2008 State of the City Address presented by the Honourable Executive Mayor of Mogale City, Clr. Koketso Calvin Seerane of the Mogale City Local Municipality held at the Centenary Hall, Krugersdorp Civic Centre, Mogale City.

Madam Speaker: Councilor Noluthando Mangole;
Executive Mayor of the West Rand District Municipality: Ald. Faith Matshikiza;
Executive Mayor of the Westonaria Local Municipality: Clr. Maserame Khumalo;
Chief Whip of Council: Councilor Boyce Maneli;
Speaker of the West Rand District Municipality: Councilor Tunzi;
Speaker of the Randfontein Local Municipality: Councilor Setsiba;
Speaker of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality: Councilor Mekgwe;
Speaker of the Nokeng Tsa Taemane Local Municipality: Councilor Nkotoe;
Speaker of the Emfuleni Local Municipality: Councilor Hlongwane;
Members of the Mayoral Committee here present;
Leaders of our political parties and Honourable Councilors of Mogale City;
Municipal Manager of the Mogale City Local Municipality: Mr. Dan Mashitisho;
Leaders of other government departments;
Leaders of the Alliance;
Business leaders;
Senior management and staff of Mogale City Local Municipality;
Members of the media;
Distinguished guests, friends and comrades;
People of Mogale City:

Introduction

Let me start by extending our heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Dr. Nthato Harrison Motlana who passed away on Sunday night after a long battle with cancer. A former Secretary General of the African National Congress Youth League, Dr. Motlana was one of the accused, alongside Mandela and others, who were charged after the Defiance Campaign of 1952. A resident of Mogale City – the City of Human Origin – he was a fearless leader of our struggle who has served his country with distinction. Dr. Motlana was a pioneer and icon of Black business in our country. On behalf of the people of Mogale City, we say “Hamba kahle – Ubuqhawe bakho buyasiduduza”

Ladies and gentlemen good day. Welcome to Mogale City.

This is indeed a special occasion for the people of our city. It has to be because today marks a special achievement for our city and the provincial government. It was exactly 21 months ago that we, on the occasion of our State of the City address of 2007, declared: “One of the challenges of service delivery is the issue of making it easy and convenient for residents to access services. The municipality had started on a project to establish a Call Centre which was meant to do exactly this. Following discussions with the then MEC for Finance and Economic Affairs and now Premier of Gauteng, Mr. Paul Mashatile, we have struck a partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Government to jointly establish a Call Centre in Mogale City. Whereas the initial plan was to have a Call Centre with 12 seats, this partnership will see us establish a 150 seat Call Centre. Besides the benefits of ensuring services not only of Mogale City Local Municipality but of the entire Gauteng Provincial Government, this initiative brings with it much-needed job opportunities for our people in this ever-growing industry.”

True to the commitment made to the people of Mogale City, the municipality indeed embarked on a journey to establish a Contact Centre for the residents of Mogale City to ensure the provision of services. Call Centers have become globally recognized remote customer care centers where clients or stakeholders have access to their Service Providers in a more convenient way. Service Delivery involves allowing your customer or stakeholder easy access to services designed for them in the most convenient manner. The constitution of the country puts an obligation on us to ensure quality service in a consistent manner.

The objectives of this call centre include, but not limited to:

• • To offer standardized infrastructure to provide a single point of access underpinned by professionalism;
  • Increase customer satisfaction;
  • Ensure effective use of resources to provide the best value to residents;
  • Conduct customer surveys, feedback and campaigns;
  • Apply the best practice principles to set clear standards of service that residents can expect – log all

customer calls, monitor and review performance to ensure delivery according to set standards;

• Provide full and correct information;
• Consult and involve customers and workers to improve services;
• Encourage access and promotion of choice – make services easily available;
• Treat all people fairly and with respect;
• Put things right when they go wrong and learn from complaints; and,
• Provide a solid platform for Mogale customers’ interaction with Mogale City Local Municipality.

At the present moment, the Call Centre is in its first phase which focuses only on Infrastructure and Revenue Services. After careful assessment, we will announce the next roll-out phase which will include other municipal services. But one of the things we are doing to ensure the delivery of quality services is to co-ordinate all government efforts within the boundaries of our city. To this end, we have articulated what we call the Mogale City Integrated Service Delivery Plan. This plan is informed by the areas of co-operation identified by partners in the Social Development Cluster, namely the Departments of Health, Education, Social Development, Home Affairs as well as the municipality. The areas of co-operation include, but not limited to, addressing the problem of children without birth certificates, people without identity documents and the general problem of poverty, dealing with orphans, creating a healthy environment and dealing comprehensively and in a co-ordinated manner with the issue of HIV/AIDS.

Last week, together with the Gauteng Provincial Government, as we launched the 34th Thusong Service Centre for our province in Munsieville, we said in part: “This Mogale City Integrated Service Delivery Plan is a plan that speaks directly to the underpinning principles of Thusong Service Centres. It is a plan that seeks to ensure co-ordination and integration of all government services so that we are able to increase the impact on the people. We are delighted therefore, Programme Director, to be hosting this launch. It is a direct response by government to the needs expressed by the people of our city, and indeed of our province and country to ensure that all citizens have access to government information. It is when people have information that we will see them in their numbers accessing government services.

The Thusong Service Centres provide an opportunity to ensure that this is done in an integrated manner.”

Just as we are seeking to do with the Integrated Service Delivery Plan and the Thusong Service Centres, we launch this Call Centre as a further expression of our unwavering commitment to deliver quality service to the people. We must see this Call Centre as a vehicle to accelerate the pace at which we pursue the objectives contained in the Freedom Charter, the ANC election manifesto of 2006 as well as the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. It is about government’s commitment to creating a better life for all.

Ladies and gentlemen it gives me great pleasure to officially announce the Mogale City call centre number: O861 664253 or 0861 MOGALE! Currently, residents are able to call the Call Centre number: 0861 MOGALE at standard call rates and make their account enquiries without having to go through the switchboard. Judging by the response, I can safely say that this platform has been warmly welcomed by residents. For the month of October we received a total of 3362 calls and managed to answer 3136. This means that we were able to hit a 96.35% service level. Well done to the team.

This is an important part of pursuing our vision and mission. We must congratulate all those involved in this process. Thank you for the hard work and good luck!

I thank you.

2008 State of the City Address presented by the Honourable Executive Mayor of Mogale City, Clr. Koketso Calvin Seerane of the Mogale City Local Municipality held at the Centenary Hall, Krugersdorp Civic Centre, Mogale City.

Madam Speaker: Councilor Noluthando Mangole;
Executive Mayor of the West Rand District Municipality: Ald. Faith Matshikiza;
Executive Mayor of the Westonaria Local Municipality: Clr. Maserame Khumalo;
Chief Whip of Council: Councilor Boyce Maneli;
Speaker of the West Rand District Municipality: Councilor Tunzi;
Speaker of the Randfontein Local Municipality: Councilor Setsiba;
Speaker of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality: Councilor Mekgwe;
Speaker of the Nokeng Tsa Taemane Local Municipality: Councilor Nkotoe;
Speaker of the Emfuleni Local Municipality: Councilor Hlongwane;
Members of the Mayoral Committee here present;
Leaders of our political parties and Honourable Councilors of Mogale City;
Municipal Manager of the Mogale City Local Municipality: Mr. Dan Mashitisho;
Leaders of other government departments;
Leaders of the Alliance;
Business leaders;
Senior management and staff of Mogale City Local Municipality;
Members of the media;
Distinguished guests, friends and comrades;
People of Mogale City:

Introduction

Let me start by extending our heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Dr. Nthato Harrison Motlana who passed away on Sunday night after a long battle with cancer. A former Secretary General of the African National Congress Youth League, Dr. Motlana was one of the accused, alongside Mandela and others, who were charged after the Defiance Campaign of 1952. A resident of Mogale City – the City of Human Origin – he was a fearless leader of our struggle who has served his country with distinction. Dr. Motlana was a pioneer and icon of Black business in our country. On behalf of the people of Mogale City, we say “Hamba kahle – Ubuqhawe bakho buyasiduduza”

Ladies and gentlemen good day. Welcome to Mogale City.

