Date: 20/02/2003
Source: Limpopo Provincial Government
Title: Ramatlhodi: State of the Province Address - Limpopo
STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS BY ADV. NGOAKO RAMATLHODI, PREMIER OF LIMPOPO, TO FIFTH SESSION OF THE SECOND LEGISLATURE OF LIMPOPO, 20 February, 2003
Mr Speaker, honourable members,
Limpopo has located us on a world map and on the road to African recovery. We reclaimed our identity and have achieved feats thought impossible few years ago. Indeed we have achieved the objective to create an entity that everyone in the province could embrace.
In the past year, we have witnessed a big increase in direct investments to the province. Limpopo has become an economic and investment destination of choice for many. This has contributed to an economic growth that exceeded the national average at a rate that is the fastest in the country.
ECONOMY
The economic goals we set for ourselves through the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy are now within reach. We have achieved a gross domestic product per region (GDPR) of 6.3%.
MINING
It is important to observe that the main drivers of our growth are in the primary and secondary sectors of the economy. In the primary sector, mining contributed R15, 63 billion to the provincial economy in 2001. According to Statistics South Africa, this amounted to 7.8% of the national average.
As announced by the President, this coming year will see the building of a dam along the Olifants River to supply the much needed water for mining, agriculture and household consumption. The Flag Boshielo Dam wall will also be raised.
Government will encourage private sector to beneficiate mining resources in the province by establishing diamond polishing and jewellery manufacturing concerns.
AGRICULTURE
Agriculture's contribution to the economy amounted to R1.63 billion in 2001. Our objective is to encourage investment in agro-industries. High value foods will enable us to enter the export market at a competitive level.
We will ensure the full participation of black farmers, by among others, establishing mega-co-operatives in all the districts. As part of the small-medium and micro-enterprise development plan, we have set aside thirty million Rands (R30 million) to spend on this programme.
We are convinced that with a growth of direct investment in agriculture, especially agro-processing, better days are upon us.
Private investments in agro-processing include an expansion of the marula project in Phalaborwa to the value of R20 million. We are also packaging further investments in this field to the value of R1.3 billion. These include the Blyde Valley sugar mill, tomato, avocado and soya processing projects.
Furthermore, the CSIR and the University of Pretoria have embarked on an extensive research project in the Giyani area into products that can be derived from the Mopani worm. The project will begin in March of 2003 with a focus on the Mopani worm itself, the tree, the moth and Mopani silk. Local communities will be involved in this venture.
These new projects provide exciting opportunities for emerging and small-scale farmers. They will also play a vital role to stimulate local economic development and employment creation.
We have also prioritised the rehabilitation of the more than 160 irrigation schemes over a period of six years. To date, 28 schemes covering nearly 4 800 hectares and affecting 3 500 farmers have been rehabilitated. The remaining 140 schemes across 18 000 hectares are receiving on-going attention.
The successful development of agriculture depends on the availability of productive land. To date, 76 projects have been completed under the Settlement Land Acquisition Grant (SLAG) while a further 20 projects have been approved for the Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development (LRAD).
The process to resettle previously disadvantaged farmers on state land is proceeding and we are confident that it will pick up momentum in the coming year. A total of 220 000 hectares of state land have been identified for resettlement. Once we have resettled people, the provincial government will provide technical support to the newly established farming communities.
Mr. Speaker,
I would like to announce that we have decided to establish an Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) at the Polokwane Gateway Airport to enable us to take advantage of our competitive advantages in the fields of agriculture and mining.
This IDZ will enhance the global competitiveness of our manufacturing sector and contribute to economic growth and job creation. According to Statistics South Africa, manufacturing is a key driver of our economic growth, averaging 15% growth rates per annum. Our own records show that manufacturing grew by 50% between 1999 and 2001 and contributed R2.75 billion to the economy.
We are hopeful that towards the end of 2003/04, we would have received the necessary ministerial approval for this IDZ.
Our intention is to reach a point where Gateway International generates its own revenue and operate at full capacity that is extending beyond commuter transport to freight and cargo transport. The good news is that National Cabinet has approved a second international point of entry at the Hoedspruit Airport. The Ministry of Transport is currently discussing implementation logistics with Home Affairs and other relevant Ministries.
To advance black economic empowerment we will accelerate the process of local beneficiation of agricultural products, increase bulk production to meet export quantity demand, and enhance job creation at a local level. Other opportunities for black empowerment include the disposal of platinum shares that we placed on public auction recently. These shares will be given at a discount to a broad based consortium which ways in favour of residents of Limpopo.
