Date: 27/05/2003
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government
Title: Mosunkutu: Gauteng Public Transport, Roads & Works Prov Budget Vote 2003/2004
ADDRESS BY GAUTENG PUBLIC TRANSPORT, ROADS AND WORKS MEC KHABISI MOSUNKUTU ON THE TABLING OF DEPARTMENTAL BUDGET VOTE, Tuesday, 27 May 2003
Honourable Speaker and Deputy Speaker,
Comrade Premier,
Members of the Executive Council,
Mayors and other representatives of Local Government,
Head of Department and other officials,
Esteemed Guests,
Comrades,
Friends,
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is always an honour and a pleasure to present to this august House the budget vote of the Department of Public Transport, Roads and Works.
Allow me, Mr Speaker, to commence by paying tribute to Tata Sisulu, one of the greatest revolutionaries of our era. So much has been said about this indomitable yet unassuming servant of the nation that one is likely to repeat what others have said.
To quote the Premier on Tata Sisulu. " Ge e le ditaola tsona tate wa rena Sisulu o tlogile a re rutile".
Taking a leaf from the life of Tata Sisulu and the lessons that he has left behind, can only guarantee the deepening of our democratic revolution and the certainty of genuine social and economic freedom for all our people.
Presenting this budget speech after the presidential Address to the Nation and after the Premier's opening address on the 24th of February 2003 here in the Provincial Legislature, it is important to note some of their strategic directives and to link these to the Department's plan of action.
In his address to the National Assembly, the President observed that despite the almost miraculous advancement brought about by the dawn of democracy in our country, a vast number of our communities remain trapped in excruciating levels of poverty and joblessness.
To address the humiliation borne by our communities, the majority of whom are disadvantaged Blacks, the President said: 'This dictates that we focus on them with regard to our social spending as well as social and economic infrastructure investment'.
The Premier in his opening address also commented on this challenge and directed Provincial Government Departments to 'consciously maximise the job-creation potential of the public sector. To do this through the promotion of co-operatives, public works, community-based public works and infrastructure development programmes'.
Conscious of these directives from the President and also aware of the provincial goals as elaborated by the Premier, it is, indeed, a pleasure to reflect on how my Department has located these imperatives within its programmes. To adequately reflect on this, it is important to also briefly talk about what has already been done to bring about tangible democracy and to restore the dignity of this section of our communities.
Mahatma Gandhi, the legendary fighter for human rights, observing the plight of marginalised communities such as those that we seek to serve, said: "There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread".
Mr Speaker, pushing back the frontiers of poverty, creating jobs and contributing to economic development are non-negotiable goals within my Department. Departmental programmes are aimed at making democracy meaningful even to this section of our community.
PUSHING BACK THE FRONTIERS OF POVERTY AND CREATING JOBS
* Poverty Alleviation and Job Creation through Infrastructure Delivery
* Zivuseni Poverty Alleviation Programme
The Premier initiated the Zivuseni Poverty Alleviation Programme during the 2002/2003 financial year. The launch of Zivuseni was, and will continue to focus on those sections of our communities so impoverished that freedom and democracy to them cannot appear in any form except "in the form of bread".
Whilst Zivuseni's objectives are to improve the physical condition of public facilities used to deliver services to the public, it simultaneously addresses poverty alleviation and creation of short-term jobs. 6,731 unemployed people obtained short-term employment in the Zivuseni projects during the 2002/2003 financial year.
To date, a total of 115 projects, comprising of building and renovation of schools, clinics, and hospitals and waste management projects were implemented.
A total of 1 295 people received accredited life skills and technical training through funding from the Department of Labour.
A target of 25 000 beneficiaries, 50% women, 25% youth and 1 to 3% being people with disabilities, has been set for the 2003/2004 financial year.
Zivuseni's budget will be increased from R70 million to R150 million during the 2003/2004 financial year.
The Department considers Public Works as among the main drivers of job creation, of fighting poverty and of developing community infrastructure. Our Community Based Public Works Programmes, Zivuseni, Potlaka projects, Capital Works, Maintenance and Professional Services programmes, among others, are focused on systematically addressing these imperatives.
Allow me, Mr Speaker, to briefly elaborate on how our work has sought to achieve these goals and on how we intend to further increase our efforts.
* CAPEX, LABMAX
The LABMAX programme is aimed at increasing the labour content of all our capital works projects. An average of 37% labour content has thus far been maintained for all our programmes. This approach has yielded 32 548 jobs, during the 2002/2003 financial year, at a total cost of R1,315 billion which includes capital expenditure for client departments. The Department spent R960 million on the improvement of infrastructure.
* Labour Intensive Programme (LIP) for Public Works
With a budget of R30 million, our LIP has created 1 502 jobs - a 30% increase compared to the previous year. The socio-economic impact analysis that was conducted for our LIP shows that 8 900 people benefited from the jobs created through this LIP system.