This is indeed a special occasion for the people of our city. It has to be because today marks a special achievement for our city and the provincial government. It was exactly 21 months ago that we, on the occasion of our State of the City address of 2007, declared: “One of the challenges of service delivery is the issue of making it easy and convenient for residents to access services. The municipality had started on a project to establish a Call Centre which was meant to do exactly this. Following discussions with the then MEC for Finance and Economic Affairs and now Premier of Gauteng, Mr. Paul Mashatile, we have struck a partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Government to jointly establish a Call Centre in Mogale City. Whereas the initial plan was to have a Call Centre with 12 seats, this partnership will see us establish a 150 seat Call Centre. Besides the benefits of ensuring services not only of Mogale City Local Municipality but of the entire Gauteng Provincial Government, this initiative brings with it much-needed job opportunities for our people in this ever-growing industry.”

True to the commitment made to the people of Mogale City, the municipality indeed embarked on a journey to establish a Contact Centre for the residents of Mogale City to ensure the provision of services. Call Centers have become globally recognized remote customer care centers where clients or stakeholders have access to their Service Providers in a more convenient way. Service Delivery involves allowing your customer or stakeholder easy access to services designed for them in the most convenient manner. The constitution of the country puts an obligation on us to ensure quality service in a consistent manner.

The objectives of this call centre include, but not limited to:

• • To offer standardized infrastructure to provide a single point of access underpinned by professionalism;
  • Increase customer satisfaction;
  • Ensure effective use of resources to provide the best value to residents;
  • Conduct customer surveys, feedback and campaigns;
  • Apply the best practice principles to set clear standards of service that residents can expect – log all

customer calls, monitor and review performance to ensure delivery according to set standards;

• Provide full and correct information;
• Consult and involve customers and workers to improve services;
• Encourage access and promotion of choice – make services easily available;
• Treat all people fairly and with respect;
• Put things right when they go wrong and learn from complaints; and,
• Provide a solid platform for Mogale customers’ interaction with Mogale City Local Municipality.

At the present moment, the Call Centre is in its first phase which focuses only on Infrastructure and Revenue Services. After careful assessment, we will announce the next roll-out phase which will include other municipal services. But one of the things we are doing to ensure the delivery of quality services is to co-ordinate all government efforts within the boundaries of our city. To this end, we have articulated what we call the Mogale City Integrated Service Delivery Plan. This plan is informed by the areas of co-operation identified by partners in the Social Development Cluster, namely the Departments of Health, Education, Social Development, Home Affairs as well as the municipality. The areas of co-operation include, but not limited to, addressing the problem of children without birth certificates, people without identity documents and the general problem of poverty, dealing with orphans, creating a healthy environment and dealing comprehensively and in a co-ordinated manner with the issue of HIV/AIDS.

Last week, together with the Gauteng Provincial Government, as we launched the 34th Thusong Service Centre for our province in Munsieville, we said in part: “This Mogale City Integrated Service Delivery Plan is a plan that speaks directly to the underpinning principles of Thusong Service Centres. It is a plan that seeks to ensure co-ordination and integration of all government services so that we are able to increase the impact on the people. We are delighted therefore, Programme Director, to be hosting this launch. It is a direct response by government to the needs expressed by the people of our city, and indeed of our province and country to ensure that all citizens have access to government information. It is when people have information that we will see them in their numbers accessing government services.

The Thusong Service Centres provide an opportunity to ensure that this is done in an integrated manner.”

Just as we are seeking to do with the Integrated Service Delivery Plan and the Thusong Service Centres, we launch this Call Centre as a further expression of our unwavering commitment to deliver quality service to the people. We must see this Call Centre as a vehicle to accelerate the pace at which we pursue the objectives contained in the Freedom Charter, the ANC election manifesto of 2006 as well as the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. It is about government’s commitment to creating a better life for all.

Ladies and gentlemen it gives me great pleasure to officially announce the Mogale City call centre number: O861 664253 or 0861 MOGALE! Currently, residents are able to call the Call Centre number: 0861 MOGALE at standard call rates and make their account enquiries without having to go through the switchboard. Judging by the response, I can safely say that this platform has been warmly welcomed by residents. For the month of October we received a total of 3362 calls and managed to answer 3136. This means that we were able to hit a 96.35% service level. Well done to the team.

This is an important part of pursuing our vision and mission. We must congratulate all those involved in this process. Thank you for the hard work and good luck!

I thank you.

2008 State of the City Address presented by the Honourable Executive Mayor of Mogale City, Clr. Koketso Calvin Seerane of the Mogale City Local Municipality held at the Centenary Hall, Krugersdorp Civic Centre, Mogale City.

Madam Speaker: Councilor Noluthando Mangole;
Executive Mayor of the West Rand District Municipality: Ald. Faith Matshikiza;
Executive Mayor of the Westonaria Local Municipality: Clr. Maserame Khumalo;
Chief Whip of Council: Councilor Boyce Maneli;
Speaker of the West Rand District Municipality: Councilor Tunzi;
Speaker of the Randfontein Local Municipality: Councilor Setsiba;
Speaker of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality: Councilor Mekgwe;
Speaker of the Nokeng Tsa Taemane Local Municipality: Councilor Nkotoe;
Speaker of the Emfuleni Local Municipality: Councilor Hlongwane;
Members of the Mayoral Committee here present;
Leaders of our political parties and Honourable Councilors of Mogale City;
Municipal Manager of the Mogale City Local Municipality: Mr. Dan Mashitisho;
Leaders of other government departments;
Leaders of the Alliance;
Business leaders;
Senior management and staff of Mogale City Local Municipality;
Members of the media;
Distinguished guests, friends, and comrades;
People of Mogale City:

Introduction

Let me start by extending warm greetings to all residents of our city, particularly those currently gathered next door in the Market Hall and those a few kilometers away from here at Coronation Park, watching us on big screens, and indeed those following on the website. Throughout the entire 96 year history of the ruling party, the principle of ensuring that the voice of the people prevails has been at the center. It is a history characterized by the fight for the achievement of a democratic state and a democratic society. It is a history based on the fight for the principle that the people shall govern! Today is a further expression of this principle. I stand before you ladies and gentlemen to account to the people of Mogale City on our activities in the last 12 months and to outline a programme of action for the next 12 months. Madam Speaker we made a number of commitments last year when we delivered our State of the City address. We also invited the people to give tips to the Executive Mayor on the issues they think must be covered. I welcome this opportunity to deal with those matters in all aspects of local governance as captured in our constitution.

With your permission Madam Speaker, I would like to touch on a few of the issues raised by the people. Franky B from Krugersdorp West says that we must establish economic forums to encourage investment and build the Kaizer Chiefs stadium; Chenge Geoffrey Matjiu of Kagiso Ext. 6 says that we must focus on BEE where we have the authority to, especially on land use and allocation, pool resources from different provincial departments to ensure a coordinated effort, move traffic and policing to be 24 hours a day and focus on small business promotion; Hope Khoza of Kagiso 2 is worried about job creation targeting the youth and youth crime; Marx Matlhare of Kagiso Ext. 9 wants us to improve on the water and sanitation so that we can deal effectively with pollution; Nonhlanhla Seele of Rangeview Ext. 4 says we must focus on crime; and Vusi Masinda of Kagiso 2 says we must fix potholes in most Kagiso streets because he is tired of buying new car tires every three months, citing specifically Sebenzisa, Themba, and Masedi streets.

This is public participation at work! I want to assure all the above-mentioned people, as well as those that we did not touch on, that we have taken their inputs very seriously. Even before knowing what was contained in these tips, our focus both in terms of what characterized our programme in the last 12 months and in the next 12 months is in line with the expectations of residents of our city as confirmed by the mini random sample.

Democratic and Accountable Government for Local Communities

I am happy therefore, Madam Speaker, to report that we have developed frameworks for the training of Councilors as envisaged last year. Councilors and some political office bearers, including officials in political offices, have and are still undergoing various courses, including a year-long national certificate course in Municipal Governance with the University of Johannesburg which began in March 2008, the Advanced Certificate in Leadership and Management with Monash University which took place in November last year, as well as having our female Councilors participating in a mentorship programme run by the Department of Local Government. The training we have planned for 2008/09 for Councilors includes Computer Training covering internet, email, powerpoint presentations, and report writing. All of these things must and will continue to happen Madam Speaker because we need competent and performance-driven public servants.