We do not want empowerment to enrich a few individuals. What we want is to empower as many of our people as possible. We will shortly announce the successful bidder. We also plan to put government's shares owned through Limpopo Economic Development Enterprise in the Dilokong Asa Metals on public offer to further empower communities. The Agriculture Rural Development Corporation will also release agricultural assets on public offer.
TOURISM
Honourable members,
As we speak tourist are flooding Limpopo. This is a result of an aggressive drive to market Limpopo as a preferred tourism destination following the establishment of the Limpopo Tourism and Parks Board.
Mr. Speaker,
Limpopo is a proud custodian of some of the most important cultural heritage sites on the African continent. As a government and a people, we have a responsibility to protect this heritage even as we make it accessible to a wider audience through marketing and publicity.
Amongst these we count, Mapungubwe, Thulamela, Dzata Ruins, Modjadji, Tjate, Makapans Valley, Nylsvlei, the Waterberg biosphere reserve, and the Transfrontier parks.
These icons are not only important for tourism but also for the preservation of the history and culture of our people. Accordingly, we have opened discussions with the University of Pretoria in order to return to us the golden rhino sculpture and other artefacts taken from the Mapungubwe Kingdom.
We are also investigating the whereabouts of Ngoma Lungundu, the mythical drum of VhaVenda, in order to facilitate its return to Dzata. This year, we will build a monument at Tjate - the fortress of King Sekhukhune. I have written to the Ministry of Arts and Culture to assist us to find the remains of King Sekwati and King Makgoba.
TRANSPORT
Honourable members,
Transport is experiencing a steady growth. In 2001, transport contributed R4.9 billion to our economy, which is double its size of 1995. Due to its critical role in the economic my government remains committed to support its growth as a way of supporting overall economic development.
To achieve this, we have prioritised the improvement of public transport facilities. There are a number of projects that we will undertake in this respect, which include the implementation of the Dilokong Transport Plan as a joint venture between the provincial government and Anglo Platinum. This plan provides for public transport transfer facilities within the Dilokong Spatial Development Initiative.
Given the increased mining activities within the Dilokong SDI and a platinum smelter outside Polokwane, we are also undertaking, together with the National government, a feasibility study with the intention to develop a rail service between Dilokong and Polokwane. Such a rail service will assist in offloading from the road network the burden of transporting ore from the mines to the smelter. This rail service is intended to have a dual role of transporting both cargo and commuters along the rail line.
Other economic development plans for transport include the development of the Tropic of Capricorn Development Initiative (TROCADI), which is a joint initiative between the National Roads Agency, Trade and Investment Limpopo, and the provincial government.
We are also developing other transport initiatives at major economic centres in order to improve the efficiency of the transport system. Such initiatives include; the Beit Bridge Multi-purpose centre, the Polokwane transfer facility and the Gateway Freight Logistics.
In addition to this, we are committed to improved efficiency of the government service transport system. To this end, we will award a tender for the outsourcing of the provincial ambulances, patient transfer and traffic vehicles. We are also commercialising all government garages. However, we will retain one garage per district.
We have built a firm economic foundation. What is now needed is to increase the levels of private investment and to accelerate our growth. In this regard, we are planning to host a Provincial Investor Conference in the middle of 2003.
In preparation for this conference, we will identify and package a range of available investment opportunities for national and international investors in Limpopo.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Mr. Speaker,
ROADS
We prioritised roads, which support economic growth for tarring programmes as a way of improving and expanding the quality of our road network system.
In the coming year, the government will increase its expenditure on maintenance and tarring. This growth is as a result, of a reduced personnel budget due to restructuring and an increased infrastructure grant. We will spend one hundred and fifty three (R153 million) million Rands on the maintenance of roads and bridges, compared to one hundred and nineteen million Rands (R119 million) during the current financial year.
Compared to the sixty million Rands (R60 million) we spent last year, we will increase the road tarring budget to one hundred and forty eight million Rands (R148 million).
Our commitment to the improvement of the road network system also encompasses the improvement of the rural roads network. In this regard, we are continuing with Gundo Lashu, our labour intensive rural roads re-gravelling programme. The first group of trainee-contractors under this programme are completing their projects at Capricorn.
The Gundo Lashu trainee contractors (12) are each employing an average of 80 labourers in the communities where the projects are being implemented. This translates to R3.1 million paid to the communities as wages to the labourers and R1.2 million for training. This programme will be expanded to cover all the districts in coming year.
Limpopo has markedly recovered from the devastation that the 2000 floods wreaked on its road network infrastructure. This is mainly due to the efforts and hard work of our provincial road agency, the NPRA. The quality and the efficiency of our roads have generated interest from our counterparts in the region, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other provinces on how we manage this function. Legislation will be introduced, changing the name of the NPRA to Road Agency Limpopo.
