around 203 more schools across the province and the project is

64

Municipal Focus

implemented at a value of R162 million.

are offering Covid-19 vaccination on daily basis,” he said.

New hospital and fighting Covid-19

Road projects

Mathabatha announced that the Polokwane Local Municipality has donated a piece of land for the construction of an academic hospital.

Mathabatha said quality road infrastructure is an important enabler for growth and development and one of the government priorities is building new roads and maintaining the existing road infrastructure.

“The hospital will have 488 beds and already over a R4 billion budget has been put aside for the construction.

I am in the process of interacting with the national government to expedite the implementation of the project,’ said Mathabatha.

Mathabatha said there was no doubt that Covid-19 has presented itself as the biggest public health threat and defeating Covid-19 is therefore a task at the apex of government priority list.

“Limpopo has done fairly well when it comes to the assignment of rolling out life-saving Covid-19 vaccines.

The province has managed to administer 2,9 million Covid-19 doses and this represents adult first dose coverage of 52%,” said Mathabatha.

Further said the more pleasing news is that 68% of the population from the age of 60 and above are fully vaccinated.

“The province have expanded the vaccination program to the Primary Healthcare Centres and have 200 Primary Healthcare Centres which

He said through the Road Agency Limpopo government continue to build quality roads that makes lives of the communities better whilst raising admiration from the rest of the country.

Mathabatha also shed light about progress on the following road infrastructure projects: The rehabilitation of 11km on road D1589 from Ga-Kgobokanang to Ga-Makgato and De-Vrede in the Capricorn District is at 98% while the rehabilitation of 7.3km on road D2537 road in Penge in the Sekhukhune district; is at 51% complete.

The rehabilitation of 5km on road D4150 in Praktiseer in the Sekhukhune district is at 65% with the rehabilitation of 9km on road D11 from Ga-Mamaila Kolobetona connecting the R81 in the Mopani District is standing at 58%.

He also announced that during the 2022/2023 Financial Year and

the 2023/2024 financial years, his administration will commence with construction work on about a dozen of new road infrastructure projects across the province.

Food security Mathabatha said government will embark on programme of the revitalization of irrigation schemes, as part of an effort aimed to increase agricultural production and improve food security.

He said work was already underway with positive results already recorded.

Mathabatha said the Mogalatšane Irrigation Scheme has now planted over 80 hectares of cotton and 30 hectares of dry beans in 2020/21 planting season. The 2020/21 production season created 50 seasonal jobs.

Youth and 4IR Mathabatha says the province will have digital hub centres in Seshego and Nkowankowa which will serve as a training centres for community members, provide access

to information and communication technology (ICT) facilities.

The Premier said the centres will enable incubation mainly for young entrepreneurs operating in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

“Central to the objectives of digital hub initiatives is to provide the youth and the unemployed access to information and communication technology,” Mathabatha said.

“Central to the objectives of digital hub initiatives is to provide the youth and the unemployed access to information and communication technology,” He further said the hubs are designed to bolster digital training and create jobs within the broader national infrastructure development programme.

The business plan for Seshego Digital Hub has been finalised and Limpopo Connexion has been appointed as the operator of the Hub.

Modelling and layout plans have been finalised, Mathabatha said.

“The construction of the Seshego Digital Hub will commence in this Financial year, at a project cost of R23 million,” he said.

Mathabatha also announced that Limpopo has completed the roll out of a requisite infrastructure, comprising a data centre, network operating control centre and contact centre. A total of 52 sites have been connected to the network, using both fibre and satellite technologies.

“The establishment of the Limpopo Science and Technology Park, which is a visionary and catalytic project to transform the provincial economy, is well underway. Once completed, it will be a major driver of the Province’s competitiveness,” said Mathabatha.

SMME support “Through the Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA) government managed to provide incubation support to over 100 SMMEs with over 60% youth–owned enterprises,” said Mathabatha.

Mathabatha said the province has been able to create 279 employment opportunities benefiting youth, women and people living with disabilities.

“In addition, government was able to provide similar developmental support to 100 co-operatives, 32 of these are youth owned and this tailored support to co-operatives assisted to sustain around 690 employment opportunities”.

He said they have also assisted around 77 youth-owned enterprises to access development finance.

Contact Details Postal PO Box 111, Polokwane, 0700 Physical Cnr Landdros Mare & Bodenstein Streets, Polokwane Tel: 015 290 2000/290 2001 Fax: 015 290 2218 Web: www.polokwane.gov.za

Municipal Focus

65

66

Municipal Focus

MUNICIPAL

NEWS K E E P I N G YO U U P -T O - D AT E W I T H T H E L AT E S T A N D M O S T R E L E VA N T N E W S I N S O U T H A F R I C A

PRINCE ALBERT MUNICIPALITY From the mouth of Cllr. Magrietha Jaftha…

ELIAS MOTSOALEDI MUNICIPALITY

A historical heritage, with promising economic potential

MBHASHE MUNICIPALITY

Two compactor trucks acquired in response to sustainable waste management RATLOU LOCAL MUNICIPALITY In touch with Cllr. Matlhomola Ronald Jafta

Municipal Focus

67

MUNICIPAL

NEWS PRINCE ALBERT LOCAL MUNICIPALITY From the mouth of Cllr. Magrietha Jaftha…. and Provincial Government to improve service delivery.

Honourable Mayor: Cllr. Magrietha Jaftha

First and foremost, I would like to thank the Heavenly Father and of course the community of Prince Albert who have once again bestowed their confidence in me by electing me as a ward councillor and subsequently ascending to the number one citizen of Prince Albert. After the Local Government Elections of 1 November 2021, no party won an outright majority to govern. A multi-party government was established and made a commitment that we will make this work for the advancement of our communities.

I have made a commitment to build on the success of my predecessors, to build a Prince Albert that is characterised by high standard of living and service delivery. We will continuously strive towards a more integrated planning approach whereby we seamlessly integrate our Strategic Documents with those of National

68

Municipal Focus

Access to basic services and the improvement of service delivery remains key, and innovative means to deliver services more effectively, efficiently and economically, are deemed essential. In order to achieve this, the community’s input and recommendations are of utmost importance. As always there are more needs identified within our communities than the municipality and government can provide for.

Let me assure everyone that these needs are never forgotten, but that we continually strive through networking

I have made a commitment to build on the success of my predecessors, to build a Prince Albert that is characterised by high standard of living and service delivery. and the active seeking of investment partners, to address these needs. The role that government departments, the business sector, investors, interest groups and individuals play in meeting these needs can never be emphasized enough.

The covid-19 pandemic, climate change and the current drought in the Western Cape and country has a negative impact on our municipality.

This manifests in several ways, including unemployment and poverty, making it difficult for many residents

to pay for municipal services. We are proudly pro-poor and endeavour to accommodate the poorest in our communities without risking the financial sustainability of our municipal area. To support the struggling economy, Council has resolved to undertake in-house capital projects based on labour intensive practices, in order to create temporary jobs during these difficult times.

We also focus on the economic and social development of our community, especially the creation of an enabling environment for economic growth.

Good municipal infrastructure, service delivery and clean governance are pre-requisites to attracting investment and development within our municipal area. Our capital development programme reflects our commitment to infrastructure development and service delivery and we place a strong emphasis on good governance, especially financial management, performance management and compliance with laws and regulations.

We are pleased with our audit outcomes of the past five years, where we obtained three (3) clean audits and two unqualified audits (with matters) outcomes, and we need to maintain and improve on these achievements.

I am of the opinion that service delivery should not be compromised for clean audits, excellent service delivery should be a result of clean audits.

Prince Albert Municipality is not immune to challenges, vandalism and theft is unfortunately also a growing problem in parts of the municipal

area and is costing the Municipality a substantial amount annually. The time has come for a major educational drive to address this problem and to convince communities that vandalism is to their own detriment.

Prince Albert Municipality was one of the lucky beneficiaries of the Regional Socio Economic Programme (RSEP) where the existing Thusong Centre was extended to move the Municipal Buildings closer to the communities as part of Council’s spatial integration initiatives. The first phase of the building is completed. The Finance Department will be the first to move to the new space, followed by the Technical, Corporate and Community Services Departments once the other phases are completed.

The Municipality adopted a Client Service Charter stipulating the agreed service standards and procedures that govern service delivery to the community. I have made a commitment that Prince Albert municipality will adhere to the timeframes that were set in

Prince Albert is a very peaceful town, especially if you want to escape from the busy life in the city for a quiet get away with the family and re-energise. the Client Service Charter and the community must hold this Council and Administration accountable.