So far 24 Community Liaison Officers have been appointed. They provide administrative support to ward committees. The deployment of CLOs to their respective workstations has gradually ensured that offices function at maximum capacity. A successful two-day orientation workshop was arranged to prepare them for the tasks that lie ahead. They provide monthly reports onward related activities, including ward and ward school profiles, amongst other things. They also assist in the IDP Feedback sessions and other community engagement sessions. It is of critical importance Madam Speaker that we emphasize that the capacity of CLOs to ensure quality service delivery requires support, participation, and cooperation from all stakeholders in their respective wards. Let us continue to mobilize all sections of our communities to ensure that indeed, the people to govern. To this end, we are also currently working to have Ward Committee members go through a training course with Monash University in the new financial year. To further increase and foster good working relations and team spirit within the ward committee system and the community in general, we will this year launch the June 16 Ward Committee Games which will involve all wards in sports activities.

To ensure the smooth flow of information and raise the bar in the area of public participation, the Office of the Speaker has developed a newsletter targeting Councilors as well as Ward Committee members. At the same time, the municipal newspaper, Dikgang Tsa Mogale continues to strive towards catering for a diverse audience in Mogale City. We have also introduced an electronic version of Dikgang Tsa Mogale. It is also through this facility that we were able to get input from the people of our city to inform this address, as indicated above. In order to meet international standards, we are exploring technological solutions for improving our website. We are currently looking at innovative ways of upgrading our interactive website to an e-commerce facility, which will enable residents and business to view their municipal statements and traffic fines and make payments online. We are also looking at content update mechanisms and control systems to continuously improve, and thus ensure quick and accurate information updates on the website.

Provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner

Madam Speaker our network infrastructure, inclusive of the roads and stormwater network, the water and sanitation network and the electricity network, form the cornerstone of the platform from which we render services to our communities. It is imperative therefore that we continuously invest in the maintenance, upgrading and refurbishment of this infrastructure. Even in our very first strategic planning workshop upon assuming office, this reality was widely accepted. This reality is one of the major contributors to the formulation of the ‘Business as Unusual’ theme that we adopted in the early part of 2007. This has enabled us to continuously provide water to all our residents, including business, the rural and informal settlement communities. We have also provided continuous waterborne sanitation to those connected to our sewerage system and portable sanitation to those who are not. On the electricity side we have also been able to supply continuous electricity to the areas within our limits of supply. Ongoing projects in our electricity side include the refurbishment project of substations older than 50 years; the upgrading of switch gears and transformers in the Delporton area which are supplying the industrial area as well as the Percy Stewart Waste Treatment Plant; the conversion of the 6.6 kV substations in Factoria to 11.0 kV; the upgrade of the 33kV transmission line from Chamdor to Factoria; the conversion of overhead copper conductors to bundle conductors; and the conversion of overhead service connections to underground service connections in the areas of Lewisham, Monument, Krugersdorp North, Krugersdorp West and Wentworth Park. We have spent a total of R5, 4 million in the past year and intend spending an additional R4, 3 million on these projects.

Madam Speaker we are currently busy with a major new development in the construction of a new substation in Muldersdrift. This substation would supply the new casino, as well as Ruimsig and the Pinehaven areas. We have also already completed the 33kV transmission line from Libertas and we are in the process of installing new equipment at the substations. It is common knowledge that the country as a whole is faced with the challenge of inadequate power supply from Eskom. Mogale City is no exception. Out of our own initiative, with our partners the Mogale Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we opened discussions with Eskom, as well as with the relevant national and provincial government departments to formulate a comprehensive strategy on how to meet this new challenge. As a result, we were able to stabilize the situation and assist Eskom in setting a standard approach to manage load-shedding countrywide. Mogale City was the first municipality to come to an arrangement with Eskom for the benefit of Eskom, the residents and business. We are now discussing the implementation of an energy efficiency plan with Eskom. We will make the necessary announcements once all issues are finalized.

With regard to water and sanitation, I am pleased to say that we have had a successful water and sanitation delivery programme in the past year and are looking forward to an even better programme in the coming financial year. From the time we assumed office following March 1, 2006, elections, we have ensured a daily supply of portable water and mobile toilets to over 13 000 families who live in informal settlements as well as on privately owned land. To augment our water supply we have commenced the construction of a 6 ml Rangeview Ext 4 reservoir project which we intend to complete in the next financial year. The cost of this project is R17, 2 million. This reservoir would service the areas of Muldersdrift and Rangeview and also increase capacity to enable us to support new developments. We have embarked on a project of installing prepaid water meters in Munsieville, Rietvallei, and Kagiso. This project is meant to promote the responsible and affordable use of water. A parallel project is our Water Demand Management programme intended to reduce the amount of unaccounted for water in the City. Through this programme, we have reduced the amount of unaccounted for water from 30% to 24% of our purchases during the past year. Contrary to what some may have us believe, we have commenced on a project to upgrade the Percy Stewart Waste Water Treatment Plant. The intention is to improve its performance so that it complies with its licensing requirements. We have assembled a team of highly experienced and qualified engineers and scientists to analyze the nature of the challenges we face. This is to enable us to come up with workable solutions to overcome the problem. Given the urgency with which this challenge must be tackled, we have moved to implement the first phase of the project in this financial year on a fast track project basis.

There are three interventions we are working on: the first involves the upgrading of the plant, which includes mechanical, electrical and instrumentation works; the second involves the application of our by-laws to reduce the high load on the plant, and the third concerns itself with design and construction of a new plant. The first two interventions will assist us to minimize the problem and even stop it. The third intervention will create more capacity for us to handle the rapid growth experienced by our city. We assure the people of our city that Percy Steward Waste Water Treatment Plant is receiving the necessary attention. Our sanitation infrastructure is supported by 1 600 km of pipe, 13 pump stations, and 3 treatment works. To support communities that are not connected to our sewer system we have constructed 300 VIP toilets in the past year and would continue to install more in the coming year. We have also diligently continued to empty VIP and chemical toilets on a monthly basis. So we agree with Marx Matlhare of Kagiso Ext. 9 that it is important for us to improve on the water and sanitation delivery so that we can deal effectively with providing a healthy environment.

Our road and stormwater networks comprise 800 km of tarred roads and 200 km of gravel roads totaling about 1 000 km of road length. Our maintenance, upgrading, and refurbishment are ongoing so that we can ensure the structural integrity of our road networks. In the past year we repaired 300m2 of potholes; rehabilitated 1, 3 km of tarred road in Kagiso; graded all our gravel roads, at least 3 times; and poison sprayed 50 000m2 of sidewalks and stormwater channels at a total cost of R2, 7 million. In the coming year, we would continue with similar programmes and expand the programmes where necessary. We also intend to focus our attention on the poorly constructed roads in Kagiso and Munsieville. So Vusi Masinda of Kagiso 2 can rest assured that we definitely do not want the people of Kagiso and the entire city to be buying tires every three months. I must mention that it is unfortunate that we experienced over flooding of private homes in Kagiso. We reiterate our initial message to those affected – this is a legacy problem, but we are with you. We are committed to addressing this matter and achieve a lasting resolution of the problem in the coming year.

Madam Speaker in so far as other capital projects are concerned, we have, through MIG funding, been able to carry out a number of key service delivery projects. These projects include: the construction of a 2,4 km road at the Kagiso Cemetery at a cost of R2,4 million; the development of a 2,4 km road and 600m of storm water channel in Swanieville at a cost of R3,3 million; in Rietvallei Extension 2 and 3, 1,6 km and 300m road and stormwater channel construction at a cost of R3,2 million; and the construction of a 200m road at Magaliesburg at a cost of R350 000-00. These projects are indicative of the service delivery mindset that characterizes this municipality and indeed government in general. In partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Department of Public Transport, Roads and Works, we have also funded projects which have been completed or about to be completed. The projects are the construction of a 6,5km road, 1,5km storm water channel in Munsieville Extension 4 at a cost of R21,0 million; and the development of a 700m road and 200m of storm water channel in Rietvallei Extension 3(A) at a cost of R2,0 million. These projects were carried out on the principles of EPWP (Expanded Public Works Programme) and based on labor-intensive methods of construction.

