/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs presented its budget vote to the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces on 03 May and 04 May, respectively.

This afforded the Ministry an opportunity to outline progress made in the implementation of our programmes and plans. It also provided clear plans of the departments for the current financial year. The Minister also elaborated on work in preparation for the 2016 local government elections, to be hosted on 03 August 2016.

The 2016/17 approved budget totals R73 Billion and shows government’s intention to create a better life for all.

Minister Des Van Rooyen and Deputy Ministers Obed Bapela and Andries Nel, emphasised a number of key issues, through the budget presented in both houses.

a)  The Back to Basics (B2B) programme has entered its second phase, with implementation of the 10-Point Plan

b)  B2B is supported by the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) Programme, through which government continues to fund basic infrastructure services. Furthermore, municipalities are supported by the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent(MISA) to implement a few high-impact projects to improve municipal infrastructure and service delivery performance.

c)  In the past year MISA supported 75 municipalities in the development of new infrastructure and refurbishment of existing assets to improve the provision of services

d)  MISA assisted Elundini Municipality secure funding of R296 million

e)  Makana Municipality is but one example of a B2B success story, with water supply restored to the Rhodes University community and citizens

f)  The B2B programme is beginning to bear fruit. It was selected as an example of the Open Government Partnership commitment of ‘mainstreaming citizen participation in the public sector.’ The OGP Africa Regional Conference starts on 06 May

g) Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality is in good health, under the collective leadership of Executive Mayor, Mr Danny Jordaan

h) The importance of continuing to ensure equitable distribution of services to all South Africans from all walks of life.

i)  The significance of traditional leadership in our democracy and the role that this institution play as part of our development. Preparations for the winter initiation season are underway to ensure the safety of young men.

j)  The recently approved Integrated Urban Development Framework (IUDF) provides a roadmap to the National Development Plan’s vision for spatial transformation – creating liveable, inclusive and resilient towns and cities.

k) The progress made through the Inter-Ministerial Task Team (IMTT) on Drought was highlighted. Currently, affected provinces are receiving drought relief in the form of feeds for livestock, livestock water, and water for human consumption. Boreholes have been drilled for both human and animal consumption and water tankering services have also been delivered.

l)  The Community Work Programme created over 220 000 work opportunities in 198 municipalities.

m)  Minister van Rooyen condemned the violent protests occurring in some communities, especially Vuwani. He urged stakeholders to resolve their differences through dialogue and to not destroy infrastructure.

Issued by GCIS on behalf of the Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs