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MERAFONG CITY LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS DELIVERED BY CLLR MAPHEFO MOGALE-LETSIE
EXECUTIVE MAYOR OF MERAFONG CITY, CARLETONVILLE CIVIC CENTRE, 20 MARCH 2015
Honourable Speaker of the Council, Cllr Ramothobi Lethea
Honourable Chief whip of the Council, Cllr Happy Lwana
Honourable Executive Mayor of West-Rand District Municipality, Cllr Mpho Nawa
Honourable Executive Mayors from our Sister Municipalities
Honourable Speakers from all West Rand Municipalities
Honourable Members of Merafong City Mayoral Committee
Honourable Members of the Mayoral Committee from West Rand Municipalities
Merafong City MPAC Chairperson, Cllr Mantsho Mathikge
Honourable Ward & P.R. Councillors from Merafong City and other Municipalities present
Honourable Magistrates of our Region present
Government Departments present
ANC Branches present
Performance Audit Committee Chairperson, Ntate Huma
Acting Municipal Manager, Mr Langa Thibini
EXCO Members present
Managers present
Chief Magistrates Ntate H. Rath
Chief Prosecutor, Senior Council Advocate Victor Simelane
AngloGold Ashanti Senior Vice President for Sustainability, Mr Simeon Moloko
Vice President from Sibanye Gold, Mr Phillip Jacobs
Delegation from Mining Houses
Former Executive Mayors & Councillors present
National Union of Mine Workers
Leaders of all sectors from Business, Sports, Youth, elderly people, People with Disability, People living with AIDS, Local AIDS Council, Home Based Care, Traditional and Religious Leaders, SADTU, Ward Committees, Pastors & Reverends,
Special and distinguished Guests
Fellow Members of the Community
All protocol observed
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Dumelang
POLITICAL INPUT
Ladies and Gentlemen, indeed it’s a great honour and a privilege for me today to
deliver this state of the City address, as a humble servant of the people of
Merafong, I am here to report on the status of the city and further unveil the
Municipal’s agenda and share plans for the coming year as dictated by the
National Development Plan which elaborates developmental priorities for the
country in the next fifteen years also not forgetting the election manifesto of the
African National Congress which is a capable vehicle in South Africa to fight for
economic freedom, poverty, unemployment and towards attaining a national
democratic society that is non sexiest, non-racial and prosperous.
Honourable Speaker of Council, Tomorrow is the fifty-fifth (55th) Anniversary of
the Sharpeville Massacre a sad day in our history, where the Apartheid police
brutally mowed down innocent citizens who were protesting against the unjust
pass laws and as a result 69 people were killed and 180 wounded, they were
protesting and demanding their basic human rights, Indeed this day we reaffirm
the lesson of our centuries of struggle, that there can be no lasting peace, no
prosperity in our land unless all enjoy freedom and justice as equals, indeed All
National Groups shall have equal rights as prescribed by the Freedom Charter.
Comrades, this year marks the 25th years after the release of Nelson Mandela
and the unbanning of the liberation movement which symbolize a new lease of
life from the legacy of three centuries of colonial oppression and the mayhem of
apartheid. We also welcome the return of the mortal remains of the outstanding
martyrs of our struggle for freedom, Moses Kotane, the chief architect of the
liberation alliance and South African for National and social emancipation and
Johan Beaver (JB) Marks the outstanding fighter for the international working
class.
Honourable Speaker, this year marks the 60 years of the adoption of the
Freedom Charter in Kliptown, President Jacob Zuma in his State of the Nation
Address declared this year as a Year of the Freedom Charter and Unity in Action
to Advance Economic Freedom, indeed the Freedom Charter remains our
compass that continues to guide us to a South Africa of our dreams as we
constantly search for and surge forward to a more humane and just society, in
which we visualize a South Africa in which people shall govern, in which the
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wealth of the country shall be restored to the people and where the land shall be
shared among those who work it.
We aim to establish a society free from the exploitation of man by man; this was
properly expressed by former President Mandela when he gave his famous
Rivonia Trial speech emphasizing that: "The realization of the Freedom Charter
would open up fresh fields for a prosperous African population”.
Minister Collins Chabane and his protectors untimely passing away opens
wounds that were just beginning to heal. A humble, all-rounder of a leader.
Death wants us to count him as one of the statistics but we are refusing and say
in his honour that we will multiply the programmes to promote road safety.
This is best captured by Oliver Reginald Tambo when he said:
I quote “The idea and inspiration of the freedom charter ran like a golden thread
unifying the diverse forces that together make up our liberation movement” close
quote.
We are meeting here today for the first time in our leadership without Mr JJ
Murray, an honest, diligent and reliable one who made everyone in the institution
to feel more important than the honour that even his shadow carried. The
memory of the institution has been tempered with in more than one way. May His
Soul Rest In Peace.
Honourable Members of the Executive, the Premier of Gauteng his Excellency,
Honourable David Makhura in his State of the Province Address identified ten
pillars which would constitute a vehicle through which we seek to transform,
modernise and re-industrialise Gauteng in order to build a seamlessly integrated,
socially cohesive, economically inclusive City Region.
Honourable Speaker; let me restate the Ten Pillars which constitute the core
mandate of our administration:
1. Radical economic transformation
2. Decisive spatial transformation
3. Accelerating social transformation
4. Transformation of the State and governance
5. Modernisation of the economy
6. Modernisation of the public service and the state
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7. Modernisation of human settlements and urban development
8. Modernisation of public transport and other infrastructure
9. Re-industrialising Gauteng as our country's economic hub, and lastly
10. Taking a lead in Africa's new industrial revolution
These ten pillars, Honourable Speaker, will be our vision in creating a City that is
transparent, responsive, innovation-driven, accountable, effective and efficient
government.
THE PEOPLE SHALL SHARE IN THE COUNTRY’S WEALTH
Honourable Executive Mayor of West Rand, Cllr Mpho Nawa, I was excited when
the Honourable Premier announced the need to deliberate on the taking of a
conscious action by the entire City region leadership to reverse spatial injustice
and economic marginalisation of the West Rand, this would be done through a
commitment to work with national government, private sector and our
municipalities to transform, modernise and diversify the West Rand economy and
to revitalise the mining towns because the West Rand district has experienced
significant de-industrialisation due to the decline of the mining industry, which
was the main employer and source of revenue in our municipalities.