To further give meaning to the long-held freedom cry of a better life for all, we will in the coming year embark on the road and stormwater projects in Kagiso 12, Munsieville, Swanieville, Rietvallei Extension 2 and 3 as well as Rietvallei Extension 5 at a total cost of R23 million. This would be done in partnership and on grant funding from the Provincial Department of Public Transport, Roads and Works and with MIG funding. On the housing side we are currently implementing phase I and phase II housing projects in Sinqobile Proper, Munsieville, Kagiso Extension 12, Rietvallei Proper and Extension 1, Rietvallei Extension 3a, and Rietvallei Extension 5 Phase 2. We have so far delivered a total of 3690 housing units across the city. We have at least 2051 units in different stages of construction, with most due for completion by June 2008. In the next financial year, we expect to commence construction of houses in Chief Mogale, announced last year as the Kagiso-Azaadville development. The project, our first flagship housing development, will continue for the next 3 financial years. Through this project, we will deliver 9350 units. Phase 1 of this project will commence in May 2008 with the installation of infrastructure services.

To show the seriousness with which we regard the provision of housing, through this project, we are targeting the construction of no less than 1000 houses by December 2008. Ambitious as it may sound, this ground-breaking target is achievable because all the stakeholders are committed to the project as a further commitment to delivering a better life. Out of the entire 9350 units, we will deliver 5888 to households falling in the category of Breaking New Ground, previously known as RDP. As previously indicated, plans are already underway to replicate another flagship project in the mould of the Chief Mogale Human settlement elsewhere in the city. In Munsieville Extension 5, installation of services commences this month – April 2008, and construction of houses will commence in the next financial year. Through this project, we will deliver 369 units. Project applications have been submitted to the Gauteng Department of Housing for the construction of 663 houses in Rietvallei Extension 5 Phase 1, the construction of 257 houses in Rietvallei Proper and Ext 1, the completion of 38 units in Sinqobile Phase 1, and the completion of 60 units at GaMohale.

Madam Speaker our objective to eradicate the legacy of single-sex hostels and replace them with sustainable human settlements is still the driving force behind the conversion of the old Kagiso hostel into family units. Phase 1 is currently underway. We have managed to convert old buildings that were used as communal facilities such as kitchens and halls into “decanting units” – temporary accommodation which is of acceptable building standard to house families whilst we demolish and rebuild the “Mandala Section”. In line with the provincial government’s newly established programme of housing demand database management, the municipality will move away from the waiting list system. As we all know, this system was marred by challenges ranging from data inaccuracy to queue jumping. We will adopt the new system of monitoring housing need and/or demand and supply of relevant stock. Our communities will be informed in due course. We have reached an agreement with the City of Johannesburg to connect both Rietfontein Village and Ethembalethu to the Driefontein Treatment Plant. Together with the provincial government and the West Rand District Municipality, we are working to ensure that the community of Muldersdrift’s Ethembalethu is supported in their endeavor to have the much-awaited township realized. A pre-hearing is scheduled for 14 April 2008 and a tribunal hearing will then be held on 25 April 2008. Our expectation is clear: the people of Ethembalethu have waited too long. We expect an unconditional approval and will do all we can to secure it.

In the rural areas, the municipality is currently faced with an incredibly high rate of evictions. This situation arises firstly because of the apartheid land ownership patterns which did not bestow the same right to land to the long-term occupier as it did to the owner; and secondly, the inability of striking a healthy balance between development and the right to provide adequate housing to the vulnerable communities in these areas. In recent weeks, in particular, the municipality has been called to respond to a number of evictions. We have realized that the continuous displacement of our communities in the name of development needs a very serious review. The trend has also seen landowners relocating occupiers to areas outside of our borders. Almost in all instances, these areas are very far from work and schools. Obviously, this is unacceptable, morally and otherwise! I want to make a call to all progressive landowners to come forward and commit to a better management of these situations. Let them commit to a more humane modus operandi. Let us not risk triggering chaos in our city. There is also an important imperative to incorporate land reform programmes in the form of Commonages, LRAD, and land redistribution so that we encourage economic development through agriculture. These interventions cannot be divorced from the development of Human Settlements. These are key elements of ensuring sustainability, independence, and self-reliance for such communities. We must realize that there can not be free until the rights of all South Africans, particularly the most vulnerable rural communities are secured.

For our part, we have started to recommit ourselves to a sustainable rural development programme that will change the lives of the people for the better. It cannot be business as usual. It must start with the municipality: the officials and politicians to understand that it is a mandatory obligation to plan and implement programmes that will change the lives of our people for the better. Our response, therefore, Madam Speaker, from the coming financial year shall be as follows: to develop an emergency plan to address the eviction challenges in the city; to finalise the Rural Development Strategy; to develop a programme of acquiring land in the areas of Magaliesburg, Hekpoort and Tarlton as a means to respond to evictions. The approach here will be a site-and-service one, followed by engagements with the provincial government to establish sustainable human settlements. So in the next financial year, we plan to make a total amount of R60m available, through various funding methods to ensure we do not continue to have human beings live like animals.

Promote social and economic development

On the economic development side, we are happy to report that our LED strategy will be finalized by the end of June 2008. The strategy will provide direction for economic growth in the city. A major aspect of the strategy will be an Investment Attraction Incentive Package which will assist us to intensify our efforts in attracting new investors into the city as well as retaining current investors. As per instruction given before, this strategy must also respond to the economic growth of local entrepreneurs. The approach is that our procurement processes must within the legal framework allow for ring-fencing a portion of our tenders for locals, especially women, the disabled, youth and all those falling under the previously disadvantaged. In this regard, we would like to assure Chenge Geoffrey Matjiu of Kagiso Ext. 6 that we will ensure that previously disadvantaged communities as described in our legislation get preference in our procurement processes, including and especially on land use and allocation. Franky B from Krugersdorp West remarked that we must establish economic forums to encourage investment. He will be pleased to know that we are working towards the formation of the Mayoral Economic Advisory Council towards the end of June 2008. This Council will advise the Executive Mayor on matters pertaining to economic development.

We have engaged a number of entities in our drive to achieve our local economic development objectives. These include the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller on establishing training interventions at Ubuntu Centre in Magaliesburg; the Gauteng Tourism Authority on the launch of the Mogale City Tourism Advisory Council; and Tourism@Work to develop ICT Tourism infrastructure for the benefit of the domestic tourism market, just to name a few. Our SMME section also continues to assist up and coming entrepreneurs in a variety of ways, including entity registrations. Intimately linked to encouraging investment, I am happy to also report that we have achieved a 30% reduction of the building plan backlogs. The town planning applications backlog has been reduced by 50%, leaving a backlog of 200 development applications still to be attended to. These backlogs will be completely attended to by the end of June 2008. The Mogale City Spatial Development Framework is in the process of being revised. Funding for this process has been provided in terms of the budget review process. The tender has already been advertised. The Spatial Development Framework is a key driver towards motivating for the expansion of the urban edge, amongst others. So this process must be accelerated.

We are working on the finalization of the last town planning issues relating to the Amakhosi Stadium development. The Street Trading Policy and the revision of the Street Trading By-laws are being finalised. A Social Contribution Policy is also being formulated to strengthen the implementation of integrated development. This will be implemented in the next two to three months. We have also commenced a drive to identify illegal building activities. The intention is to initiate litigation processes where necessary to force owners to comply, in other instances the municipality will demolish such buildings, or even take buildings over, particularly where they are used for purposes not intended for. A number of illegal buildings have already been identified and a Multi-disciplinary task team has been established to address these issues and take the process forward. An Illegal Structures and Building Plan By-Law as well as an Illegal Land Use Management By-Law will be developed in the near future. This will be driven by public participation. We will also focus on developing a Growth Management and Development Strategy during the next few months to integrate the approach to development in the City. Ultimately, our Economic Services department must ensure that it secures all necessary human and financial resources to realize all these commitments. The future of our city depends in part on this.