Prince Albert’s main economic drivers

are tourism and agriculture. The village has many well-preserved Cape Dutch, Karoo and Victorian buildings, thirteen of which are National Monuments.

There are several olive farms and other very large export fruit farms in the area, as well as sheep farms, an export mohair trade. Birding, hiking, cycling and stargazing are other pursuits for visitors. The area is well known for its hardy endemic veld plants and botanists from all over the world frequently visit. Visitors can also enjoy excellent dining on fine Karoo lamb and cheese from the local dairy.

Prince Albert is a very peaceful town, especially if you want to escape from the busy life in the city for a quiet get away with the family and re-energise.

We can boast with top of the range accommodation for visitors.

I would like to conclude by stating that we will ensure that Prince Albert will hold the status for the Jewel of Karoo.

Municipal Focus

69

MUNICIPAL

NEWS ELIAS MOTSOALEDI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY A historical heritage, with promising economic potential for the rights of workers. Motsoaledi played a central role in many campaigns including the Defiance Campaign of 1952.

Executive Mayor: Cllr David Tladi

Elias Motsoaledi, a local municipality located about 206 kms North East of Johannesburg in the heart of Limpopo Province, has a rich historical heritage with promising economic potential.

Formerly known as Greater Groblersdal Local Municipality, Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality (EMLM), was established in 2000 as a category B municipality, in accordance with the Municipality Structures Act no 117 of 1998.

The municipality, with a population of about 268 256 and 30 wards, has a fascinating history and was named after the late veteran trade unionist and anti-apartheid activist Elias Motsoaledi.

Born on the 26th of July 1924 in Nebo Sekhukhune Land, Motsoaledi came to Johannesburg at the age of 17 in search of employment. Upon his arrival he helped establish the South African Congress of Trade Unions to fight

70

Municipal Focus

For his activism, Motsoaledi paid a price. Several times Motsoaledi was in and out of prison, expelled from work in the leather industry, and banned from taking any active role in worker unionism. He was detained in terms of the 1960 State of Emergency and imprisoned for four months. On his release, he went underground and served on the Johannesburg Regional Umkhonto we Sizwe. He was arrested in 1963, and as one of the Rivonia Trialists, Motsoaledi was sentenced to life imprisonment on Robben Island, a sentence he served until his release in 1989, after serving 26 years behind bars. On his release, he was elected to the National Executive Committee of the ANC. Isitwalandwe - “the one who wears the plumes of the rare bird” On 8 January 1992 together with Oliver Tambo, Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Helen Joseph, Ahmed Kathrada, Harry Gwala, Andrew Mlangeni, Raymond Mhlaba and Wilton Mkwayi, received an Isitwalandwe Medal. This award is the highest award given by the African National Congress (ANC) “to those who have made an outstanding contribution and sacrifice to the liberation struggle”, that is, those who resisted the apartheid regime in South Africa (1949−1991).

He sadly passed away on the day of the inauguration of the first

democratic president of South Africa, his fellow Rivonia Trialist and Robben Island prisoner, Dr Nelson Mandela.

The new Mayor, Magetle David Tladi, elected late last year during the local government elections on an African National Congress (ANC) ticket, in his inaugural speech expressed commitment to work with everyone for the realisation of the aspirations and interests of the community.

He made an undertaking to address basic service delivery and to improve the quality of life for residents.

He swore to fulfil the municipality’s vision “to ensure the provision of sustainable services, to deepen democracy through public participation and communication, provision of services in a transparent, fair and accountable manner, provide public value for money and create a conducive environment for job creation and economic growth.”

In its quest to improve the quality of life of its residents the municipality has launched a series of programmes.

Determined to be the leader in quality service delivery, the municipality is active in programmes such as upgrading and construction of roads and storm water control, electrification of households of high mast lights, refuse collection and waste management, water and sanitation, recreational facilities, educational facilities, health and welfare facilities, public transportation facilities, upgrading of cemeteries,

and job creation. As the country commemorates Human Rights Month in March the municipality is aware that access to quality services and clean water is a human right.

Like other municipalities in South Africa, the EMLM is sustained by a variety of economic activities.

With agriculture, wholesale and retail, mining and manufacturing as some of the most important economic activities, the Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality is geared towards stimulating sustainable economic growth.