Honourable Speaker, the struggle for economic freedom in South Africa began
more than 300 years ago. The Chiefs and Kings of the African indigenous people
of this land are the custodians of our struggle for economic freedom by grasping
and understanding well that you cannot separate the struggle for political
freedoms from the overarching fight for economic freedoms, indeed this further
articulated by the Freedom Charter that the People Shall Share in the Country`s
Wealth in the mineral wealth beneath the soil, the Banks and monopoly industry
shall be transferred to the ownership of the people as a whole.
The Local Economic Development Strategy of the Municipality is informed by the
Growth and Development Strategy which was reviewed in 2014 and is based on
5 Thrusts:
Thrust 1 - Development of Agricultural Sector
Thrust 2 - Industrial beneficiation development
Thrust 3 - Infrastructure development
Thrust 4 - Local business development
Thrust 5 - Human resource development and empowerment
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In terms of the Merafong Growth and Development Strategy, the socio-economic
structure of our Municipality is still dominated by the mining sector, despite the
steady decline in production and employment figures in this sector. The sector
has a comparative advantage in the West Rand and represents 15,32% of the
Gauteng GVA.
The Agricultural sector remained stable but has also displayed a decline in
employment figures. The sector has a comparative advantage in the West Rand
and Merafong contains high potential agricultural areas for agricultural
production. This represents an opportunity for growth and is aligned with the
West Rand vision of agricultural development, indeed Honourable Speaker, the
Land shall be shared among those who work it.
The Manufacturing sector represents 0.18 % of the Provincial GVA and is the
third largest position for labour intensive manufacturing. In terms of GVA in
highly differentiated goods, Merafong is the second largest in the district.
The Construction sector represents 0.59 % of the Provincial GVA and is in the
fourth position in the district in terms of the GVA. It has experienced a strong
growth over the past decade and showed an upward trend in its contribution to
the GDP with increased employment in this sector. This can be attributed to the
municipal infrastructure investment programmes pertaining to human
settlements.
The Trade sector demonstrated a general increasing trend and contributes
almost 10% of the GDP whilst the Services and retail sector represents 1.20 %
of the Provincial GVA and is in the third position in the district in terms of the
GVA. It has experienced strong growth in production and employment and
potential of growth as demonstrated by investors who have invested in Merafong
with the development of two major shopping centres.
The Finance and business sector also exhibits a stable trend of 9.9%
contribution to the local GDP, it is through the National Democratic Revolution
(NDR) that we can be able to articulate the symbiotic link between political
freedom and economic freedom.
Community services and Government services represent 0.62 % of the
Provincial GVA and are in the third position in the district in terms of the GVA.
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It has experienced significant growth and an increased contribution to the GDP
over the last decade.
The relevance of this statistics in Local Economic Development must be seen
against the Gauteng Pillars of Radical Transformation over the next five
years, to develop Gauteng in an Integrated City Region. To achieve Radical
Economic Transformation, sectors with potential of growth have been identified
and in this regard the focus is to revitalise the Township economy by supporting
and development of Township enterprises to create decent jobs for our
communities. The promotion of SMME’S is critical to the success of this
endeavour.
The following projects and programmes were implemented during the year as
they were prioritised in the IDP.
THE LAND SHALL BE SHARED AMONGST THOSE WHO WORK IT
Honourable Members, it is through the Freedom Charter that Restrictions of land
ownership on a racial basis shall be ended, and all the land re-divided amongst
those who work it to banish famine and land hunger and that the state shall help
the peasants with implements, seed, tractors and dams to save the soil and
assist the tillers. The aim is to develop and support small scale farmers through
various programmes and projects.
Food gardens were initiated in different sectors, i.e. school gardens, clinic
gardens, CBO and NGO’s. Eighteen Community gardens were cultivated and the
Municipality will continue with this program in the new financial year through the
provision of basic equipment and vegetable seeds. These initiatives also have a
positive impact on poverty alleviation.
The Nooitgedacht Commonage Cattle Farm has been fenced and 2 boreholes
were equipped and water tanks provided to ensure that 344 cattle have water.
The 26 Cattle farmers have been engaged to ensure that they honour the terms
of the grazing agreements to sustain the farming activities. More investment is
needed in the farm to increase the carrying capacity and sustainability of the
farm, which is currently under pressure.
The Wedela farm is being revived and 4 ½ ha of land has been cultivated with
sugar beans and spinach whilst 4 tunnels have been planted with organic grown
tomatoes.
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Twenty local community members have been selected and are been trained in
organic farming to manage the farm. This project is being implemented in
partnership with AngloGold Ashanti as part of their Social Labour Plans and R8
million is invested over two years. Fruit and Trees for Africa is the specialist
partner in the project and provide the beneficiaries with the necessary capacity in
this regard.
The Municipality has benefitted from the Tractor mechanisation programme of
GDARD and have received two Tractors and Implements to assist emerging
farmers. Twelve emerging farmers have been assisted with cultivation of land.
This program will be continued in the new financial year and the Municipality is
grateful for the support of GDARD to develop our emerging farmers.
The Municipality has also supported the Thusanang project near Fochville with a
support grant facilitated from GDARD to the Chamber of African Agribusiness
and Commodities (COAAC) to the amount of R1,576,400 to complete the EIA
studies on the farm as well as security fencing and the equipment of boreholes.
The chamber has approached a number of potential funders to implement the
business plan of the project. It is however a concern that despite the Government
supports this project has still to benefit our community.
The positioning of West Rand district identified as a Western Corridor by the
Premier as the hub of our agri-business and agro-processing industry in Gauteng
would transform the agricultural sector and ensure food-security and stimulate
economic high value horticultural potential, we also appreciate the strengthen of
township economic hubs through the revitalization of Industrial Parks in
Khutsong.
Infrastructure is fundamental for radical economic transformation, to change the
patterns of ownership and control in the economy and to empower workers,
community members and the rural poor in our area as dictated by the ANC
election manifesto which seeks to create a caring government that assist the
poor and working class households.
With regard to job creation, the Municipality has, in terms of its commitment to
maximise job opportunities on construction projects, been successful from 1st
July 2014 up to January this year to provide 448 work opportunities,
demographically distributed between 88 adult males, 55 adult females, 217 youth
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males and 88 youth females. These job opportunities that were created translate
to an equivalent of 110 people having been employed full-time for a year.
The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) - in addition to the work
opportunities created on the aforementioned construction projects - contributed
to the creation of a further 445 job opportunities (13 adult males, 49 adult
females, 160 youth males and 223 youth females, equating to an equivalent of
149 people employed full-time for a year.
The work opportunities thus far created have put into the hands of the
communities in respect of wages earned an amount of approximately R6.7
million.