Madam Speaker, whereas we had planned for the commencement of the Amakhosi Stadium construction a while back, we are a bit disappointed to report that this has still not happened. We are aware of the untrue and baseless rumours and speculation going around in relation to this project. So I must state today that it remains one of the biggest investment initiatives ever undertaken in our city. We are in constant contact with our partners, Lefika Emerging Equity and the Gauteng Provincial Government on this matter. All of us are working very hard to overcome the obstacles. It is our submission that this project will be realized. The people of our city must bear with us. We will unveil a project roll-out plan once all the issues have been ironed-out. On Social Development we achieved a number of high impact interventions for the benefit of the community. These include furniture for study facilities at Lusaka Library; teaching aids for crèches in the previously disadvantaged areas; security for the Muldersdrift MPCC & Sport complex, as a result we have not had any further cases of crime and vandalism; marking of sport fields on a weekly basis; grading of open spaces & school fields; and assisting indigent families with free burials or facilitation of provision of free gravesites. We have also assisted community organizations & individuals with grants in aid in the amount of R582 645.00.

Madam Speaker last year the Social Services section held the annual International Day of the Disabled. As a result of what I witnessed when I arrived to address the gathering at the Centenary Hall, I have taken a decision to have the Office of the Disabled report to the Office of the Executive Mayor. Not only were the arrangements poorly done, but I also noticed that none of the senior managers in the section had attended the event. I found that very problematic. I have issued instructions to my office for this process to be completed by the end of May 2008. Their programme will then be unveiled for the new financial year as part of that of my office. This must be so because this is too important a group to be left as is. Just as with the youth, my office is under strict instructions to intensify its efforts in delivering a meaningful programme for people living with disabilities, the elderly, women and children. All of the programmes will be unveiled in the new financial year. Another area of concern is around the registration of indigent households. As someone who grew up in Kagiso and experienced poverty first hand, I know that indigent households are much more than the number registered to date. So the question remains: why are our people not registering? Here also, I have issued an instruction to my office to work with relevant departments to come up with a much more effective way of encouraging people to register. This programme must be rolled-out in the next two months.

Madam Speaker we have achieved some serious gains on the issue of youth development. We held a youth against crime campaign in partnership with the Department of Correctional Services and the Gauteng Youth Commission. This involved taking 30 young people to Krugersdorp Prison as well as to the Bosasa youth centers. Young people were exposed to prison conditions and what incarceration means. We hope this will serve as a deterrent factor. Another exciting partnership we have established is with Midmar Engineering in Chamdor, WestCol and MERSETA. This public private partnership seeks to lobby for resources from the private sector so that we can implement more youth development programmes. Through this partnership, we placed 26 young people on learnerships at Midmar Engineering. This initiative is sponsored by Merseta with a total cost of R35 000.00 per student. Going forward, we plan to have engaged 2500 young people with Mathematics and Science matric by 2009.

Madam Speaker last year we announced that we have established a partnership with the Centre for Youth Development in Kagiso. Completely funded by the municipality to the tune of R240 000.00, we kick started a training programme for young people to establish and successfully run co-operatives. This programme covers both the theoretical and practical work and has currently engaged 25 young people. Upon completion, we will work with various partners to secure sustainable work for them, even encourage them to pursue business interests. At the time of welcoming Ntando Bangani to our panel of ambassadors, we also hosted 127 young aspiring artists in a workshop conducted by EMI records & BONFIRE ENTERNTAINMENT to prepare them for the industry. Madam Speaker I am very delighted to report that as part of our youth development initiatives, as well as our commitment to youth development, under the Special Mayoral Bursary Fund, we offered 90 young people bursaries to pursue post-matric studies. We wish all these recipients well in their new endeavors and implore them to work hard for their own benefit, that of their families and their city. This initiative will be bigger next year. We plan to involve other partners so that we can touch more lives.

Going forward, we will launch other youth programmes on literacy, skills development in general, SMME promotion, dealing with unemployment, sports and recreation, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, youth in conflict with the law and teenage pregnancy. These will form part of our youth development programme which will be informed by our Integrated Youth Strategy. On health matters, we are happy to report that we have made a significant impact in our clinics. These include the introduction of TB & mental health services and the refurbishment of over five clinics. In the financial year 2008/09, we plan to roll-out more ARV maintenance sites at over six clinics. This is with the full realization that HIV/AIDS remains one of the biggest challenges of our time. We remain committed to a comprehensive approach, one emphasizing abstinence, safe sex and treatment. We are also happy to report, on the sports side, that the upgrading work at Kagiso Ext 13, Rietvallei 2 and 3 and Munsieville sports complexes has been completed; that we have appointed a contractor to refurbish the Azaadville Sport Complex; that we participated as a partner in the 36th annual Rugby Craven Week from 1-6 July 2007, including funding some of the activities of the event; and continuously graded school fields across the city.

Madam Speaker it also gives me great pleasure to announce a ground-breaking initiative. In partnership with the Patrick Ace Ntsoelengoe Foundation, the District Education Department and the South African Schools Football Association (SASFA) we will be hosting the first annual Ace Ntsoelengoe Schools Sport Tournament. In this first year, the tournament will feature soccer and netball, with the full understanding that it will include other sporting codes from next year onwards. The tournament will focus on an Under 13 and an Under 17 league for both sporting codes. We are scheduled to launch the tournament on 18 April 2008. The games kick-off on 20 April 2008 with the semi-finals and finals taking place on 19 July 2008. The Mogale City Local Municipality also plans to launch its 2010 World Cup Strategic Plan at the conclusion of this tournament. On the libraries side Madam Speaker we are happy to report that we have been able to sustain the delivery of library services, with a total head count of 652 889 visits during the past year. All libraries are equipped with new computers, and we are moving to fill critical vacancies to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of our libraries. We have also secured R3.9m from the National & Provincial government to equip libraries with, amongst others, a new library electronic system. This will be rolled-out in the near future.

At the end of May 2008, we will be formally launching the Mogale City Integrated Service Delivery Plan. This plan will be informed by the areas of co-operation identified by partners in the Social Development Cluster, namely the Departments of Health, Education, Social Development and Home Affairs. The areas of co-operation include addressing the problem of children without birth certificates, people without identity documents and the general problem of poverty, dealing with orphans, creating a healthy environment and dealing comprehensively and in a co-ordinated manner with the issue of HIV/AIDS. Chenge Geoffrey Matjiu of Kagiso Ext. 6 is spot on when he says that we must pool resources from the municipality and the different provincial departments to ensure a co-ordinated effort. One of the major initiatives we will also focus on is the launch of our Moral Regeneration Movement scheduled for June 2008. This will be done in partnership with religious groups, the youth, the disabled, women organisations, the elderly and business. We must work together to deal with the range of socio-economic problems that confront us using various platforms.

Promote a safe and healthy environment

Madam Speaker I must congratulate our Parks section which participated in the Sunday Tribune Garden & Leisure show, Gardenex as well as the Garden World Spring Festival and managed to win two silver and one gold awards. The Municipality also provided waste management support to the Live Earth Concert held at the Coca-Cola Dome in 2007. This enabled the concert to recycle all its waste and to be environmentally friendly. Mogale City was as a consequence of this support recognized on Cable Network News. This means that our city was profiled and marketed to millions and millions of viewers worldwide. Madam Speaker Mogale City was also chosen to host Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk at the launch of the Indalo Yethu National Environmental Awareness Campaign at Maropeng. We pledged our support for the initiative. In the coming year, we will also be finalizing a policy on sustainable development for Mogale City based on Local Agenda 21 principles and millennium development goals as well as a strategy on Environmental Compliance. The municipality is currently having feasibility studies done in order to establish a new landfill site in Magaliesburg. This process will be subject to a 12 month EIA process, after which a Record of Decision can be expected by the second quarter of 2009. We are also working on the Muldersdrift Bulk Sewer Line, which is currently in the final stages of the EIA process. A Record of Decision is expected by June 2008.

Other projects include but not limited to: the West Village Outfall Sewer; the Kagiso cemetery upgrade; the general Upgrade of rural cemeteries; the initiation of a comprehensive greening project across the entire city, including all entrances to the city; and the development of a regional Park in Kagiso for which MIG funding has already been secured in the amount of R1, 8m. This will include children’s play areas, paving, an open air amphitheatre, lapas and will be secured to ensure the safety of users. We are pushing for more of such parks across the city, including in Munsieville and Krugersdorp West. This would assist even in establishing viewing venues or fan-parks for the 2010 soccer world cup. On Public Safety, Madam Speaker, we are happy to report that the operationalization of the Criminal Justice Cluster is on course. Just as we did with our partners on the Social Development cluster, we have had several sessions with the SAPS, NPA, Correctional Services, the Chief Magistrate and Acting Chief Magistrate as well as our Public Safety. These meetings have detailed major areas of co-operation. These areas form the basis on which the cluster will operate. They include co-operation on the issue of illegal immigrants, By-law enforcement through the establishment of the Municipal Court, joint law enforcement operations, enforcement and implementation of the principles of Batho Pele, just to name a few. These issues are being compiled into what is for now called the Mogale City Integrated Service Delivery Plan. It will be launched together with the Social Development cluster document.