Groblersdal, part of which falls under EMLM, is the centre of a progressive farming community because of its fortunate location in the Olfants River Irrigation Area below Loskop Dam. Intensive agricultural activities cover a total surface area of 28 800 hectares of land. With a gross agricultural production of R250 million per year, the area’s products includes grapes, wheat, tobacco, maize, soya beans, citrus fruits, cotton, vegetables and livestock production. It is envisaged agriculture will influence future development initiatives in EMLM. Largely a mountainous area, EMLM has a promising tourism sector.

Its exceptional performance has been noted in terms of hunting due to the number of game farms which are always fully booked during the hunting season. In South Africa, the hunting season mostly runs in winter, from May to August each year.

Further to that, the municipality attends and exhibits tourism promotional material annually at the tourism Indaba in Durban.

The Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality has about 577 tourism beds serving two district markets. Guest houses and game lodges serve business visitors while the dominant markets and game lodges serve hunters and weekend visitors.

In terms of mining, though it is not a significant economic activity in EMLM, its socio-economic contribution should not be underestimated.

As if not to be outdone, the manufacturing industry plays its part.

In this, Groblersdal plays a prominent role in the manufacturing sector within the municipality’s economy.

The construction sector offered amazing employment opportunities from 2002 onwards. Today dozens of young people are employed in the construction industry.

Within the three magisterial districts which form part of the EMLM, the wholesale and retail trade sector accounts for as much as R433 million of total GVA in the Nebo Magisterial District a portion of this district is located in the EMLM. The total estimated number of employment opportunities in the wholesale and retail trade sector in 2005 was 3814, 3867 and 5187 in Groblersdal, Moutse, and Nebo Magisterial District respectively.

In a statement, the Mayor of EMLM, expressed his commitment to uplifting local industries.

“The EMLM is committed to economic participation of the local people thereby ensuring that they effectively and efficiently participate in the local economic development.

The municipality is committed to ensuring that local businesses benefit municipal procurement processes.”

Municipal Focus

71

MUNICIPAL

NEWS MBHASHE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

Two compactor trucks acquired by Mbhashe municipality in response to sustainable waste management

Executive Mayor: Cllr Samkelo Janda

Mbhashe Local Municipality services the towns of Willowvale, Dutywa and Elliotdale.

The municipality is situated in the south-eastern part of the Eastern Cape Province, and is located in the northeastern part of the Amathole District Municipality’s area of jurisdiction. The main administrative office of the municipality is situated in Dutywa.

The local municipality is bound by the Qhora River in the South, to Mncwasa River in the North along the Indian Ocean.

Mbhashe has earned the name from the beautiful river which flows from the banks of Ngcobo through Dutywa, Gatyana (Willowvale) and Xhora (Elliotdale).

72

Municipal Focus

It was not just a festive season, rather a positive response to the communities of Mbhashe and to the leadership of the municipality. This came when Cllr Samkelo Janda, the Executive Mayor elected for the second term in a row, and the management of the municipality welcomed the delivery of 02 Automatic Transmission 12 cubes Compactor trucks in Dutywa municipal offices on the Christmas Eve, 24 December 2021. The Executive Mayor in his statement expressed the achievement as a response to the cry for change, that the leadership of the municipality had expected to see since the previous term; a change to see economic role players, i.e. business sector, ratepayers and communities at large embracing a healthy and clean environment when coming to access their needs and services in towns of Mbhashe.

The matter of sustainable waste management in Mbhashe towns has been a challenge to address, due to the shortage of equipment versus the increasing number of population served by the three towns of Mbhashe local municipality. The overflowing waste cages situated at busy points within towns will be a topic of the past, as these waste trucks had started working on the day of arrival to ease the backlog of waste in Dutywa town. Trucks proceeded to Gatyana and Xhora towns respectively to do the work. The acquired trucks came at a critical period during the festive season, when Mbhashe towns welcomed visitors and communities that came to explore the area. Both of

the Compactor trucks were acquired at a cost of R 4 319 400, with interesting features of a back loader that is able to load more bunches of waste.