Our target for 2003/2004 is to obtain between 45 - 55% labour content. Through this, we intend to create an additional 2 000 jobs from the same level of expenditure.
* Labour Intensive Programme (LIP) for Roads
Through various construction and maintenance contracts, we were able to create 3 100 jobs in the last financial year.
* Broad Job Creation Strategy
Although the Department had gradually been expanding LIP it was nevertheless felt that we needed to leapfrog and broaden LIP across the Department and other Departments accordingly. The Executive Council has recently approved the framework Policy and strategy for the implementation of the total labour intensive approach to the whole of the Provincial Government in this regard. Further developments in this regard will be announced by the Premier.
* Procurement and Black Economic Empowerment
The Department has actively promoted BEE, small contractor development and gender equality by instituting special projects in this regard, changing our standard contract documentation to reflect these priorities and identifying specific areas where opportunities to reach these goals can be created.
This objective has also been critical in the granting of contacts to consultants, contractors and suppliers. Contractors and suppliers are appointed through the three Departmental Acquisition Councils (DACs) via a tendering process, whilst consultants are appointed in the main from the pre-approved consultants' rosters.
75 of the contracts went to Historically Disadvantaged Individual-owned SMEs to the value of R101 million; 13 went to non-HDI-owned SMEs to the value of 14 million; 30 of the contracts were allocated to large HDI owned enterprises to the value of R241 million whilst 70 contracts were given to large non-HDI-owned companies to the value of R203 million.
* Contractor Development Programme (CDP)
Initiated in 1996/97, the CDP programme is a vehicle used to develop historically disadvantaged building contractors. The Khubakhi programme, which is an element of the CDP, enjoys full support from ring-fenced allocations set aside for contracts and training in contract management. After this affirmation, candidates participate in open tenders in competition with established contractors.
The total number of contracts managed under capital works was 238 contracts, which were managed during the 2002/2003 financial year. 70% of these were awarded to SMEs.
It is our intention, Mr Speaker, to develop contractors on our programme into giants in the industry.
Other key programmes within Public Works and Management Services
* Community Based Public Works Programme (CBPWP)
* Economic Development and Poverty Alleviation in CBPWP
In the implementation of these projects, local communities are given short-term employment, technical and managerial skills. Between 1994 and 2002 over 187 community facilities were created with 3 525 gaining employment in the projects, 49% of these being women, 32% youth and 10% being people with disabilities. 2 199 people from within the marginalised communities received portable skills that can be utilised outside the project and thus increase marketability and better employment opportunities
* The CBPWP Turn around Strategy (Partnership approach)
The Department has managed a turn-around programme from a 100% funded programme to a partnership programme.
The main thrust of the partnership concept is to enhance collaborative efforts of both public and private sector resources for the development of community infrastructure in the Province.
During the 2002/2003 financial year the programme had 95% of its projects on a partnership basis with the private sector, the local, provincial and national governments. This shows a 25% improvement compared to the 2001/2002-partnership target of 70%.
* Focus on 2003/2004 financial year budget
The CBPWP will continue playing a pivotal role in our plans to create jobs and to fight poverty. R38m has been allocated to 29 new projects that have been identified for the 2003/2004 financial year.
* Integrating our Communities - the Hostels Regeneration Programme (HRP)
Those of our communities, historically deprived of their lands and forced into the migratory labour system and the dehumanising single sex hostels, have not escaped the attention of our developmental programmes. The Hostel Regeneration Programme, a provincial initiative, is precisely aimed at integrating this section of our community into the broader civil society with decent accommodation.
This project started soon after the Provincial Government had approved the City Deep Housing Strategy. In terms of this strategy, the six hostels in City Deep will undergo transformation that will upgrade some sections of the hostels into family units whilst others will be upgraded and utilized as decent singles' units.
R40m has been budgeted for this project and it will unfold in three phases over a period of three years.
* Strategic Capital Works Projects for client departments
- Department of Health
-- Johannesburg Oncology
-- Building of new wards at the Weskoppies Hospital
-- Wits Dental School
-- Pretoria Academic Hospital
-- Upgrade of theatres at Kalafong Hospital
-- Department of Social Services and Population Development
-- Van Ryn Place of Safety
-- Walter Sisulu Foster Homes
-- Other Departments
* Batho Pele in the driver and vehicle licensing offices with the Best Practice Model (BPM)
The best practice model aimed to:
* improve customer service;
* reduce corruption and fraud; and
* increase revenue
The automation of processes is aimed at achieving the above objectives. The target of the BPM is to reduce waiting times for customers to 30 minutes for new registrations and 10 minutes for renewals.