Honourable members,
To ensure that the infrastructure development programme contributes to black economic empowerment, we are undertaking a number of initiatives in order to develop and support small and emerging contractors. In the construction industry alone, 84% of government business went to black companies from Limpopo and this translates to close to one billion Rands.
We are doing this because the infrastructure budget of government amounts to R1.29 billion. It also has a potential to create at least twenty five thousand (25 000) jobs, wherein a job is defined as someone employed for six months.
We are thus launching the Sakhasonke programme aimed at assisting emerging contractors to develop into companies that can survive on their own. A majority of the beneficiaries of the Sakhasonke programme will be women and youth.
HOUSING
We are also strengthening rural housing programme by building where people prefer to live. Given our capacity and the increase in the housing grant, we are confident that we will provide more houses.
Increased delivery rate for rural housing must be accompanied by a matched increase in the electrification and water reticulation programmes. We will co-operate with the National department and local government to alleviate problems experienced in villages such as Mentz.
Honourable members,
This year, the provincial government will transfer most of the R293 towns to the relevant municipalities. This measure shall restore pride and dignity to our people. This means that owners of the envisaged houses will then have title deeds.
We shall also continue the process of selling of redundant government houses to members of the public. Priority will be given to present occupants of the houses. Through government benefit schemes for first-time homeowners, we shall ensure that the poor who are current occupants of these houses do afford them.
The process to rationalise under-utilised office space occupied by government departments, is enhanced by improved ability to collect revenues.
SOCIAL
EDUCATION
Matric results have improved once more. This is a result of hard work and commitment by teachers, learners and parents. Mr. Speaker, allow me take this opportunity to again congratulate the Class of 2002 for the excellent results they achieved in the final year school exams. The challenge facing us is to increase more of matric exemptions.
Quality teaching and learning is guaranteed by provisioning of infrastructure.
More than 19 450 new classrooms have already been erected and as a result the estimated backlog has been cut by half. A total of 875 340 pupils are benefiting from these new facilities.
By the end of March 2003, contractors will be handing over completed classroom facilities in further 86 schools. This includes the new Setotolwane School for learners with disabilities. And a further 700 classroom blocks, that is 2 800 new classrooms, will be completed by the end of March 2004.
During 2002, we have successfully managed to restructure colleges of education and training. These colleges were merged into 7 mega-Further Education and Training (FET) colleges.
These mega-colleges are designed to support the human resource needs of our Province. They will become entrepreneurial skills development centres following an open and distance learning format.
One of these mega-colleges is the Phalaborwa College for Further Education and Training, which has recently established Mosate Hotel School. This school is aimed at training learners in the hospitality and catering fields directly supporting tourism development.
In the past years, we have made great strides in curriculum development and the training of teachers and examiners. This year, we will further strengthen our empowerment programme for curriculum advisors and key educators in Maths, Science and Technology in order to improve learner performance in these subjects. We shall provide at least one mobile laboratory to each district in order to assist with the teaching of science and biology.
Honourable members,
We will introduce a pilot project on Inclusive Education in line with our programme to integrate learners with disabilities into the mainstream school system. Three mainstream schools have been identified and designated as "full service schools" and the educators in these schools will be provided with advanced training to support the learners.
At the same time, we are making good progress to establish more centres for learners with severe intellectual disabilities as well as for the deaf and the blind.
Education cannot be meaningful if it does not empower learners with life skills to be able to face the challenges of their day-to-day lives. To this end, we have introduced into the mainstream of our education programme Life Skills education with a specific focus on HIV-Aids. Already eight thousand (8 000) educators have been trained in this respect to move into our school system and work with our young people. We will expand this programme to include advanced training to enable them to conduct advocacy workshops.
HEALTH
We are beginning to stabilise our overall HIV-infections rates amongst pregnant women. Compared to a steep increase of infections from 0.55% to 11.43% between 1991-1999, infection rate for the period 1999-2001 only increased from 13.2% to 14.5%. Our goal is to translate this marginal stabilisation in HIV-infection rate into actual reduction in new infections.
Accordingly, in the coming year, specific attention will be given to high transmission areas such as border posts, truck stops and shebeens. We will establish information and education centres close to such areas. One such centre in Musina is scheduled to be completed in March 2003.
We have further strengthened our HIV-Aids treatment programme. To date, we have expanded the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) services to all regional and district hospitals and 58 clinics. We are committed to roll out PMTCT services to all the remaining 319 clinics by the end of 2003.