Previously, the municipality had relied on limited fleet to collect waste in business and household areas of Dutywa, including Xhora and Gatyana towns respectively. It has since been one of the municipality’s priority to regain its remarkable footprint of being known as the cleanest town like before. The Compactor trucks will contribute to the realising the objective of providing safe and healthy environment to its communities and this could only be achieved

In the middle – The Executive Mayor - Councillor Samkelo Janda of Mbhashe Municipality together with Ms. Nonurse Mlungu, Senior Manager- Community Service on the left and Chief Financial Officer - Mr. Nokwe on the right, welcoming the delivery of new compactor trucks in Mbhashe Local Municipality office, Dutywa.

through initiating strategies that promote environmental cleanliness.

Furthermore, the municipality continues to strengthen partnerships with other organisations like Man Recycling NPO through introducing initiatives that are aimed at promoting a healthy living environment. Further to this planting of trees in open spaces and eradication of illegal dumpsite in these three towns is a continuous activity.

To ensure that towns remain clean at all times, the municipality created 488 employment opportunities through Expanded Public Works

Programme(EPWP) for financial year 2022/2023 initiated in July 2021.

The program is facilitated through Community Services Department.

EPWP workers execute daily duties of waste collection and data capturing in all three towns of Mbhashe, this total number includes opportunities of Rural Waste Programme being one of the initiatives of the municipality that aims to keep the environment clean even in rural areas. Well-functioning of waste trucks would also minimise the complaints that the municipality has been receiving on a daily basis regarding waste, especially in the business area.

Municipal Focus

73

MUNICIPAL

NEWS RATLOU LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

In Touch with Cllr. Matlhomola Ronald Jafta Mahikeng, the seat of the Provincial Government of the North West Province, he grew up and developed consciousness and comprehension of whom and what he wanted to become as life unfolded.

Honourable Mayor Cllr. Matlhomola Jafta

A vibrant and young leader ascending his way up the ladder of the political landscape in order to serve the public for a greater good - amid a time at which most people have lost trust in politics.

Born and bred in a rural Disaneng village 30 kilometers North of

The young Matlhomola attended school at Mogakolodi Masibi Combined School in Disaneng and was raised in a God fearing and church loving household that he says shaped and molded his character. He grew up with a thirst and hunger for knowledge, and at a young age, after obtaining his matric, started his career at Ratlou Local Municipality. He then further completed a short course in Youth and Community Development with the University of North West (Uniwest) in 2012. Later in his career he joined Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality whilst at the same time was busy sharpening up his political career in the ranks of the African National Congress Youth Leagues.

Today he is the current Councillor for ward 3, and Mayor of Ratlou Local Municipality.

The passionate and energetic Mayor Matlhomola Jafta has outlined his vision of a 5 year term of office as that of ensuring that political stability prevails in the Municipality, that there is economic development through infrastructure development, tourism, agriculture, art and culture, as well as an ITC rollout across Ratlou.

“As a young leader I remain positive that the team I lead will turn things around. I believe in knowing what are the challenges and needs of my community or the people that I represent as a leader,” he says.

Hon Mayor Jafta has conceded that: “A Leader is a subject of his community and a leader must lead from behind in order to watch over his followers”.

He further said, “in case you cannot resolve certain issues or meet certain demands from your community it is rather always best to be honest and acknowledge the current situation and don’t make promises that you cannot keep.” He also believes in adopting an organized structured approach which drives superior performance to get the results. He says, “The people I lead both politically and administratively must be able to embrace a culture of high performance, prioritise service delivery and have systems and practices in place to inspire their workforce to do their best.”

ENQUIRIES: (MR) LESEGO METSI 066 4752 739 or 018 330 7000

74

Municipal Focus

ToTal Workplace SoluTionS We offer the following core services:

HOLDING COMPANY

> Customised Facilities Management Services > Technical expertise and maintenance services > Soft Services, Enhancing the work environment > Business Support Services > Utility efficiency services within the energy and water sectors

www.fm-solutions.co.za | email info@fm-solutions.co.za

We offer specialist and professional expertise in the built environment

LEVEL 2 BBEE

afroteq

Our core offerings are: > Professional services: Quantity Surveying, Project and Programme Management and Development Management > Occupational Health and Safety Management and Consulting > Facility projects including conditions assessment, asset management, facilities planning > Design and space planning > Facilities Management Training – NQF level 5, 6 and short courses

www.afroteq.co.za | email info@afroteq.co.za LEVEL 2 BBEE

HOLDING COMPANY