As part of the Best Practice Model the following was achieved: * 102 criminal cases were initiated
* 67 disciplinary cases were initiated
* illegal registrations dropped from a high of 25% of all applications to 0,6% of applications by November 2002
* Maintenance of Provincial Facilities - Potlaka
Potlaka, an innovative service delivery project, was initiated for the maintenance of provincial facilities. The project is aimed at fundamentally transforming the manner in which the maintenance units in the regional offices render their maintenance services to provincial facilities.
* HIV/AIDS
Mr Speaker, my Department has also, as part of its broad strategy, focused on dealing with the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the work place. To this end the programme has two main focus areas, i.e. - the internal and external stakeholders.
* Improving the human potential internally and externally
- Star Schools Maths and Science Project
The sponsorship of this project is driven by the need to contribute not only to the Province's pool of Science and Maths graduates, but also by the need to attract suitably qualified engineers and other similarly qualified personnel into the Department.
-- ABET project
A total of 300 officials have been introduced to our ABET programme.
16 of those who graduated last year are currently at technical colleges, studying for courses in motor mechanics, electrical trades, bricklaying, plumbing, civil engineering and panel beating.
-- Senior Management Development Programme
The Department has completed a Senior Management Service (SMS) competency assessment and critical competency gaps have been identified. Personal development plans have also been completed for individual managers.
-- Gender
In all our departmental strategies, women, the youth and people with special needs are identified as special target groups. A policy on sexual harassment was recently negotiated and agreed upon with representatives of the trade unions.
-- People with special needs
The Department is currently running disability awareness education, assisted by the disability forum, for all staff members in the Department.
A disability policy for the department will be developed and implemented in this financial year.
KEY PROGRAMMES WITHIN TRANSPORT SERVICES
Further in support of our fundamentals during this period the Department has once more achieved a lot in the following key focus areas, among others:
* Road Safety
* Public Transport restructuring and rationalisation
* Modal integration
* Congestion management
* Infrastructure development and management
* Road Safety
- Drive 4 Life
Mr Speaker, safety on our roads is accorded priority status by the Department. To this extent, we initiated the Drive 4 Life project to complement the National Arrive Alive Campaign.
This prioritisation is yielding positive results. Road accident statistics for the recent Easter weekend are 47.2 % lower than for the same period in 2002.
Ladies and Gentlemen, what we are witnessing is a result of systematic, coordinated and ongoing campaigns. These include joint traffic management operations. Law enforcement agents from the Department, the Metropolitan Councils, the District and Local municipalities conduct regular joint road block operation in addition to manning the all year round, 7 days per week 24-hour satellite station operations.
* Community Based Road Safety Projects
These are the cornerstones of the effective measures of combating road traffic accidents. The establishment and empowerment of Road Safety forums is pivotal for successful Road Safety Education and Communication Campaigns.
* Public Transport restructuring and rationalisation
- Minibus-taxi Industry
The Department has succeeded in stabilising the minibus-taxi industry from a violent, strife-torn and unregulated industry to the current controlled situation.
One of the top priorities in the next Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) cycle is the recapitalisation of the minibus-taxi industry. Although the bulk of the financing will come from the National Department of Transport, major upgrading of public transport facilities such as taxi ranks and modal interchange will be required.
- Buses
The registration process of subsidised bus operators under the South African Bus Operators Association (SABOA) has been ongoing. A further 100 private / independent operators have been identified and is in process.
- Rail, Airports and Waterways
It is envisaged that, as part of the ongoing integration of the public transport modes the commuter rail function will in the near future be devolved from National to the lower levels of Government.
* Modal Integration
- Public Transport Data
The Current Public Transport Records (CPTR) of Gauteng's planning authorities, as required by the National Land Transport Transitional Act (NLTTA), have been updated and incorporated into a computerised database, linked to an electronic map, showing the position and details of public transport routes, taxi ranks, bus stops and railway stations, and passenger counts on the various modes.
- Public Transport and Tourism Call Centre
Good progress has been made on this project. The proposed Call Centre will provide public transport and tourism related information, as a joint venture between the Department, the Metros and the Gauteng Tourism Authority.
- Gautrain
As the project proceeds, its need becomes more and more evident. It must not only alleviate the growing traffic congestion between Tshwane and Johannesburg, but also stimulate economic growth and create jobs. We are on track.
* Infrastructure development and management
- Transport Infrastructure Backlogs
Although the Department has succeeded in curbing the downward trend in the rate of deterioration of our roads, the budget allocation is still inadequate to address the backlog.
- Integrating our communities
In order to facilitate the upgrading of essential road network in the previously disadvantaged areas the Department has started with a policy to provide contributions to local authorities for such projects. A contribution of 50% of the project cost is paid over to the Local Authority as a form of incentive to be used for the improvement of other roads in the same general area. An amount of R20 million is made available annually for this purpose.