Allow me to acknowledge and appreciate the sleepless efforts of Mr Tshepo
Rakgomo FROM Kokosi of Botshelo Trading as one of our shining stars in
business activities.
THERE SHALL BE HOUSES, SECURITY AND COMFORT
His Excellency President Zuma in his State of the Nation Address highlighted the
Revitalisation of Distress Mining Communities and so far, on the progress made
a total of 2.1 billion rand has been ring-fenced for this purpose with 290 million
rand approved for Informal Settlement Upgrading in Mpumalanga, North West,
Gauteng, Northern Cape, Limpopo and the Free State.
One hundred and thirty three (133) informal settlements are being assessed or
prepared for upgrading through the National Upgrade Support Programme, thirty
two (32) settlements are being upgraded and eighty seven (87) housing projects
are being implemented across the prioritised mining towns, also Honourable
speaker, I believe that these programmes would assist us in dealing with the bad
legacies left by mines after closure like Blyvoor mine and through this
programmes, Ntate Lethea, the human dignity and privacy of mine workers will
be the hallmark of enhancing and expediting a transformation in the mining
industry in terms of living conditions as per the mining charter.
On human settlements, we appreciate pronouncement by Premier Makhura on
the building of housing units in Kokosi Extension 6 and 7 and Khutsong South
Extension 1, 2 and 3 which for some time Honourable Speaker, were contributing
to service delivery unrest in our communities. Indeed this is work in progress
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because the Freedom Charter remains our lodestar that continues to guide us to
a South Africa of our dreams as we constantly.
The Municipality has continued its Housing programme in accordance with the
Municipal Housing Plan, incorporated in the Integrated Development Plan. The
Municipality is the developer in the Khutsong South Extensions Housing Project
of which the first phase of 5 500 top structures and associated infrastructure is
nearing completion.
When Mrs Tamle celebrated her 107 years, the request she made to the
Municipality was for her ultimate death to find her in a decent house. In deed
through partnership with the private we are proud to report that Mrs Tamle is
house decently in Extension 3 Khutsong. Her family is her with us today.
A phased implementation process is being followed in the Khutsong South
Integrated Settlement project, subject to the availability of funding. The first
phase implemented over the Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure
Framework provided for:
Internal Civil Engineering services – Water, Sewer, Roads and Storm
water
Bulk Civil Engineering Services (partially) – Water, Sewer, Roads and
Storm water
Construction of 5 500 top structures
Bulk Electrical Engineering Services
Internal Electrical Engineering Services
Social Infrastructure
A total of 2327 top structures were completed during the last 18 months in
Khutsong South Ext 1, 2 & 3 housing projects, bringing the total completed
structures on the project to 5165. The project has progressed well over the past
18 months, despite slow contractor progress.
The progress was hampered by several strikes on site, caused by community
unrest. This contributed to extension of time requests by the contractor and the
subsequent amendment of their construction programme. Furthermore a
sinkhole occurred on the construction site, causing 103 stands to be temporarily
suspended from construction until such time that the soil has stabilized.
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A further 56 stand are undevelopable and will be relocated to another area which
will be serviced during this year. The outstanding top structures will also be
completed during this year.
The Human Settlement projects have contributed considerably in job creation by
creating 342 full time equivalent jobs. The construction program emphasised the
maximum utilisation of local contractors and sub-contractors to facilitate local
economic development and job creation and a total of 20 local contractors
benefitted from the project.
A total of 3 888 transfer documents have been prepared for the transfer of the
properties to the rightful beneficiaries.
The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements have announced the following
projects to be implemented over the Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure
Framework:
Khutsong South Ext 1, 2 & 3 - 500 Top Structures
Khutsong Ext. 3 - 230 Top Structures
Kokosi Ext 6 - 115 Top Structures
Kokosi Ext 7 - Installation of services
Deelkraal CRU - 100 units
The Community Rental project was identified in collaboration with Harmony Mine
to address the need for rental accommodation in a quest to eradicate informal
settlements surrounding mining areas.
The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements have also indicated that a
private mixed human settlement development is prioritised at Varkenslaagte,
next to Welverdiend, to be integrated in the Khutsong development. This is in line
the pillars of Radical Transformation to modernise human settlements in the
Province.
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HUMAN SETTLEMENTS PROJECTS
Construction of Khutsong
South Pedestrian Bridge R 16,975,227
Construction at
80% June 2015
Khutsong South:
Construction of Road over
Rail Bridge
R 159,159,431 Construction at
36% July 2016
Fencing of Airfield R 7,241,628 Construction at
35% June 2015
Welverdiend Sewer Pump
station R 12,638,289
Construction at
99% March 2015
THERE SHALL BE PEACE AND FRIENDSHIP
SONA - Mine Crime Combating Forums have been established in various
provinces including Gauteng province, which I believe Honourable Speaker
would help in the Blyvooruitsig gold mine criminal activities including Mphahlwa
and Mtariyana informal settlement.
The Fleet allocation in Public Safety has given a boost to road patrol initiatives.
The rate of crime in our areas is calling for all of us to join hands. The
Municipality is embarking on a robust campaign to support the SAPS in
establishing CPF across all areas and also developing crime preventative
measures.
The rate of house break-ins and nyaope is alarming. We should not allow it to
happen under our watch.
In the June 2014 SONA, President Jacob Zuma announced that infrastructure
support will be given to specific municipalities in the country.
The Greenspark Ext. 1 Roads and Stormwater project was completed in
December 2014 at a total final completion cost of R30,73 million, rendering all
properties in the township fully accessible in all weather conditions.
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Several grant funded projects are presently under construction being:
Project
All inclusive
Tender Award
Amount
Progress on
Construction
Estimated
Completion
By:
MIG PROJECTS
Greenspark Pedestrian
Bridge and Fencing R 13,814,167
Construction at
88% April 2015
Greenspark Ext. 1 Roads
and Stormwater
(Phase 2): Upgrading of
Loopspruit & Church
Streets
Phase 2
R 19,764,742
Construction at
24% May 2015
Informal Trading Area
Carletonville R 1,825,877
Construction at
45% May 2015
Upgrading Khutsong
Proper Stadium R 6,495,559
Construction at
90% April 2015
Business Hive Greenspark R 6,465,601 Construction at
85% April 2015
Kokosi X5 Ring Road
Construction R 43,105,156
Construction at
37% June 2015
CIVIL ENGINEERING SECTION
Indeed, Honourable Speaker, the African National Congress (ANC) is the only
party that has the heart and capacity to continue changing the lives of our people
for the better, this is elaborated through the implementation of the National
Development Plan which is an overarching policy that guides Government in the
implementation of programmes aimed at the realisation of the goals of our
Constitution.