Encourage the involvement of communities & community organisations in matters of local government

Madam Speaker we continue to create space for residents to get involved in governance issues. As I indicated earlier, the Speaker’s office has established a newsletter as an information disseminator to councilors and ultimately the people, through ward committees. In three days’ time, the Office of the Speaker will be convening another Special Council session to allow opposition parties an opportunity to debate this speech. We did this last year and are continuing. We will also be holding two Imbizos early next month to give the people an opportunity to interrogate this speech. We are also working to finalize a programme that will guide our Local Geographical Names Committee. A draft ‘Naming Policy’ for Mogale City is in place. In all its work, the committee must and will involve the public. This is at the centre of its operations. The Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) for Mogale City Local Municipality was also established last year, as announced. This Committee is made up of 7 Councilors. In September 2007, 3 MPAC members including the chairperson undertook a ‘study tour’ to Parliament. The intention was to have an understanding of how SCOPA operates. The MPAC members were also afforded the opportunity to interact with SCOPA Chairperson, MP Themba Godi. On foreign relations we are happy to report that following the return visit to Wujiang City, some individual business people have since formalized their activities with their counterparts in Wujiang City. We urge other business people to analyze opportunities in Wujiang City and pursue them. The Office of the Executive Mayor and our Intergovernmental Relations department are always ready to assist in this regard.

Financial and administrative capacity

On the management of our financial capacity Madam Speaker, we have engaged in a number of interventions to improve our operations. These include data cleansing to improve the integrity of our data, and thereby improve our revenue collection; a debt collection process of targeting the top hundred businesses for vigorous credit control; the implementation of the Meter Audit and Customer Verification tender to improve the billing data integrity and ensure that all revenue due to the municipality is billed; and the implementation of the tender on the Revamping of the Revenue Office to enhance the level of staff morale and customer service. We have also implemented some progressive steps on the asset management side to ensure accountability and responsibility. Another tender that was awarded is for the Implementation of an Electricity Pre-Payment Vending system and the maintenance of the system for a period of three years. Internet vending will immediately be activated through IPAY, as well as cell phone purchases and hard-card vouchers. Electricity purchases at shops and other outlets can be activated immediately through an agreement with Easy Pay.

Madam Speaker, we have so far written off R29 million of indigents’ debts. As we have said before, this government does not exist to punish the poor, particularly because it is mainly as a result of an unjust system that they find themselves in the conditions they are in. The three-year financial statements backlog has been cleared and the municipality has now submitted all financial statements, including the 2006/2007 statements. The 2003/04, 2004/05 and 2005/06 have been audited by the Auditor-General’s office. This represents a major achievement in our council. All senior managers have signed strict and unambiguous performance management contracts. Executive Managers have signed performance management contracts which are posted on our website. These contracts will be reviewed quarterly. There will not be any compromise of this one – we owe it to the people of our city to ensure all of us do what we have been engaged to do. In the new financial year, we will also be filling all critical posts in line with our service delivery imperatives. We embarked on a process of identifying and filling these critical vacancies. The areas of focus include Finance, Infrastructure, Public Safety and Integrated Environmental Management. This situation arises out of a need to prioritise the allocation of our valued financial resources. The driver is to ensure that we put the delivery of much-needed services on top. This will allow us to acquire such services as scientific, engineering and financial management. We are also reviewing the working conditions of our professional staff who possess skills that are scarce in our country in general. The intention is to improve their conditions of service so that we can retain them.

Conclusion

When we delivered last year’s speech, we listed and thanked a number of companies and institutions that have an association with Mogale City. We did so because we have seen first-hand the power of partnerships. We know we cannot do it alone. To senior management, let us go out and seek partners that can assist us to accelerate the pace at which we deliver this better life to our people. There are many entities out there, inside and outside our country, that are ready, willing and able, like OR Tambo once famously said, ‘to enter into a conspiracy with us’ with the sole objective of bettering people’s lives. We must remember that the primary business of a municipality is solely to better people’s lives, nothing less.

Madam Speaker, once again, please allow me the opportunity to thank all those who have played a role in our achievements thus far. Our people will forever be thankful. In 1998 Professor Es’kia Mphahlele, a distinguished thinker and son of the soil remarked: “When we collectively arrive at a point where our accumulated knowledge explodes into bright lights and sparks, revealing certain truths about our individual and collective lives, including that of external nature; this profound and acute consciousness is what we can call a renaissance.” Madam Speaker we desperately require this to happen, in the municipality and the broader community. We need to achieve this ‘profound and acute consciousness’ because the challenges we face are indeed a bit complex. The fact that not all of us have achieved this level of consciousness further complicates our challenges. Let us take the lead as the municipality. In the manner that we do things and discharge our obligations and responsibilities, let us show the way. Hand-in-hand, let us put our collective experiences, dreams and aspirations, our yearning for a prosperous society, to create the bright lights and sparks.

I thank you.

The Speaker of the Mogale City Council, Cir. Noluthando Mangole;
The Executive Mayor of the West Rand District Municipality, AId. Faith Matshikiza;
Distinguished leaders from the soccer and netball fraternities;
Distinguished leaders from our partners: the Gauteng West Education department, the Patrick Ace Ntsoelengoe Foundation, the South African Schools Football and Netball Associations; Honourable members of our Mayoral Committee here present;
The Executive Management team of the municipality;
Distinguished guests, friends, and comrades;
Ladies and gentlemen:

We are gathered this evening to give life to a ground-breaking, precedent-setting initiative, a partnership with the Patrick Ace Ntsoelengoe Foundation, the Gauteng West Education Department, the South African Schools Netball Association and the South African Schools Football Association (SASFA). Through this partnership, we are doing our bit as Mogale City to contribute towards preserving the legacy of arguably one of the finest soccer players in living memory to ever lace on soccer boots and grace a football pitch. Our struggle for freedom was fought on many fronts, the contribution our people made to the liberation struggle was wide-ranging and varied. Who can forget the heroics of cadres such as the revered Barney Molokoane and his unit on the battlefield. Who can forget the international support and solidarity, the huge anti-apartheid movement the world over? Who can forget the bravery of our people throughout the beautiful land, who took on a murderous regime intent on genocide with their bare hands and braved apartheid bullets, in running battles in the streets of our townships. Gallows of ink has been used, correctly, to document and record this history for posterity.

However, there is a category of activists whose contribution must still be properly researched, recorded and narrated. Their contribution was largely psychological and subtle, but huge. For instance, millions of our people across our beautiful land would sit huddled in front of their small battery-operated transistor radios or watch on their 37cm black and white TV sets – to hear and see Ace turn on his magic. For the duration of the spectacle Ace, with his immense talent, was able to sooth the collective psyche of the nation. For those 90 minutes, with Ace doing his therapeutic magic, they would forget their oppression and hardship. For the duration of the Ace-show, they would be free from bondage, free from hopelessness. More importantly, this would get them fired up, this moment with Ace, and with the batteries re-charged, with renewed hope and vigor they would struggle on. The Ace inspired show would galvanise their resolve to free themselves from subjugation and humiliation. We are honored therefore to play our little role to ensure that his is an enduring legacy, imprinted firmly in the landscape of our country. This initiative is in keeping with our strategic vision to position the city as a mecca of sports – a centre of sporting excellence. That is why Kaizer Chiefs is setting up shop in Mogale City. On the occasion of Ace’s funeral, the people got a glimpse of what is coming, legions of soccer lovers descended on our CBD, which over the weekend is normally quite. The CBD and surrounds would become a hive of socio-economic activity once more.