- Heavy Vehicle Simulator
Since 1994, Gauteng was the only roads authority in the country that owned and operated a heavy vehicle simulator. Accelerated structural testing of road pavement (foundation layers) implies that the machine can simulate the heavy traffic on a road over a 20 year period in a time span of as little as 3 months.
With this method different designs, using different materials and layer thickness can be tested in a very short time, which had a major technological and economic impact on the design, construction and maintenance of South African roads. This resulted in significant cost savings and yielded a many-fold return on research investment.
- Transport and Traffic Environmental Design
In light of the importance of the urban edge, which limits township development outside the inner core of Gauteng, the Department is considering a review of the Strategic Major Road Network, which was designed for a horizon of 50 year, and has already been in existence for 25 years.
The need to improve road-based public transport services will also be highlighted.
- Integrated Transport Plans (ITP)
The six planning authorities have made good use of the funds provided by the Department to finalise their Integrated Transport Plans (ITPs) required in terms of the NLTTA. This year, the Department will provide additional funding for completing the planning process, and stimulate investment in public transport, as a contribution towards reducing traffic congestion on our roads.
* Congestion Management Strategy
Traffic congestion in our country and in Gauteng in particular is becoming one of the major threats to socio-economic development. Its impact on growth and development cannot be under estimated. It is estimated that approximately R1 billion per annum is the cost of congestion to our South African economy.
While this is the case there is evident reluctance by many to confront the problem head on.
FINANCE
* Budget Control and Monitoring
The Financial Branch will increase its controlling and monitoring function during this year. This will be achieved by getting more involved in the procurement process as well as by improved management reporting highlighting the status per directorate on a monthly basis. A process to monitor cost per project to ensure compliance with the budget will be established.
* Fraud and Corruption
The Department will continue its drive to eliminate fraud and corruption within the Department as well as within our agents, the Local Authorities in the area of vehicle and driver licences.
This will be achieved via the implementation of more comprehensive policies and procedures combined with a bigger focus on inspections, investigations and internal audit. This, Mr Speaker, I am sure will contribute to a culture of good governance.
SNAPSHOT OF 2002/2003 FINANCES
This Department is proud to announce that we have spent our full budget of R1 398,198 million over the last financial year. Over and above this, we have further spent an amount of R408 million on CAPEX projects for the Departments of Health, DACEL and SRAC. The Department administers the bus subsidies at an additional amount of R710 million.
We are also responsible for the Government Garage with a turnover of R260 million and the Major Road Plant Fund with a turnover of R30 million.
The above clearly indicates the Department's capacity and ability to deliver as well as our desire and drive to succeed.
BUDGET 2003/2004
The budget of the Department increased by 13.8% (R 179 million) for this financial year compared to the budget of 2002/2003.
The change in budget is allocated as follows:
* Salary increase: R 29 million
* Zivuseni: R 80 million
* Infrastructure 31 million
* Other: R 39 million
Honourable Speaker, they say that the mind becomes a tyrant if it is allowed to become rigid. We, in the ANC have fought against tyranny of all kinds. We shall continue to fight against tyranny and for the entrenchment of democracy by allowing the creative mind to soar ever higher and wider in search of innovative solutions to discharge our mandate of good governance, accelerated infrastructure delivery and quality social services. We remain equal to the task and shall continue to seize the moment in pursuit of greater realms of excellence.
Honourable Speaker, they say the art of delivery lies in getting the right team around you. Indeed I can attest to that. For our team is a formidable one! May I take this opportunity to thank the staff of the Department under the visionary leadership of the Head of Department, Jack van der Merwe, for their tireless efforts and commitment in serving the communities of Gauteng.
I would like to thank our Premier for his insight and leadership in guiding this ANC Provincial Government along innovative ways to improve on our stated goal. I further wish to thank my colleagues and comrades in the Executive Council for your continued support and assistance. Special thanks to the Chairperson of the Department's standing committee Mr Godfrey Tsotetsi, and all committee members for ensuring that we remain accountable to the people of Gauteng. I salute you for your sterling work.
The humanitarian Albert Schweitzer said: "Sometimes our light goes out, but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light". To my wife - my lifelong partner and my children, I want to say Thank You for always keeping my light burning brightly.
Comrade Speaker and comrades, on that note, I would like to commit myself and the Department to use the budget allocated for the financial year 2003-2004 to discharge our mandate to ensure a better life for all.
To the people of our province, to the staunch supporters and members of the African National Congress, I wish to thank you for your commitment in ensuring a better life for all. Tata Sisulu's guiding motto of life was: "To thine own self be true". We should all remain true to ourselves and true to the ideals he and others fought for and died for.
Long live the Congress!
