/ 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.

During her signature savings and budget outreach campaigns, MEC for Finance in KwaZulu-Natal, Belinda Scott, led her department to Izingolweni, south of KwaZulu-Natal today.

She was accompanied by the Deputy Mayor of the new Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, formerly Hibiscus Municipality, Cllr Ronnie Nair and head of department, Simiso Magagula, along with a team of Treasury officials.

Before combing the entire town of Izingolweni, two taxi ranks and the Shobashobane areas, Scott stopped at Ntokozweni Village for the Vulnerable where she donated toiletry bags, FutureLife porridge, fruits, blankets and towels in celebration of Older Persons’ Month- October.

Speaking after the interaction with the communities and households, Scott said her visit to Izingolweni is part of a series of her outreach campaigns to all communities in the province. Two weeks ago, Scott visited Hammarsdale Township and the nearby taxi ranks to collect budget inputs from residents.

“We need to go around the province to create awareness about the need to save money and this is due to the cost of living that has become very expensive. We also need to communicate, educate and encourage communities to be part of the provincial budget processes by making their input”, she said.

Magagula said Treasury is still going to be seen visiting various other towns and communities before and after the tabling of the Provincial Budget Speech next year.

Issues that were raised during this outreach campaign include insufficient low-cost houses, high crime rate and drug abuse, jobs for the youth, clean drinking water, shelter for informal traders as well as trading and opportunities to grow businesses.

Issued by Kwazulu Natal Finance