It is our contribution to youth development in our city. It is meant to sway our young people from anti-social behaviour which seems to be on the increase. All this forms the basis of our bold decision we took to fund this programme in its entirety. We will continue to do so until our term of office expires in 2011. As we grow this programme, together with our partners, we will invite other stakeholders to join us in this noble cause. This will assist us to make a bigger impact in the lives of the children of the West Rand. As a municipality we welcome all our partners in the drive to promote and increase school’s participation in Sport; increase levels of performance in School Sport; increase learner academic performance through participation in sport; promote the culture of Sport in schools within the community; reduce behaviour problems and social ills in schools and communities; build the character of learners and produce responsible citizens; increase co-operation and coordination between different spheres of government within the Mogale City area and the West Rand in general; increase and strengthen co-operation and coordination between government in general and community organisations and the community; and increase and strengthen co-operation and co-ordination between government and custodians of sports in general.

Programme Director one of the things that this initiative emphasizes, as mentioned above, is the power of partnerships. This will assist us to ensure a coordinated approach to service delivery and increase the impact on the people of our city. This initiative represents an example of what we can achieve if we work together. It is at the centre of our strategic approach. In the spirit of business as unusual, like the President said, ‘let’s put all hands on deck’ to ensure that we create a vibrant sports culture in our city and region. To show the seriousness with which we regard this programme, we have already taken a decision to incorporate it into our 2010 World Cup activities. At its conclusion, the Mogale City Local Municipality will launch its 2010 World Cup Strategic Plan. This represents an important moment in our city. We invite all residents to support this programme as part of pursuing the bigger strategic objective. While Mogale City is not one of the host cities for the 2010 soccer showpiece Programme Director, there is a need to prepare the people of our city for the event. It has to be so because we must ensure that our city and its people also enjoy the benefits that come with this event. This is on the understanding that, precisely because of its broad approach, the event must touch all corners of our country, and indeed of our continent. After all – this is an African world cup. We will ensure that they are not left wondering what happened long after the soccer spectacle was held.

This will also assist us to create a lasting legacy for future generations. This opportunity creates space for projects that will assist to advance the service delivery programme of the city in an integrated manner. The main areas of focus will be tourism promotion and development; the greening and beautification of our city; sports development; public viewing facilities; persuading one of the top countries to adopt us as a base camp; issues around marketing of our city; and the development of our infrastructure and so on. This plan will be the people’s plan. We invite all residents to own it and make it work. On the occasion of bidding farewell to this legend, we also said in part: “Indeed, we have lost a legend, a massive star, a big human being, a mentor, a colleague, an advisor and a friend. Time Magazine once described Jamaican Reggae great Robert Nesta Marley as the ‘most influential artist of the second half of the 2Oth century’. Let me put my foot down, we are bidding farewell today to Africa’s most influential athlete of the second half of the 20th century. Mabhekaphansi, YOU MAY BE GONE, BUT YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!” The occasion this evening says it all. It is the realization of the commitment we made then. To forget an individual who gave so much of himself to millions of us would be criminal. Just like a one-time coach of Kaizer Chiefs once said of the late Sizwe Motaung after a much contested Rothmans Cup final. It is on that basis that we opted to name this programme after this legend. Indeed, we will never forget you, Mabhekaphansi

In conclusion, Programme Director, allow me to wish all the young boys and girls the very best in the programme. The focus is on them. In the spirit of fair play, I urge them to do all of us proud.

Let the games begin!

Thank you.

2008 Budget Speech presented by the Honourable Executive Mayor of Mogale City, Clr. Koketso Calvin Seerane of the Mogale City Local Municipality held at the Council Chamber, Krugersdorp Civic Centre, Mogale City.

Speaker of Council: Councillor Noluthando Mangole;
Chief Whip of Council: Councillor Boyce Maneli;
Members of Mayoral Committee;
Leaders of Political Parties;
Honourable Councillors of Mogale City;
Municipal Manager: Mr. Dan Mashitisho;
Senior managers of the municipality;
Members of the Media;
Distinguished citizens of Mogale City;

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Thanks, Madam Speaker. It is a pity that the DA is not in attendance. When you fail to prevail in the battle of ideas, you resort to walkouts, it is wrong. This grand standing by the opposition must be called by its correct name, which is political blackmail. You threaten a walk out because you fail to convince the other person. We have an overwhelming mandate to run the city and we intend to do just that with or without the DA.

In his 2008 Budget Speech, the Honourable Trevor Manuel, Minister of Finance shared these thoughts with us: “That we have to work together to overcome obstacles and achieve our ambitions is self-evident. That there is hard work ahead is equally clear. I would also wish to affirm that there is a place in this shared future for all of us – we are building an economy in which businesses can grow and prosper, in which productive work will be rewarded, in which community organisations have a place alongside government in delivering public services, in which there are respect and recognition of the skills, the talents, the diversity, the commonality that South Africans have in abundance. United in our diversity, with social solidarity as our rallying cry, we will work together to build a prosperous non-racial, non-sexist, democratic South Africa.

At the occasion of the Council debate on the State of the City address earlier this year, I thanked all councilors, irrespective of political affiliation, for the questions, comments and inputs, especially the many congratulatory words on the successes of the municipality over the past period.I made a statement there that at some point this municipality was referred to as a municipality in an Intensive Care Unit. I also said, as time went by, under our collective leadership, we got the municipality to walk on crutches. And now we are almost in good health. I am the first to accept that there are problems there is a litany of problems we must deal with, many huddles we must overcome going into the future. But it is certainly not doom and gloom. Although it is not a utopian environment where everything is hunky dory, there are many positives.

And so like Minister Manuel, we once again call upon all the people of this city to join hands in the quest to build this city. It will take our collective effort to achieve any meaningful growth for our city the City of Human Origin. The things that must and do occupy our minds are informed, properly so, by the needs of the people of Mogale City. These are contained in the ruling party’s election manifesto of 2006. The things that we do, including the budget we are presenting this morning, are essentially about giving meaning to this manifesto. This budget is further informed by the city-wide roadshows we conducted to engage our people. Through these roadshows, we were able to pick up issues which have been factored into this budget as far as possible. Some of the examples include streetlights, pot holes, Percy Stewart, just to name a few.

We have also engaged with the provincial government who can also assist us to realize some of our challenges. Their view, generally, is that our biggest challenge as the collective political and administrative leadership is to take the municipality to new heights. We think that this is spot on because as practitioners of development in local government we know that ours is not just about refuse removal and grass cutting. It is also about issues of economic and social development. We must be responsive to the needs of the people. We must do the things that will assist us to address unemployment, underdevelopment, homelessness and so on.

This, Madam Speaker, requires us to adopt a different approach to issues. It means that we must adopt policies and strategies that make it possible to succeed and take our rightful place in the community of vibrant cities. One of those is the ability to fertilize our city for investment attraction. We must continue to interact with business, reduce the cost of doing business in our city in line with our Business as Unusual motto. But policies and strategies alone will not be enough. Our mindset has to change. Decision making has to be both responsible and sensible, but prompt.

And so Madam Speaker, as I stood in front of you on the 4th of April 2008 to deliver the State of the City address, besides giving an account of what we have achieved, I also made commitments on further requirements in relation to our service delivery mandate to the citizens of our city. This is the same mandate referred to earlier, in a bid to better the lives of our people.

This Budget, together with the Integrated Development Plans tabled before this Council this morning, are tools that will assist us to achieve this mandate. They are tools that will guide us in becoming responsive to the needs of the communities we serve. We are conscious of the fact that these documents will not satisfy the needs of each and every one in our City. However, they are designed to satisfy the majority of the citizens of Mogale City.

In preparation of this budget all endeavors were made to ensure that it is guided by the needs of the communities we serve, as mentioned above. Furthermore, all endeavors have been made to comply with relevant legislation, namely: the Municipal Finance Management Act, Local Government Municipal Systems Act and all other relevant legislation.

Public participation is the cornerstone of our government. Both as politicians and administrators, we went to every single community engagement session to listen attentively to the needs and concerns of the people. The input given by communities during roadshows has been incorporated in both the Intergrated Development Plans and the Budget. We think that it is important to emphasize this point. It is something to be proud of because the people of our city never had things done this way. I am referring specifically to the period before the attainment of liberation in our country. We continue to refuse steadfastly to reduce the citizens of Mogale City to curious by-standers and continue to affirm them as actors on the governing stage.