For more information contact: Sizwe Matshikiza on (011) 355 7553 / 082 778 9996
Issued by Gauteng Provincial Government
27 May 2003
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government
Title: Mosunkutu: Gauteng Public Transport, Roads & Works Prov Budget Vote 2003/2004
ADDRESS BY GAUTENG PUBLIC TRANSPORT, ROADS AND WORKS MEC KHABISI MOSUNKUTU ON THE TABLING OF DEPARTMENTAL BUDGET VOTE, Tuesday, 27 May 2003
Honourable Speaker and Deputy Speaker,
Comrade Premier,
Members of the Executive Council,
Mayors and other representatives of Local Government,
Head of Department and other officials,
Esteemed Guests,
Comrades,
Friends,
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is always an honour and a pleasure to present to this august House the budget vote of the Department of Public Transport, Roads and Works.
Allow me, Mr Speaker, to commence by paying tribute to Tata Sisulu, one of the greatest revolutionaries of our era. So much has been said about this indomitable yet unassuming servant of the nation that one is likely to repeat what others have said.
To quote the Premier on Tata Sisulu. " Ge e le ditaola tsona tate wa rena Sisulu o tlogile a re rutile".
Taking a leaf from the life of Tata Sisulu and the lessons that he has left behind, can only guarantee the deepening of our democratic revolution and the certainty of genuine social and economic freedom for all our people.
Presenting this budget speech after the presidential Address to the Nation and after the Premier's opening address on the 24th of February 2003 here in the Provincial Legislature, it is important to note some of their strategic directives and to link these to the Department's plan of action.
In his address to the National Assembly, the President observed that despite the almost miraculous advancement brought about by the dawn of democracy in our country, a vast number of our communities remain trapped in excruciating levels of poverty and joblessness.
To address the humiliation borne by our communities, the majority of whom are disadvantaged Blacks, the President said: 'This dictates that we focus on them with regard to our social spending as well as social and economic infrastructure investment'.
The Premier in his opening address also commented on this challenge and directed Provincial Government Departments to 'consciously maximise the job-creation potential of the public sector. To do this through the promotion of co-operatives, public works, community-based public works and infrastructure development programmes'.
Conscious of these directives from the President and also aware of the provincial goals as elaborated by the Premier, it is, indeed, a pleasure to reflect on how my Department has located these imperatives within its programmes. To adequately reflect on this, it is important to also briefly talk about what has already been done to bring about tangible democracy and to restore the dignity of this section of our communities.
Mahatma Gandhi, the legendary fighter for human rights, observing the plight of marginalised communities such as those that we seek to serve, said: "There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread".
Mr Speaker, pushing back the frontiers of poverty, creating jobs and contributing to economic development are non-negotiable goals within my Department. Departmental programmes are aimed at making democracy meaningful even to this section of our community.
PUSHING BACK THE FRONTIERS OF POVERTY AND CREATING JOBS
* Poverty Alleviation and Job Creation through Infrastructure Delivery
* Zivuseni Poverty Alleviation Programme
The Premier initiated the Zivuseni Poverty Alleviation Programme during the 2002/2003 financial year. The launch of Zivuseni was, and will continue to focus on those sections of our communities so impoverished that freedom and democracy to them cannot appear in any form except "in the form of bread".
Whilst Zivuseni's objectives are to improve the physical condition of public facilities used to deliver services to the public, it simultaneously addresses poverty alleviation and creation of short-term jobs. 6,731 unemployed people obtained short-term employment in the Zivuseni projects during the 2002/2003 financial year.
To date, a total of 115 projects, comprising of building and renovation of schools, clinics, and hospitals and waste management projects were implemented.
A total of 1 295 people received accredited life skills and technical training through funding from the Department of Labour.
A target of 25 000 beneficiaries, 50% women, 25% youth and 1 to 3% being people with disabilities, has been set for the 2003/2004 financial year.
Zivuseni's budget will be increased from R70 million to R150 million during the 2003/2004 financial year.
The Department considers Public Works as among the main drivers of job creation, of fighting poverty and of developing community infrastructure. Our Community Based Public Works Programmes, Zivuseni, Potlaka projects, Capital Works, Maintenance and Professional Services programmes, among others, are focused on systematically addressing these imperatives.
Allow me, Mr Speaker, to briefly elaborate on how our work has sought to achieve these goals and on how we intend to further increase our efforts.
* CAPEX, LABMAX
The LABMAX programme is aimed at increasing the labour content of all our capital works projects. An average of 37% labour content has thus far been maintained for all our programmes. This approach has yielded 32 548 jobs, during the 2002/2003 financial year, at a total cost of R1,315 billion which includes capital expenditure for client departments. The Department spent R960 million on the improvement of infrastructure.
* Labour Intensive Programme (LIP) for Public Works
With a budget of R30 million, our LIP has created 1 502 jobs - a 30% increase compared to the previous year. The socio-economic impact analysis that was conducted for our LIP shows that 8 900 people benefited from the jobs created through this LIP system.