Through the Civil engineering department, the following has been implemented
as maintenance activities within the Municipality.
Projects Budget
Cleaning of Storm water Systems R 1 500 000
Re-gravelling of Roads Internal
Patching of Potholes R2 000 000
Maintenance of Municipal Buildings and
Facilities
R5 000 000
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PUBLIC WORKS SUB-SECTION
PROJECTS BUDGET
Water Proofing of Carletonville Library R500,000.00
Upgrading of Carletonville Traffic Offices (New Driver's
Licence Centre Carletonville)
R1,900,000.00
Supply & Installation of Concrete palisade at Piet Viljoen R1,500,000.00
ROADS AND STORMWATER SUB-SECTION
PROJECT BUDGET
Reroute Storm water inlets - Wedela and Carletonville
R1,000,000.00
Resealing of Annan Road Carletonville R7,553,240.00
Construction of New Roads in Kokosi Township
R 5, 000,000
Construction of New Roads in Khutsong Township (ongoing)
R15,000,000.00
FUTURE PROJECTS
Construction of Carletonville Waste Management Depot Planning and
design stage.
Tender award
envisaged to be
made by June
2015
Khutsong Multi-Purpose Community Centre Planning and
design stage.
Tender award
envisaged to be
made by June
2015
Merafong Street lights Project
Awarding stage by
March 2015
Construction of New Roads in Wedela Township 3 000 000 .00
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However Honourable Speaker, Some projects were and other still delayed due to
Lack of technical capacity and poor performance of the contractors, management
of cash flow on the contractors side, Community unrest to a large extend affected
the completion period of some project.
These challenges are not new and unique in this respect. Maybe, what is unique
about Merafong Municipality is that we as the elected leadership do not choose
to blame others for our challenges, but we rise to resolve the challenges, and will
continue to toil for the betterment on our people’s lives.
Honourable Speaker, as remedy to these challenges, some Contractors were
eventually terminated and we hope that projects will proceed with the turn key
approach. The War Room and the Rapid Response Team were established to
diligently work around the clock in stabilizing, resolving and remedying day to day
challenges. We have to work together to find solutions, Honourable Speaker, we
must always remember, no one can know without learning, and the most ignorant
person is the one who purports to know without having learnt. Learn from life,
learn for the masses, learn from previous mistakes, learn in books and from
experience of others, constantly learn, in doing so Siyaqhuba. Siyasebenza.
WATER & SANITATION SERVICES
The Back to Basics remains a central document guiding the maintenance and
operations activities of the Municipality. The Municipality is striving to adhere to
the 7 days response time to service delivery issues raised at a given time.
The average water loss in is 36.8% owing it to the aging and incompatible
infrastructure, and the impact of illegal miners. The first phase of the “Water
Conservation and Water Demand Management” Programme to the value of
R24,526,530.00 has been implemented to minimize the water loss to an
acceptable percentage in line with National targets.
The first phase entailed replacement and installation of bulk water meters and
zonal meters in the network and at the inlet and outflow of the reservoirs. Data
loggers have been installed and the flows are measured to determine minimum
night flows and subsequent areas where there are leaks in the network.
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The following projects have been successfully executed:
Supply and installation of two new blowers – Khutsong Waste Water
Treatment Works to the amount of R250,000.00
Supply and installation of Gorman Rupp pumps the importance at
Welverdiend sewer pump station to the amount of R150,000.00
The following projects have been registered with MIG and were approved for
execution in the coming financial years:
Construction of sludge drying beds at Kokosi and Khutsong Waste Water
Treatment Works to the amount of R22,000,000.00 is underway
Rehabilitation of the wet services (water and sewer) in Khutsong North to
the amount of R250,000,000.00
Honourable Members, Freedom Charter does not envision a South Africa in
which some of its citizens live in a place where inequality is the order of the day
without basic needs.
ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT
Honourable Speakers, Indeed it is only under the leadership of the ANC, we
have a good story to tell. We have been able to lead the City nearer to non-
racialism, non-sexism and equality.
Through our decisive interventions, we have been able to address the
consequences of apartheid and the inequality of the past. Our practical actions
and decisive leadership has ensured that none can challenge us when we say -
we have a good story to tell and that we are a nation at work to build a better life
for all.
FOCHVILLE BULK SUBSTATION UPGRADING - ESKOM
We’re finalising with Eskom the Project to upgrade and increase the Bulk
Capacity of the Greater Fochville (incl. Kokosi & Greenspark) and the Greater
Carletonville (incl. Khutsong South) Bulk Substations. This is meant to unlock the
growth potential of the areas by accommodating future demand and provision as
well as future developments. The Greater Fochville project is now at the final
design stage with an estimated construction value of R50mill over three years.
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The Greater Carletonville project is currently in Feasibility and Design Stage with
an estimated construction value of R80mill over three years.
The Khutsong South Extensions Electrification Phase 3 Project shall result in an
additional 980 households being electrified. Anticipated completion is end March
2015.
The street lights project targeted at the newly electrified areas, namely: the new
Khutsong South extensions as well as Greenspark is currently at procurement
stage with construction to commence in the current financial year.
As part of energy savings initiatives, the Department of energy allocated a
budget for the Municipality to effect efficiency in its own operations first. These
include:
o Municipal Buildings
o Sport facilities
o Waste water treatment Plants
Future project for the 2015/16 financial year is to continue with the provision of
Electricity in the new Khutsong South Extensions. Whiles our communities
patiently awaits the allocation of houses and the dolomitic status of our land,
which prohibits the Municipality from formalising the informal settlements, the
provision of basic services cannot be postponed. The Municipality approached
Eskom to temporarily provide electricity in the informal settlements around
Merafong. The engaged are an advanced stage and if all goes well, the first
informal settlement might benefit in the coming financial year.
SMART METERING
CoGTA funded a Pilot project to install and commission the smart metering
technology within Merafong City. This project of installing 60 smart meters is at
completion stage, and an additional 102 meters were installed for customers who
requested the meters over and above the pilot meters.
Honourable Speaker, indeed we truly know for sure that South Africa is a much
better place to live in than it was in 1994.
