Date: 30/10/2003
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government
Title: Dowry: Briefing session on Urban Renewal Programme, Western Cape
STATEMENT BY COBUS DOWRY, WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, AT A BRIEFING SESSION ON THE URBAN RENEWAL PROGRAMME WITH THE EXECUTIVE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF CAPE TOWN, NOMAINDIA MFEKETO
CELEBRATION OF URBAN RENEWAL - A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE THREE SPHERES OF GOVERNMENT, AND THE COMMUNITY
I have a personal commitment to the eradication of poverty and the provincial Department of Local Government through all our programmes have achieved success in this regard. Local government in the Western Cape is extremely proud of its achievements thus far within the Urban Renewal Programme (URP). More needs to be done and we must enhance our efforts so that everyone in the Western Cape can share all this wonderful province has to offer.
The province itself has responded to the call of improved service delivery in Khayelitsha and Mitchell's Plain by reprioritising resources from all our provincial departments. I am proud to say that huge progress has been made in these two nodes and that this nodal point serves as benchmark for other development nodes. This is however possible only through the dedication and commitment of all three spheres of government, stakeholders and communities.
The Provincial Government of the Western Cape aims to achieve this in the medium term through various focus areas. I name a few:
Promoting local economic development
The key to economic development is entrepreneurship and investment confidence. It must be worthwhile for entrepreneurs to move there and less costly to stay. Government has the important role to create the environment for this to happen by amongst others, promoting entrepreneurship, supporting SMMEs, ensuring a clean, attractive and safe environment, incentives for investment, make effective and efficient governance a reality.
Fighting crime effectively
It is about creating a law-abiding, safe and secure environment. This can be achieved with zero tolerance, visible policing, an effective judicial system, a gang intervention strategy and addressing crime at the source.
Education, training and skills development
Access to a job starts with the ability to do the job. High quality education, training and skills development, is the single most important contribution government can make to promote economic development and to push back poverty. Therefore the focus must be on children who should be at school and not on the streets; quality education must be available; awareness about the importance of education up to tertiary level; and addressing illiteracy.
Next we must establish an environment to be proud of
A clean, well-maintained environment (streets, parks, public buildings, etc.) will give a sense that the community is not neglected; that things are not falling apart; that society is not doomed; that there is order.
The strategy must also focus on efficient, integrated and user-friendly transport systems as transport plays a major role in empowering these communities to become part of mainstream activities - socially and economically. There is a positive correlation between poverty levels and dependency on mass transport.
Yet another focus is on labour intensive methods of construction. Given the high unemployment figures, it is essential that every effort be made to use labour intensive construction methods wherever possible.
Focus on youth programmes
Parents have to be assisted in countering the influence of the criminal economy based on drugs, prostitution and gangsterism. Our youth must be made aware of role models and sport could be a tool to demonstrate this. iKapa elihlumayo: Hope, Delivery & Dignity for the Next Decade must also provide hope for the youth.
Lastly a focus on well-managed safety nets including
This is the role the different spheres of government must play with indigent policies; free basic services; social support grants; effective, efficient, user-friendly health services; and the provision of housing.
In conclusion - the New National Party/African National Congress Coalition of Hope is illustrating to the people of the Western Cape that we understand and respond to the needs of the marginalised and disadvantaged groups in our province.
Enquiries: Jan Bosman 083 775 5312
Issued by: Ministry of Local Government, Western Cape Provincial Government
30 October 2003
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government
Title: Dowry: Briefing session on Urban Renewal Programme, Western Cape
STATEMENT BY COBUS DOWRY, WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, AT A BRIEFING SESSION ON THE URBAN RENEWAL PROGRAMME WITH THE EXECUTIVE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF CAPE TOWN, NOMAINDIA MFEKETO
CELEBRATION OF URBAN RENEWAL - A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE THREE SPHERES OF GOVERNMENT, AND THE COMMUNITY
I have a personal commitment to the eradication of poverty and the provincial Department of Local Government through all our programmes have achieved success in this regard. Local government in the Western Cape is extremely proud of its achievements thus far within the Urban Renewal Programme (URP). More needs to be done and we must enhance our efforts so that everyone in the Western Cape can share all this wonderful province has to offer.
The province itself has responded to the call of improved service delivery in Khayelitsha and Mitchell's Plain by reprioritising resources from all our provincial departments. I am proud to say that huge progress has been made in these two nodes and that this nodal point serves as benchmark for other development nodes. This is however possible only through the dedication and commitment of all three spheres of government, stakeholders and communities.
The Provincial Government of the Western Cape aims to achieve this in the medium term through various focus areas. I name a few:
Promoting local economic development
The key to economic development is entrepreneurship and investment confidence. It must be worthwhile for entrepreneurs to move there and less costly to stay. Government has the important role to create the environment for this to happen by amongst others, promoting entrepreneurship, supporting SMMEs, ensuring a clean, attractive and safe environment, incentives for investment, make effective and efficient governance a reality.
Fighting crime effectively
It is about creating a law-abiding, safe and secure environment. This can be achieved with zero tolerance, visible policing, an effective judicial system, a gang intervention strategy and addressing crime at the source.
Education, training and skills development
Access to a job starts with the ability to do the job. High quality education, training and skills development, is the single most important contribution government can make to promote economic development and to push back poverty. Therefore the focus must be on children who should be at school and not on the streets; quality education must be available; awareness about the importance of education up to tertiary level; and addressing illiteracy.
Next we must establish an environment to be proud of
A clean, well-maintained environment (streets, parks, public buildings, etc.) will give a sense that the community is not neglected; that things are not falling apart; that society is not doomed; that there is order.
The strategy must also focus on efficient, integrated and user-friendly transport systems as transport plays a major role in empowering these communities to become part of mainstream activities - socially and economically. There is a positive correlation between poverty levels and dependency on mass transport.
Yet another focus is on labour intensive methods of construction. Given the high unemployment figures, it is essential that every effort be made to use labour intensive construction methods wherever possible.
Focus on youth programmes
Parents have to be assisted in countering the influence of the criminal economy based on drugs, prostitution and gangsterism. Our youth must be made aware of role models and sport could be a tool to demonstrate this. iKapa elihlumayo: Hope, Delivery & Dignity for the Next Decade must also provide hope for the youth.
Lastly a focus on well-managed safety nets including
This is the role the different spheres of government must play with indigent policies; free basic services; social support grants; effective, efficient, user-friendly health services; and the provision of housing.
In conclusion - the New National Party/African National Congress Coalition of Hope is illustrating to the people of the Western Cape that we understand and respond to the needs of the marginalised and disadvantaged groups in our province.
Enquiries: Jan Bosman 083 775 5312
Issued by: Ministry of Local Government, Western Cape Provincial Government
30 October 2003
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