We have also established 233 sites where Voluntary Counselling and Testing services are provided, and a further 80 sites will be introduced in this year. We are also winning our battle against opportunistic diseases associated with HIV-Aids. Allow me to pay tribute to the hundreds of NGO's, community based organisations and individuals volunteers who are involved in Aids-education and counselling as well as, the provision of Community Home-based care services.
Tuberculosis still poses a challenge. We have to deal with problems of Multi-Drug Resistance TB (MDR TB) that result either from 'mismanagement' of the disease or non-compliance by our TB patients. To this end, we have established an MDR Clinic at Polokwane/Mankweng Health Complex. We are also in the process of establishing an MDR Unit to hospitalise clients for purpose of achieving total cure and preventing further spread of TB infections.
In this area our records show that our TB cure rate is improving steadily - from 52,8 percent to 53,2 percent in the past year. As a province, we are re-activating the Community-based Care Groups to supplement the work of the already existing Direct Observed Treatment Strategy (DOTS) Supporters to enable us to increase our TB cure rates.
Mr. Speaker,
We are making definite progress in combating Malaria. By January 2003, we had already sprayed 75 percent of targeted households and our number of fatalities dropped from 86 in 2000/01 to 51 in 2001/02. We are on course to eradicate Malaria by 2007.
In the first quarter of 2002, Limpopo experienced a cholera outbreak that was caused by problems of sanitation and clean water supply following the heavy rains. The cholera affected 495 people and claimed two lives. We were successful in eradicating the outbreak and the province remains cholera free.
In general, we have made great strides in the prevention and treatment of communicable diseases. For instance, the number of children under the age of one who have been fully immunised has risen from 64.9 percent in 2001 to 68,5 percent in 2002.
Despite many challenges, we have made significant progress in our quest to deliver accessible and quality health services to the people of Limpopo. Currently there are 43 hospitals and 471 clinics or health centres and 10 fixed visiting points serving the health needs of the population. Of these, 233 provincial clinics provide 24-hour services, and this number will be increased to 286 in the coming year. In addition, there are five Oral Health Mobile Units providing oral health services our five districts.
Furthermore, we have reduced our referrals to hospitals in Gauteng by a quarter, and our ultimate target is to reduce the referral rate to centres outside Limpopo by half.
WELFARE
Mr. Speaker,
In the last year we have invested an amount totalling R1.1 billion on poverty alleviation projects with minimal impact on the poverty situation in our Province. This year we plan to improve the management and co-ordination on poverty alleviation programme.
In the meantime, we are strengthening poverty alleviation programmes and school nutrition as well as social grants targeting children. We will strengthen the Integrated Nutrition Programme by transferring it to the department of education, which directly manages the beneficiaries of the program. Already more than 98 % of the primary schools in the province are participating in the school nutrition programme and we are reaching more than 1,1 million children. In the coming year, we will increase the budget allocated to this programme and transfer its administration to the Department of Education.
The number of children receiving grants increased from 248 204 to 343 329 in the period March 2002 to February 2003, with an additional 32 000 to be added in March 2003. The total number of persons receiving grants has grown from 625 551 as of March 2002 to 737 686 in February 2003. We are confident that we shall reach more people in the coming year, as well as implement the progressive extension of age for children receiving grants.
We are further going to share with the other provinces R400 million for distribution as poverty alleviation grants. Accordingly, we have put systems in place to enable us to distribute this money as soon as it is made available by the national government. In this regard, we have identified Elandskraal, Nebo, Hlogotlou, Mhala and Calcutta as the recipient areas and targeting 51 876 households.
SAFETY
Honourable members,
I am pleased to announce that the most recent crime statistics indicate a decrease in the occurrence of most major categories of crime. Serious crimes such as murder, assault to cause grievous bodily harm, housebreaking and vehicle theft have all declined by more than 8 percent in the period October 2001 to October 2002.
I believe that these encouraging trends can be attributed to a number of complementary factors. For one, the South African Police Service in Limpopo continues to render a professional and admirable service to the public. We want to congratulate their leadership and each and every dedicated officer for a job well done.
Another contributing factor is the growing co-operation between police and people through the Community Police forums, and such forums are now in place at all stations. Furthermore, it seems that our crime prevention campaigns are delivering the desired results.
However, a successful crime prevention strategy requires continuous vigilance. In the final instance, the battle against crime can only be won through our common endeavour to curb crime.
Mr. Speaker,
Though crime is in the general decline, we are deeply concerned about the increase of social fabric crimes in our province, particularly violence committed against women and children. Child abuse, spousal abuse and sexual molestation are often difficult to police because they mostly occur behind closed doors in the privacy of homes.