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HEALTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
ECD SUPPORT
Honourable Speaker of Council, allow me to recite a passage from Chief Albert
Luthuli’s biography titled Let My People Go In which he defined the purpose of
the Freedom Charter as follows: Open quote “The purpose of the Freedom
Charter is to give flesh and blood meaning in the South African setting, to such
words as democracy, freedom, liberty.” Close quote.
Support has been maintained towards strengthening of the Merafong Early
Childhood Development forum. During the year in review, priority was put on
skills and capacity building of ECD practitioners. Fifty-five Early Childhood
Practitioners were trained on basic first aid and firefighting to enhance the level
of safety at centers, 15 ECD practitioners obtained the NQF4 in Early Childhood
Development through the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership and
Governance. The Municipality provided venue for the entire duration of the
training. Seventy- three centers that are registered but not funded were
presented with baby blankets and provision has been made in the current year to
reach more centers with similar challenges with stimulating items like educational
toys.
Through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), a National
Programme that aims to draw significant numbers of the unemployed into
productive work, eighty-two beneficiaries were trained and are still placed in
centers as ECD practitioners assistants around Merafong City. The EPWP
seeks to expand the use of labour-intensive methods in government funded
services to create more work opportunities.
Child care and safety campaigns were held in areas around the Municipality to
create awareness on available Government responses in ensuring child friendly
environments.
NGO SUPPORT
In continued effort to strengthen community initiatives, five community structures
of Senzangakhona place of Safety, Ebenezer, Wedela, Aganang old age
luncheon clubs and the Remmogo Disability center were awarded R20 000.00
each to grow and sustain their projects. The organizations were also linked with
partners in the private sector for greater financial support.
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Skills training for vulnerable groups were also prioritized. Forty-five people with
disabilities were trained through the Aranda Textile FET College and obtained
NQF1 certificates in clothing, curtains, bedding and aprons making.
INDIGENT SUPPORT
Twenty- eight young people were contracted for twelve months to embark on a
ward based indigent identification and verification program. Through this support,
A thousand one hundred and ninety-three (1 193) indigent households were
identified and are processed for registration on the Indigent Register.
One thousand (1 000) orphaned children were provided with dignity packs as
part of social relief to vulnerable children.
INDIGENT BURIAL
Indigent burials are a continuous support given to our vulnerable households. So
far the Municipality has buried from April 2014 to date 49 indigents.
DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION
Local drug Action Committees that will develop and implement ward based drug
and substance abuse intervention plans were established and launched in
Kokosi, Wedela and Carletonville. The initiative has seen a great response from
local stakeholders affected by the scourge.
HIV/AIDS
Honourable Speaker of Council, on HIV/AIDS we have 116 Volunteers based in
all 28 municipal wards, involved in a day to day door to door campaign. They
offer community information on primary health care services such as HIV/AIDS
prevention including STI’S, TB, Teenage pregnancies and encouraging Male
Circumcision. To date over 87 Thousand People in the entire City, have been
reached. Indeed we appreciate their hard work towards our fight against the
pandemic.
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SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
The Constitution of South Africa, Section 24 (states that : people have the right to
healthy and clean environment that is not harmful to their well-being).
The Municipality is fulfilling these constitutional dictates by rendering Integrated
Solid Waste Management Services. 30 060 household in the formal areas have
access to weekly curb side Solid Waste Collection Services.
Identification and removal of illegal dumping is done on monthly basis which the
Municipality is intending to intensify through provision of additional resources.
Kokosi and Wedela are our hot spots in this regard.
The National Waste Strategy goal number 2 (requires that 75% of the household
in the informal areas should have access to Waste Collection by the year 2016)
In response to this, council approved the Waste Collection Strategy for Merafong
informal Areas. The estimated cost for the implementation of the Strategy is R27
million for a period of three years. It will benefit 18 000 household in the informal
areas across Merafong.
The strategy aims to ensure adherence to Weekly Waste:
- Collection;
- Street Cleansing;
- Removal of Illegal dumping
There will be vast employment opportunities once the strategy is implemented.
MERAFONG WASTE RECYCLING PROJECT
The Capital investment for the Project is R9 million funded by the three mining
houses operating in Merafong. Since the implementation of the project, 22 local
people have been employed. 120 tons of Waste are recycled per month. The
project is still based in Fochville Transfer Station. The project minimizes the
waste that is disposed on our landfill site and also helps with the reduction of
illegal dumping.
In our recent discussions with AGA on the project, a need was identified to
capacitate our local SMMEs to carry over the project in the near future.
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FACILITY MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION
The upgrading and maintenance of Council facilities seek to address the
challenges experienced by physically challenged people in accessing the council
facilities, hence some of the projects like: Construction of a Ramp at the
Carletonville Civic Centre, building of lifts at Carletonville head office, etc.
Forty nine (49) local companies benefited out of implementation of these
projects and each company employed ± 4 people per project.
A total of ±196 employment opportunities were created through
implementation of these projects.
Once more, we are urging our communities to care for these facilities
because they belong to them. We as government are care takers. No
amount of anger or dissatisfaction should compromise our livelihood.
Indeed the people shall govern!
Intense Sport and Recreation activities are untaken around the clock, within the
municipal area. They say ‘the taste of the pudding is in the eating”.
Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me introduce the pride of Merafong in Sports and
Recreation - Our sports heroes:
Saidi Nombulelo and Fihla Lonwabo who are both 11 years old from
Hlangabeza Primary School in Khutsong.
The two players have done extremely well in chess last year. They are part
of the u11 chess team from Hlangabeza that won the Gauteng
Championships for two years in a row (2013 & 2014), They were gold
medalists at the Gauteng west district, and went on to be silver medalists
at the Provincial schools individuals, they represented Gauteng province at
the National individuals in Bloemfontein last year.
They played in the u12A team at the South African Junior Chess
Championships in Kimberly in January, ladies and gentlemen please
welcome Saidi Nombulelo, and this young men has represented SA at the
world youth championships in Slovenia.
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He was selected again to represent SA for the same competition last year,
but didn’t go due to lack of funds, and still this year he`s invited to play at
the SA Junior Closed in April (winners will represent SA internationally)
ladies and gentlemen please welcome Lonwabo Fihla.
Honourable Members, also allow me to present one of our top athlete who
won 1st place in the National Golden games in 2012 and in both 2013 and
2014 came second place, please welcome Sarah Mphuti, a 69-year old
girl.
Honourable Speaker, Merafong is not known across the province for its
athletic prospects only, but also known across the lengths and breaths of
South Africa for its beauty and catwalk qualities. Ladies and Gentlemen, let
me introduce our beauty queen who won the Miss South Africa 2015
Schools beauty contest competition, please welcome Miss Lesego
Sathikge.