Our target for 2003/2004 is to obtain between 45 - 55% labour content. Through this, we intend to create an additional 2 000 jobs from the same level of expenditure.
* Labour Intensive Programme (LIP) for Roads
Through various construction and maintenance contracts, we were able to create 3 100 jobs in the last financial year.
* Broad Job Creation Strategy
Although the Department had gradually been expanding LIP it was nevertheless felt that we needed to leapfrog and broaden LIP across the Department and other Departments accordingly. The Executive Council has recently approved the framework Policy and strategy for the implementation of the total labour intensive approach to the whole of the Provincial Government in this regard. Further developments in this regard will be announced by the Premier.
* Procurement and Black Economic Empowerment
The Department has actively promoted BEE, small contractor development and gender equality by instituting special projects in this regard, changing our standard contract documentation to reflect these priorities and identifying specific areas where opportunities to reach these goals can be created.
This objective has also been critical in the granting of contacts to consultants, contractors and suppliers. Contractors and suppliers are appointed through the three Departmental Acquisition Councils (DACs) via a tendering process, whilst consultants are appointed in the main from the pre-approved consultants' rosters.
75 of the contracts went to Historically Disadvantaged Individual-owned SMEs to the value of R101 million; 13 went to non-HDI-owned SMEs to the value of 14 million; 30 of the contracts were allocated to large HDI owned enterprises to the value of R241 million whilst 70 contracts were given to large non-HDI-owned companies to the value of R203 million.
* Contractor Development Programme (CDP)
Initiated in 1996/97, the CDP programme is a vehicle used to develop historically disadvantaged building contractors. The Khubakhi programme, which is an element of the CDP, enjoys full support from ring-fenced allocations set aside for contracts and training in contract management. After this affirmation, candidates participate in open tenders in competition with established contractors.
The total number of contracts managed under capital works was 238 contracts, which were managed during the 2002/2003 financial year. 70% of these were awarded to SMEs.
It is our intention, Mr Speaker, to develop contractors on our programme into giants in the industry.
Other key programmes within Public Works and Management Services
* Community Based Public Works Programme (CBPWP)
* Economic Development and Poverty Alleviation in CBPWP
In the implementation of these projects, local communities are given short-term employment, technical and managerial skills. Between 1994 and 2002 over 187 community facilities were created with 3 525 gaining employment in the projects, 49% of these being women, 32% youth and 10% being people with disabilities. 2 199 people from within the marginalised communities received portable skills that can be utilised outside the project and thus increase marketability and better employment opportunities
* The CBPWP Turn around Strategy (Partnership approach)
The Department has managed a turn-around programme from a 100% funded programme to a partnership programme.
The main thrust of the partnership concept is to enhance collaborative efforts of both public and private sector resources for the development of community infrastructure in the Province.
During the 2002/2003 financial year the programme had 95% of its projects on a partnership basis with the private sector, the local, provincial and national governments. This shows a 25% improvement compared to the 2001/2002-partnership target of 70%.
* Focus on 2003/2004 financial year budget
The CBPWP will continue playing a pivotal role in our plans to create jobs and to fight poverty. R38m has been allocated to 29 new projects that have been identified for the 2003/2004 financial year.
* Integrating our Communities - the Hostels Regeneration Programme (HRP)
Those of our communities, historically deprived of their lands and forced into the migratory labour system and the dehumanising single sex hostels, have not escaped the attention of our developmental programmes. The Hostel Regeneration Programme, a provincial initiative, is precisely aimed at integrating this section of our community into the broader civil society with decent accommodation.
This project started soon after the Provincial Government had approved the City Deep Housing Strategy. In terms of this strategy, the six hostels in City Deep will undergo transformation that will upgrade some sections of the hostels into family units whilst others will be upgraded and utilized as decent singles' units.
R40m has been budgeted for this project and it will unfold in three phases over a period of three years.
* Strategic Capital Works Projects for client departments
- Department of Health
-- Johannesburg Oncology
-- Building of new wards at the Weskoppies Hospital
-- Wits Dental School
-- Pretoria Academic Hospital
-- Upgrade of theatres at Kalafong Hospital
-- Department of Social Services and Population Development
-- Van Ryn Place of Safety
-- Walter Sisulu Foster Homes
-- Other Departments
* Batho Pele in the driver and vehicle licensing offices with the Best Practice Model (BPM)
The best practice model aimed to:
* improve customer service;
* reduce corruption and fraud; and
* increase revenue
The automation of processes is aimed at achieving the above objectives. The target of the BPM is to reduce waiting times for customers to 30 minutes for new registrations and 10 minutes for renewals.