So indeed, this Budget is a product of intense consultation. A public participation advisory forum lead by you Madam Speaker is one such tool that ensures consultative governance. The following are some of the things undertaken:

1. As mentioned earlier, extensive roadshows were embarked upon in November and May 2008 in all the Wards to determine the needs of the communities;
2. The schedule of the Key Deadlines for the Budget Preparation process was tabled in the Council meeting of  August 2007;
3. The MFMA Implementation Steering Committee Chaired by MMC for Finance Councilor Farouk Bhayat continued to hold meetings in implementation of their oversight role on implementation of the Budget and ensuring compliance to legislation;
4. The Draft Budget for 2008/2009 financial year was tabled in Council as required by the MFMA on the 30th March 2008; and,
5. Further extensive community consultations took place between November 2007, April 2008 and May 2008.

I now turn to the budget:

Operational budget

The total operational expenditure budget proposed for MCLM as balanced to the total revenue forecasted for 2008/09 is R933, 087 million. This budget is R133 231 million (or17 %) above the Adjusted Budget for the current financial year (2007/08). The Original Budget as approved by Council for the 2007/2008 financial year is R 727 506 million which is R 205 581 million lesser than this proposed expenditure budget.

The Operational Expenditure per vote Allocations is made up as follows:

• Infrastructure Management 52% = R486 million
• Environmental Management 10% = R95 million
• Social Services 11% = R101.6 million
• Financial Management 13 = R117.3 million
• Corporate Support Service 6% = R57.2 million
• Economic Services 4% = R32.5 million
• Political Office Support 2% = R21.5 Million
• Municipal Manager’s Office 2% = R21.6 million

TOTAL EXPENDITURE R933, 087 million

The Operational Budget per Expenditure Type is made up as follows:

• Employee Remuneration Cost 31% = R295 million
• Bulk Purchase of Water & Electricity 25%& = R257 million
• General Expenses 23% = R220 million
• Working Capital 9% = R82.7 million
• Repairs and Maintenance 5% = R51 million
• Depreciation 0.5% = R4.6 million
• Remuneration of Councillors 2% = R15.7 million
• Departmental charges 1% = R3.98 million

TOTAL = R933, 087 million

Capital budget

The Capital Budget is allocations with which visible service delivery can be attributed to. The total capital budget proposed for Mogale City Local Municipality for 2008/09 is R114,570 million.  This is R33, 610 million above the 2007/08 Adjusted Budget (42% above) and R23, 788 million above the current year’s Original Budget (26% above). The amount of the Capital Budget is unlikely to be the final figure as we anticipate to receive additional funding during the year of which will be added to the current Budget through Adjustment Budgets.

The Details of Funding confirmed to date are as follows:

• R24 487 million from MIG (Municipal Infrastructure Grant) The amount gazetted for MCLM in 2008/09 is R42, 475 million. However 5% (R1,789 million) of this amount is allowed to be used for operational expenditure and R16 198 545 will be spent in the 2007/2008 financial year;
• R3, 051 million from Department of Minerals and Energy Affairs (INEP);
• R11, 650 million from the Gauteng Department of Social Development;
• R3, 240 million from the Gauteng Department of Housing;
• R30 million from a new capital long-term loan;
• R18, 606 million from the sale of land at Rangeview; and,
• R 23,536 million from surplus cash mainly anticipated from sales of Land.
• It should be noted that within this Budget Council approval will be sought to go onto the Capital Market to seek a Long Term loan of R30million for Infrastructural and Capital Expenditure.

The Capital Budget Expenditure will be distributed as follows:

• 9% or R10.9 million for Corporate Support Services
• 12% or R13.6 million for Social Services
• 3% or R2.9 million for Environmental Management
• 76% or R83.1 million for Infrastructure

The Council also supports investment projects within the municipality’s boundaries that are totally funded by other government sectors and/or private sector partners. These projects are termed out -of-books projects since the funding for the projects does not flow through Mogale City’s bank account. A list of these projects, including the Housing Development projects funded by Province, are shown in Schedule 3b of the Budget report.

The distribution thereof will be as follows:

• R28.7 million for Social Services;
• R350.5 million for Economic Services, specifically Housing; and,
• R10 million for Infrastructure, specifically Roads
• This translates into a total Out of Books Capital Expenditure of R389.2 million

The increases being proposed for 2008/09 are as indicated hereafter:
2008/09 Proposals

• Property Rates 8 %
• Electricity tariffs 15%
• Water tariffs 0-6 Kilolitres free
• 7-30 Kilolitres 8% stepped tariff
• 30 and above 10% stepped tariff
• Sanitation tariffs 8 %
• Refuse collection tariffs 8 %
• Other user charges 8%

National Treasury has not set growth parameters as they have done for previous financial years. However, National Treasury advises that municipalities are expected to levy their rates and tariffs taking into account their local economic conditions, affordability levels and remain broadly in line with the macro- economic policy determined by government. It should also be noted that the Property Rates will be based on the current valuation roll for 2008/09 with the implementation of the Property Rates Act taking effect for 2009/10 onwards. Council needs to note that in the resolutions it is being requested to approve the tariffs for electricity now in order to get final approval from NERSA in time to implement the new tariffs at the beginning of the financial year.

We propose with this Budget presentation that the free basic water of 6 kilolitres that was given to all residents of Mogale City still be given free to all consumers in line with our drive to ensure that the poor enjoy the fruits of what it means to have a government of the people for the people. An increase of 8% on the stepped tariffs for consumption between 7-30 kilolitres in proposed whilst on consumption of 30 kilolitres and upwards the increase proposed is 10%. I need to point out that there is constitutional obligation on the municipality to provide free basic to all the residents. And therefore we could have taken a decision to provide this free water only to registered indigents. Legally, this would have been permissible. However, this would be contrary to our tried and tested agenda and commitment to the poor. So our approach is premised on the need to conserve a finite resource. If we are reckless and we allow the usage of water as we see today to continue, by 2030 we will have a major water crisis on our hands.

It is also said that traditionally wars have been fought over land and precious commodities such as oil. In future, this is said to be changing because predictions are that wars will be fought over things like water. So we are doing our bit as a city to put in our hand in a quest to preserve a natural resource which is already under pressure. We propose with this budget a 15% increase on the electricity tariff which is the increase effected by Eskom in April 2008. It should be noted that Council has absorbed the additional increases from April until June when the increase will be effected by MCLM. We further propose with this budget that any further increase that might be approved by NERSA in respect of the application by ESKOM to increase tariffs by the proposed 53.6% will have to be reluctantly passed on to the consumers. A draft Rates Policy, in line with the Property Rates Act to be implemented for 2009/2010, is currently in process of consultation with stakeholders and will be tabled shortly at Council for approval.

Conclusion

Madam Speaker it is important to restate that I am privileged to present this Budget as a statement of collective municipal responsibility. Achieving this requires leadership and attention to detail. The detail is contained in Mogale City’s 2008/2009 – 2010/2011 Financial Years Budget, while this speech must be accepted as an executive summary as it captures only the important factors. Details are distributed with the Budget Report and it is presumed that all members of this Council have acquainted themselves with details thereof.

At the same occasion of the Council debate on the State of the City address earlier this year, I also took time to pay tribute to our predecessors – they had the presence of mind to say that this is Mogale City. It is not some dorpie in an obscure corner somewhere. This is key because reference to a city conjures in a mind vibrancy in terms of the community, the economy, images of hope and success. It is through this, in part, that we have been able to achieve the ideal of a R1 billion budget. We did say that this was not a pie in the sky. It has been achieved. So we must salute those that took the decision. In conclusion Madam Speaker, allow me to call upon the wisdom of the President of the Republic of South Africa, Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki, who gave the annual Africa Day speech on 25 May 2008 and in part said: “Never since the birth of our democracy have we witnessed such callousness. We must view the events of the past two weeks as an absolute disgrace.” We want to add our voice, as we did throughout the past two weeks, that we are against this inhumane and misguided behaviour. It is behaviour we will not accept. My office has been working with communities in Munsieville, Tarlton and Kagiso, as well as with the Office of the Director of SAPS in our city and other stakeholders to send this message loud and clear: NO TO XENOPHIBIA!

With those words, I now move that this Budget of the Mogale City Local Municipality for the year 2008/2009 to 20010/2011 financial years be approved as recommended in the Budget report.

I thank you.