Honourable members, the Municipality is still committed to ensuring that our
learners are at school, on time and learning. Committed to ensuring that our
teachers are in class, on time and teaching.
New libraries were built in Wedela Ext. 3, Khutsong South Ext. 2 and a Modular
Library was installed at Rooipoort Primary School in March. All these projects
were funded by the Provincial Government.
Let me take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to AGA for their
unwavering support in this field.
They have developed various programmes amongst them, capacitating our
School Management Team including School Governing Bodies and also the
Career Exhibitions. The fruits of these initiatives are evident in the continuous
improvement of our matric pass rate and the enthusiasm from our learners to
improve their standards of education.
The bursary schemes offered to our top performers by the three mining houses;
namely: AGA, Harmony Gold and Sibanye Gold, will go a long way in changing
the landscape of educational levels in our area.
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The Municipality remains committed to supporting our learners by extending the
library hours during examinations and also availing free internet services in all
libraries across the Municipality.
Ntate Skhosana, for sure you will agree with me when I say the ‘Doors of
learning and culture have been opened to the Children of Merafong”.
Honourable Speaker, Indeed this is year was the proud moment for our learners,
whose many years of hard work, commitment and dedication to their studies
have finally paid off, hence we are proud to say,
I’m proud to announce our top Merafong students’ achievers, namely Christiner
Botha, who achieved 7 distinctions and Kagiso Thabano who received has 6
distinctions, and lastly David Koesa with 2 distinctions. Once more
congratulations to the Matric Class of 2014, the teachers, principals, parents and
members of the community.
PARKS AND CEMETERIES
Town Entrances were upgraded and the alien vegetation eradication projects
implement.
The tree planting program programme is growing in leaps and bounds. With was
implemented and a new cemetery was developed. The cemeteries in
Greenspark and Wedela were extended.
The following parks and cemeteries were fenced: Khutsong South, Greenspark,
Fochville, Wedela and Piet Viljoen Dam.
Grass cutting programs were implemented in all sections in Merafong City.
Service providers were appointed for the cutting of sidewalks and open spaces.
The municipal nursery and the ablution facility were rebuilt.
Maintenance programs were implemented at all facilities as well as a tree
pruning program.
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CORPORATE SHARED SERVICES
Council employees are engaged in various developmental studies including BA
degrees in local government and diploma in Local Government course at NWU
(North West University). The diploma course contains the same curriculum as
the CPMD programmes, prescribed as minimum qualifications in the MFMA
regulations on competency levels.
The direct financial support to employees to study towards the local government
BA degree at the NWU is scaled down in order to focus on technical training of
artisans also.
Successful sourcing of artisans is still a problem. New efforts and emphases on
training of artisans are embarked on. Many employees that already obtained
practical skills were send for trade test.
The skills development section achieved better than the previous year. The
expenditure of the allocated budget escalated to 95% with only R 85,942 left over
in the budget.
After successful placements of the previous intake of National Treasury
sponsored interns, new interns were recruited.
Various internships are hosted by other spheres of government are also running
in the Municipality.
The position of Municipal Manager is still not filled due to the outcome of the
petition to the Labour Appeal Court is still outstanding.
Honourable Speaker, in the current years of technology, no institution can be
effective without proper ICT system.
After numerous complaints received from the public, the council’s website was
redesigned into a functional modern tool. This was one of the biggest
achievements last year. The Auditor General expressed many concerns over the
years on the ICT section but things were turned around with the commissioning
of the new website and the adoption by council of the ICT manual containing all
the required compliance policies.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING
Industrial and Business development
The Khutsong South Industrial Hive Phase II has been completed at a total
investment of R2.5m and an additional twelve hives have been opened to 11
SMME’s who have created at least 15 more jobs.
One unit has been reserved for the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller office to assist
the SMME’s in managing their businesses. We are proud to report that one of the
SMME’s that have started their business in this hive has grown to such an extent
that it now is a successful business in the Carletonville CBD. To the future
Uribrandt’s in the community we urge you to persevere and make use of the
opportunities that the Municipality is providing for you through the provision of
basic infrastructure. It is our role to create an enabling environment for
businesses.
The completion of the Greenspark Business Hive is expected in the next two
months. This is an investment in excess of R6.5 m in the area. The hive will
accommodate 6 SMME’s who can create more jobs in the area. SMME’s have
been engaged to submit the applications to rent the new units at very affordable
rates. The response has been slow and we urge our small businesses to make
use of the opportunities available.
The Carletonville Informal Trading area behind Russels has been operationalised
with 64 business stalls, formalising informal traders into proper trading facilities to
conduct and grow their businesses in an environment conducive for business.
These facilities have created a minimum of 102 jobs.
The Khutsong South Industrial Hive Phase I, Concor Hostel, Khutsong Business
Centre and the Kokosi Business Hive, consisting of 64 units have created more
than 160 direct job opportunities.
The development of these Industrial and business hives is aligned with our
Growth and Development Strategy (GDS), where the need for affordable trading
space was identified. We will continue with the program to ensure that all our
communities have access to business opportunities that is essential for the
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revitalisation of the Township Economy and Radical economic transformation.
Challenges experienced in these hives are the financial sustainability of some
SMME’s. The access to markets, capital and broader exposure as well as
capacity, remains challenges that are receiving attention.
In this regard, the need for a fully integrated enterprise development centre as a
one stop support centre to our SMME’S has been identified in our GDS. In
partnership with AngloGold Ashanti an Enterprise Development Centre has been
planned and co-funding of R15m has been sourced from the National Jobs Fund
to support the R30m investment in the centre. The budget is allocated to
operationalise the centre. The main centre will be established at our Civic Centre
with satellites in the respective communities. The project is at procurement phase
and will be implemented during this year. This will assist in the development and
support of the local SMME’s pertaining to a broad spectrum of functions. Some of
the major financial institutions and Agencies have already indicated that they will
host a desk at the centre. This is an important initiative for Local Economic
Development.
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
Over the past four years, we have invested of R1.01 billion in municipal
infrastructure and human settlements, implemented through labour intensive
methods as far as practical possible. During the last 18 months, 341 Full Time
Equivalent (FTE) jobs were created through Infrastructure development. The
main catalyst was the Khutsong South human settlement project of which the first
phase is nearing completion. The funding of the next phases is dependent on
Government departments and we trust that the project will still be prioritised in
Gauteng.