As part of the Best Practice Model the following was achieved: * 102 criminal cases were initiated
* 67 disciplinary cases were initiated
* illegal registrations dropped from a high of 25% of all applications to 0,6% of applications by November 2002
* Maintenance of Provincial Facilities - Potlaka
Potlaka, an innovative service delivery project, was initiated for the maintenance of provincial facilities. The project is aimed at fundamentally transforming the manner in which the maintenance units in the regional offices render their maintenance services to provincial facilities.
* HIV/AIDS
Mr Speaker, my Department has also, as part of its broad strategy, focused on dealing with the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the work place. To this end the programme has two main focus areas, i.e. - the internal and external stakeholders.
* Improving the human potential internally and externally
- Star Schools Maths and Science Project
The sponsorship of this project is driven by the need to contribute not only to the Province's pool of Science and Maths graduates, but also by the need to attract suitably qualified engineers and other similarly qualified personnel into the Department.
-- ABET project
A total of 300 officials have been introduced to our ABET programme.
16 of those who graduated last year are currently at technical colleges, studying for courses in motor mechanics, electrical trades, bricklaying, plumbing, civil engineering and panel beating.
-- Senior Management Development Programme
The Department has completed a Senior Management Service (SMS) competency assessment and critical competency gaps have been identified. Personal development plans have also been completed for individual managers.
-- Gender
In all our departmental strategies, women, the youth and people with special needs are identified as special target groups. A policy on sexual harassment was recently negotiated and agreed upon with representatives of the trade unions.
-- People with special needs
The Department is currently running disability awareness education, assisted by the disability forum, for all staff members in the Department.
A disability policy for the department will be developed and implemented in this financial year.
KEY PROGRAMMES WITHIN TRANSPORT SERVICES
Further in support of our fundamentals during this period the Department has once more achieved a lot in the following key focus areas, among others:
* Road Safety
* Public Transport restructuring and rationalisation
* Modal integration
* Congestion management
* Infrastructure development and management
* Road Safety
- Drive 4 Life
Mr Speaker, safety on our roads is accorded priority status by the Department. To this extent, we initiated the Drive 4 Life project to complement the National Arrive Alive Campaign.
This prioritisation is yielding positive results. Road accident statistics for the recent Easter weekend are 47.2 % lower than for the same period in 2002.
Ladies and Gentlemen, what we are witnessing is a result of systematic, coordinated and ongoing campaigns. These include joint traffic management operations. Law enforcement agents from the Department, the Metropolitan Councils, the District and Local municipalities conduct regular joint road block operation in addition to manning the all year round, 7 days per week 24-hour satellite station operations.
* Community Based Road Safety Projects
These are the cornerstones of the effective measures of combating road traffic accidents. The establishment and empowerment of Road Safety forums is pivotal for successful Road Safety Education and Communication Campaigns.
* Public Transport restructuring and rationalisation
- Minibus-taxi Industry
The Department has succeeded in stabilising the minibus-taxi industry from a violent, strife-torn and unregulated industry to the current controlled situation.
One of the top priorities in the next Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) cycle is the recapitalisation of the minibus-taxi industry. Although the bulk of the financing will come from the National Department of Transport, major upgrading of public transport facilities such as taxi ranks and modal interchange will be required.
- Buses
The registration process of subsidised bus operators under the South African Bus Operators Association (SABOA) has been ongoing. A further 100 private / independent operators have been identified and is in process.
- Rail, Airports and Waterways
It is envisaged that, as part of the ongoing integration of the public transport modes the commuter rail function will in the near future be devolved from National to the lower levels of Government.
* Modal Integration
- Public Transport Data
The Current Public Transport Records (CPTR) of Gauteng's planning authorities, as required by the National Land Transport Transitional Act (NLTTA), have been updated and incorporated into a computerised database, linked to an electronic map, showing the position and details of public transport routes, taxi ranks, bus stops and railway stations, and passenger counts on the various modes.
- Public Transport and Tourism Call Centre
Good progress has been made on this project. The proposed Call Centre will provide public transport and tourism related information, as a joint venture between the Department, the Metros and the Gauteng Tourism Authority.
- Gautrain
As the project proceeds, its need becomes more and more evident. It must not only alleviate the growing traffic congestion between Tshwane and Johannesburg, but also stimulate economic growth and create jobs. We are on track.
* Infrastructure development and management
- Transport Infrastructure Backlogs
Although the Department has succeeded in curbing the downward trend in the rate of deterioration of our roads, the budget allocation is still inadequate to address the backlog.
- Integrating our communities
In order to facilitate the upgrading of essential road network in the previously disadvantaged areas the Department has started with a policy to provide contributions to local authorities for such projects. A contribution of 50% of the project cost is paid over to the Local Authority as a form of incentive to be used for the improvement of other roads in the same general area. An amount of R20 million is made available annually for this purpose.