The creation of jobs and business opportunities through major projects has been
an outcry in our communities. In this regard, we have ensured that our
Procurement Policy is amended to facilitate local procurement and beneficiation.
It is a requirement that 25% of large projects must benefit our local communities
through subcontracting or the establishment of joint ventures. It is however still
upon the local businesses to position themselves in this regard and to compete
for tenders through the legislative processes.
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HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AND EMPOWERMENT
Honourable Speaker, the 1992 Ready to Govern document, identified local
economic development as a pre-requisite to economic transformation because
SMMEs create an inclusive economy and expand access to employment
opportunities.
This thrust focusses on capacitating the SMME’s to enable them to gain access
to markets and improve their business and management skills.
Several training sessions were conducted for the purpose of SMME
development. A total of 279 SMME’s were trained in the following fields:
- BBBEE compliance
- Establishment of Co-operatives
- Compilation of tender documents
- Quality of tourism products
- Customer care
We will continue to capacitate our SMME’S in accordance with their needs. In
this regard we have consulted the respective forums and requested them to
submit their needs. We are often criticized for not doing enough, but those
forums and organisations who claim to represent business, have a duty towards
their members to ensure that their needs are communicated to the Municipality.
We urge those organisations to be our partners in development. We have also
partnered with the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller and more than a hundred
interns have been placed at municipal, offices and libraries throughout the
Municipality to assist entrepreneurs in establishing businesses.
SPATIAL PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Decisive Spatial Transformation is one of the Gauteng Pillars for Radical
Transformation to transform the spaces people live in and to connect and
integrate places of work and human settlements over the next 5 to 15 years.
Integrated Development has been a buzz word for some time but the Spatial
Development Framework of the Municipality is the key planning policy framework
to ensure integrated planning, optimal connectivity, liveable sustainable human
settlements, growth and green smart developments.
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In this regard the Municipality has reviewed its Spatial Development Framework
to ensure that new developments are strategically placed to achieve sustainable
integrated planning and capital investment.
For the period 2013/2014 to date we have received 485 new development
applications and have successfully processed the applications within an average
turnaround time of 24 days on non-delegated applications and 9 days on
delegated applications.
This demonstrates our commitment to reduce the turnaround times for new
developments through administrative efficiencies such as electronic applications
through our website.
The increase in development applications demonstrates a positive trend in
investment in Merafong City. The new developments have put pressure on bulk
infrastructure in the Fochville and Carletonville areas, which needs to be
addressed as a matter of urgency. The implementation of Councils’ Bulk
Services Contribution Policy has had a positive effect to reduce the cost for
additional infrastructure capacity and the potential negative impact new
developments could have on municipal rates.
The modernisation of Human Settlements and urban development as one of the
pillars for radical transformation is achieved through Merafong’ s vision of a fully
integrated community with residential, business and community facilities, as
entrenched in the layout of the Khutsong South Human Settlement project and
Kokosi inner-city development. We can proudly announce that the development
of the Gold Ridge Mall has commenced and the planned completion date is
September 2015.
It is envisaged that construction of the Kokosi Shopping Centre will commence in
June/July 2015 and the planned completion date is early 2016.
The President Hyper in Fochville has also commenced with a major upgrade,
more than doubling the size of the current complex. This is a clear indication of
investor confidence in our area and demonstrates the opportunity of growth in the
retail sector as indicated in our Growth and Development Strategy.
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We have also submitted business plans to the Gauteng Funding Agency for
funding of the following developments to facilitate Radical Economic
Transformation by the creation of integrated development nodes:
Carletonville Multi Nodal Transport Hub
Khutsong South Extensions Taxi Rank
Kokosi Precinct Upgrade
Kokosi Social Development Cluster
Fochville- Kokosi Regional Park
The need for church stands and stands for NGO’s has been identified by the
community. From a planning point of view, council adopted the approach of
demarcating land for Social Development Clusters. These clusters will function
as centralized locations in all areas where there is a shortage of land for social
development. The supply chain process for the subdivision of these clusters has
commenced and will be finalized in this financial year.
It is envisaged that upon completion of these clusters, sufficient land will be
available to address the social needs of our communities.
In support of the re-industrialization of the Gauteng Province and linkages
towards the planned Metro in 2016, it can be mentioned that discussions are far
advanced with PRASA and their consultants ARUP, currently conducting a
feasibility study on the establishment of a commuter railway station in the
Khutsong South Extensions development, boosting employment and economic
inclusion.
The availability of safe land for development remains one of the main challenges
in our Municipality, due to the dolomite situation in the Northern area of the
municipal area. With regards to development in the northern conurbation of
Merafong City, it can be mentioned that Council has approached the Far West
Rand Dolomitic Water Association to obtain portions of the farms Uitspanning
and Wonderfontein IQ. This area will be suitable to address the shortfall of land
experienced to implement the complete Khutsong Development. It will also
provide opportunities for commercial and mixed housing developments in the
Khutsong South development.
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Negotiations with the Far West Rand Dolomitic Water Association are far
advanced and the signing of a Land Availability Agreement is expected in due
course. The implementation of the next phases is however dependant on funding
allocations from Provincial departments.
Council resolved in November 2012 to lift the moratorium on development in the
existing Khutsong, pending the outcome of a detailed site specific geotechnical
survey for the entire Khutsong. The feasibility dolomite stability investigation has
been completed and according to the study, 78% of the stands in old Khutsong
falls within Dolomite Hazard Zone 1 and 2, which is suitable for commercial,
single dwelling houses, as well as low- and high rise residential dwelling, subject
to SANS 1936 (2012) requirements. The geotechnical report highlighted the fact
that the current developed stands may remain, subject to the testing and upgrade
of wet services in compliance to SANS 1936 (2012). Any further development in
Khutsong will be considered in accordance with the provisions and
recommendations of the Feasibility Level Dolomite Stability Investigation Report
(VGI 3606), SANS 1936 (2012) and a Dolomite Risk Management Policy and by-
laws. It is further important to note that no informal housing is permitted
(including backyard dwellings of informal construction) in terms of SANS 1936
(2012). This remains a National challenge and in our Province specifically. This
challenge is recognized by our Province and the MEC has in the last few weeks
conducted a summit to in collaboration with stakeholders to find innovative
solutions to this challenge to inform policy reviews.
FINANCE
The payment levels for the period June 2012 is 98.47%, June 2013 119% and
June 2014 80.75%. As at January 2015 the payment levels is 74.97%. The major
challenge has been experienced in the implementation of credit control in areas
such as Kokosi, Khutsong, Wedela and Greenspark, our communities are
reluctant to pay for services. Indigent registration is continuing in all areas and all
community members who are not indigents are urged to pay for their services as
Council is continuing with credit control and debt collection processes.
Council is experiencing financial difficulties due to a number of reasons, main
being the negative outcome of the mines appeals. The valuation roll was
implemented in July 2012 and in total 3071 objections were received and
attended to by the municipal valuer.
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The appeal for the mines took 18 months to be finalized and valuation appeal
board made a ruling in November 2014 which was in favour of the mines. This
has resulted in a decrease in revenue by R12m per month and the matter has
been taken up for review.
Blyvoor Gold mine owing the Municipality to a tune of more than R170 Million, it
is under a liquidation process that is not final. Engagements made at all levels in
trying to recoup some of the monies owed by the mine to the Municipality. The
debt is accumulating monthly with water usage remain not serviced.
AMNESTY
Amnesty incentive was open for all consumers who have tempered with their
electricity meters for fixing or replacement. Over 300 applications received and
forwarded to Electricity section for processing.
WRITE-OFF (3YEARS AND INDIGENT)
Council approved a debt write off for qualifying indigents of R10 million in
September 2014 and R7 million in February 2015 for all wards.
PRESCRIBED DEBTS WRITE OFF
Council approved R94 million prescribed debt write off for the services as at 30
June 2011, transactions processed fully and all wards benefitted from the
process.
Ag Audit Opinion
The Municipality continues to receive unqualified audit opinion with reduction in
the matters of emphasis.
EMPLOYMENT CREATED
AMR (Meter reading co.) = employed 22 people, broken down as ff: 5 in
Fochville, 3 Wedela, 11 in Khutsong and 3 in Carletonville.
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Trifecta (Credit control & DC) = employed 30 people (pending
confirmation).
75/25 clause of the procurement policy.
YOUTH
Honourable Speaker of Council, please allow me to quote the founding members
of the ANC Youth League and former President of the ANC, the late Comrade
Oliver Reginald Tambo, when he said, and I quote: “A nation that does not care
of its youth has no future and does not deserve one” close quote.
It is many years since O R Tambo expressed these words and today we are
gathered here to heed this clarion call. As we meet here today, an alarming
number of our youth are unemployed and are in desperate need of job
opportunities.
It is against this background that we must see the importance of youth
development in South Africa. It is also against this background that we welcome
these important initiatives:
Establishment of Youth Centres Kokosi, Carletonville, Wedela and
Khutsong, Blybank, Greenspark and Farming area which seek to assist
young people to partake community and government planned programs in
order to bridge the gap between community and the Municipality Youth
Office.
Back to School campaign were cleaning of all 32 schools around Merafong
in preparation of Schools to be ready on the first day of reopening
Career Exhibition to establish a consultative platform wherein inherent
issues of youth development are addressed for high Schools pupil to make
an informed career choices
Player day and Gala dinner in preparation of grade 12leaners for the
exam’s through motivation and further acknowledge outstanding efforts of
students and contribution of educators
Financial assistance to learners for tertiary and since 2009 we have
assisted 1250 students with registrations
On portable skills about 600 young people were trained on the following
skills Electrical domestic installer, Mechanical repair, Welding and Cutting,
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Basic Carpentry (Roofing and celling installation), Basic Plumbing, Basic
building, Broiler (Chicken farming methods), Vegetable Production,
Garment making (Clothing) and Home Textiles
On Youth building pilot life skills about 72 were trained to conduct a
community scan around Merafong
further 400 youth were trained on Advanced entrepreneurship training
programme
The formalising of car wash in townships in order to create formal jobs, so
far 3 in 1car wash has been build.
Speaker, let me remind you of Prof ZK Mathews when he was addressing
Cape ANC when he said. "Any form of construction needs both the architect
and the bricklayer. It needs both the act of conception and that of building; the
act of designing and that of putting one brick upon the other, which are the
words calling upon the national convention to draw up the freedom charter
which lead to the congress of the people on the 26 June 1955
JOB CREATION
PROGRAMMES &
PROJECTS
Stipend Implementation Period No. of
Beneficiaries
EPWP
R2 000.00 15 Months 260
NYS
R1 500.00 12 Months 275
GEP
R3 000.00 24 Months 105
INTERNSHIP R3 500.00 36 Months 12
Rural Development R1 400.00 48 Months 100
The people shall govern.
Through the office of the Speaker with ward committees, the ward councillors
consult on a monthly basis with their constituencies. It is in these consultations
were reports are given and mandates received.
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Honourable Speaker, my office embarked on a Mayoral outreach programme
from 18th of February to the 2nd March on a back to Basic campaign towards
implementing of our core services that local government provides like clean
drinking water, sanitation, electricity, shelter, waste removal and roads, which are
basic human rights, essential components of the right to dignity enshrined in our
Constitution and Bill of Rights
Indeed Honourable Chief whip the fight for freedom must go on until it is won;
until our country is free and happy and peaceful as part of the community of man,
we cannot rest, it is a quote from the stalwart from a glorious organization
Comrade Oliver Tambo.
The roadmap towards the Metro has been developed towards the 2016
Metropolitan Municipality as part of 2055 Gauteng City Region vision to transform
the West Rand District Municipality into a single Metropolitan type of a
Municipality, which is in line with a decision that became a ruling party’s
resolution as far back as 2003, that all Municipalities in the West Rand will be
amalgamated into one single Municipality by 2016, however we are awaiting the
Municipal Demarcation Board determination of boundaries as set out in Circular
4/2015, however Honourable Speaker community buy-in is pivotal through an
effective community participation process to ensure a smooth and vibrant
consultation process.
Honourable Speaker, in conclusion the road ahead will not be easy, the
challenges we still have to confront will require total commitment to the vision we
have set ourselves. We must draw courage from the guaranteed certainty of our
success, this we can achieve if we embrace and live by the wishes of Pixley Ka
Isaka Seme, when he said “bury our petty jealousies and hatred” and work for
the success and development of the Country.
Lastly compatriots, I thank God Almighty for the privilege bestowed on me as the
Executive Mayor with His divine grace, we collectively shall not falter.
Let me wish the South African Cricket team well in the world cup, they have
made us proud so far.
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A special word of appreciation and support to
My family
Political Management Team
Members of the Mayoral Committee
Councillors
Administrative leadership under the stewardship of Mr Thibini
Support Staff in my Office
The opposition parties who keep on our toes
And the beautiful people of Merafong
I thank you