- Heavy Vehicle Simulator
Since 1994, Gauteng was the only roads authority in the country that owned and operated a heavy vehicle simulator. Accelerated structural testing of road pavement (foundation layers) implies that the machine can simulate the heavy traffic on a road over a 20 year period in a time span of as little as 3 months.
With this method different designs, using different materials and layer thickness can be tested in a very short time, which had a major technological and economic impact on the design, construction and maintenance of South African roads. This resulted in significant cost savings and yielded a many-fold return on research investment.
- Transport and Traffic Environmental Design
In light of the importance of the urban edge, which limits township development outside the inner core of Gauteng, the Department is considering a review of the Strategic Major Road Network, which was designed for a horizon of 50 year, and has already been in existence for 25 years.
The need to improve road-based public transport services will also be highlighted.
- Integrated Transport Plans (ITP)
The six planning authorities have made good use of the funds provided by the Department to finalise their Integrated Transport Plans (ITPs) required in terms of the NLTTA. This year, the Department will provide additional funding for completing the planning process, and stimulate investment in public transport, as a contribution towards reducing traffic congestion on our roads.
* Congestion Management Strategy
Traffic congestion in our country and in Gauteng in particular is becoming one of the major threats to socio-economic development. Its impact on growth and development cannot be under estimated. It is estimated that approximately R1 billion per annum is the cost of congestion to our South African economy.
While this is the case there is evident reluctance by many to confront the problem head on.
FINANCE
* Budget Control and Monitoring
The Financial Branch will increase its controlling and monitoring function during this year. This will be achieved by getting more involved in the procurement process as well as by improved management reporting highlighting the status per directorate on a monthly basis. A process to monitor cost per project to ensure compliance with the budget will be established.
* Fraud and Corruption
The Department will continue its drive to eliminate fraud and corruption within the Department as well as within our agents, the Local Authorities in the area of vehicle and driver licences.
This will be achieved via the implementation of more comprehensive policies and procedures combined with a bigger focus on inspections, investigations and internal audit. This, Mr Speaker, I am sure will contribute to a culture of good governance.
SNAPSHOT OF 2002/2003 FINANCES
This Department is proud to announce that we have spent our full budget of R1 398,198 million over the last financial year. Over and above this, we have further spent an amount of R408 million on CAPEX projects for the Departments of Health, DACEL and SRAC. The Department administers the bus subsidies at an additional amount of R710 million.
We are also responsible for the Government Garage with a turnover of R260 million and the Major Road Plant Fund with a turnover of R30 million.
The above clearly indicates the Department's capacity and ability to deliver as well as our desire and drive to succeed.
BUDGET 2003/2004
The budget of the Department increased by 13.8% (R 179 million) for this financial year compared to the budget of 2002/2003.
The change in budget is allocated as follows:
* Salary increase: R 29 million
* Zivuseni: R 80 million
* Infrastructure 31 million
* Other: R 39 million
Honourable Speaker, they say that the mind becomes a tyrant if it is allowed to become rigid. We, in the ANC have fought against tyranny of all kinds. We shall continue to fight against tyranny and for the entrenchment of democracy by allowing the creative mind to soar ever higher and wider in search of innovative solutions to discharge our mandate of good governance, accelerated infrastructure delivery and quality social services. We remain equal to the task and shall continue to seize the moment in pursuit of greater realms of excellence.
Honourable Speaker, they say the art of delivery lies in getting the right team around you. Indeed I can attest to that. For our team is a formidable one! May I take this opportunity to thank the staff of the Department under the visionary leadership of the Head of Department, Jack van der Merwe, for their tireless efforts and commitment in serving the communities of Gauteng.
I would like to thank our Premier for his insight and leadership in guiding this ANC Provincial Government along innovative ways to improve on our stated goal. I further wish to thank my colleagues and comrades in the Executive Council for your continued support and assistance. Special thanks to the Chairperson of the Department's standing committee Mr Godfrey Tsotetsi, and all committee members for ensuring that we remain accountable to the people of Gauteng. I salute you for your sterling work.
The humanitarian Albert Schweitzer said: "Sometimes our light goes out, but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light". To my wife - my lifelong partner and my children, I want to say Thank You for always keeping my light burning brightly.
Comrade Speaker and comrades, on that note, I would like to commit myself and the Department to use the budget allocated for the financial year 2003-2004 to discharge our mandate to ensure a better life for all.
To the people of our province, to the staunch supporters and members of the African National Congress, I wish to thank you for your commitment in ensuring a better life for all. Tata Sisulu's guiding motto of life was: "To thine own self be true". We should all remain true to ourselves and true to the ideals he and others fought for and died for.
Long live the Congress!
For more information contact: Sizwe Matshikiza on (011) 355 7553 / 082 778 9996
Issued by Gauteng Provincial Government
27 May 2003
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