Government will continue to provide specialised services to children, youth and women who are at risk or who have been the victims of abuse, as well as our senior citizens and people with disabilities.
In recent months, we introduced victim empowerment programmes in all the districts through the Department of Health and Welfare. These programmes are important for our battle against woman and child abuse.
We are investigating the possibility of establishing in the coming year, two specialized centres and one shelter for victims of crime and abuse. These centres will be utilised by NGOs, CBOs and volunteers. At present, only Polokwane has a place of safety to care for victims of domestic violence. We urge the private sector and volunteer organisations to make contributions towards the establishment of more centres, which cater for more children.
SPORT
Honourable members,
Our battle against crime also needs a social intervention. Infrastructure gaps in the area of leisure, entertainment and sports will walk a long way to boost moral regeneration in the province and reduce crime.
Sports, arts and culture are also important instrument for fostering appreciation and respect of values, tradition, and heritage of a people. They have often been symbols of national unity and patriotism.
Mr. Speaker,
Our country is at the moment experiencing such an important nation-building event through the Cricket World Cup. Join me in wishing Shaun Pollock and the rest of the South African team well with the Cricket World Cup. I am also confident that our bid to bring the Soccer World Cup to our country will succeed.
Our plan is to host, when we win the bid, some of the important Soccer World Cup matches in Limpopo. Of course, to host Soccer World Cup matches and other important games would require us to have good sporting facilities. To this end, we will contribute towards a project to upgrade the Peter Mokaba and other stadiums to international standards. We have also provided basic sporting facilities to communities of Saselamani, Senwabarwana and Ga-Manamela.
Judging by the increasing number of national and international tournaments that we continue to host, the quality of our sporting facilities is improving. Towards the end of 2002, we hosted the International World Shoot Competition. Only last week, a World Boxing Title fight was staged here and we will soon host the tennis Davis Cup fixture.
The more these tournaments are hosted in our province, the more shall we need more sportsmen and women to participate at top level. In this regard, we have established a Provincial Sports Academy in collaboration with the SA Sports Commission and the University of the North to identify and nurture our emerging sporting talent.
In the same vein, we appreciate the prowess and achievements of our young men and women in sporting codes ranging from boxing to athletics, golf to disabled competition that have raised the profile of Limpopo.
In the past year, we made important progress to bring structure to cultural and heritage activities in the province. These include the establishment of a Provincial Arts and Culture Council, Geographic Names Committee, and the Limpopo Provincial Language Council. This process will be taken further in the coming months with the creation of the Provincial Heritage Resources Council, a Provincial Film Commission and a number of District Geographical Names committees.
Honourable members,
We have not optimally promoted the value of our arts and culture. Our major cultural events, which are the Melting Pot Festival and the provincial celebrations of Freedom Day and Heritage Day, have not succeeded in rallying all our people. Thus our challenge in the coming year is to broaden the scope and representative nature of these celebrations.
We have rolled out programmes to encourage our young writers, poets, dancers and artists. We encourage the private sector to support the promotion of indigenous arts and crafts at shows and exhibitions, both inside South Africa and abroad. We want our composers to compose music in our own languages.
GOVERNANCE
Mr. Speaker,
The administration is rapidly maturing to an effective instrument of service delivery. The administrative and financial management systems are now running effectively and efficiently to a commendable level. This year our efforts will be directed to the improvement of those service delivery institutions that are still lagging behind .We will rely on the performance management system that was introduced last year for improving service delivery.
In the coming year, we will elevate the Multi Purpose Community Centre Strategy to the second level of e- governance in our province. We have entered into an exciting partnership with Hewlett Packard through Mogalakwena Municipality. The pilot project for the establishment of an I-community in Mogalakwena represents a new dawn of the world our province is about to enter.
Effective governance and service delivery are largely depended on co-ordinated relationship amongst the spheres of government and integration will be achieved through alignment of the provincial growth and development strategy with integrated development plans.
To support municipalities, we had established the MEC (Local Government and Housing) Mayors' Forum. This year, we will strengthen this Forum by elevating it to the Premier - Mayors' Forum. We have already extended an invitation to our Executive Mayors to join the Executive Council (EXCO) Lekgotla.
Our anti-fraud and corruption strategy has taken firm root. Increasingly, we are making strides to prevent fraud and corruption amongst public servants. The main challenge facing us is to tighten our budget controls and procurement systems in order to reduce risk levels.
Mr. Speaker, and honourable members,
We are marching forward towards the conclusion of our first Decade of Freedom and delivering on our promise for a better life to our people. We must all pick up pace to ensure that we consolidate on the gains we have made over the past nine years. I trust that this coming year will be fruitful and productive as we continue to make a difference in the lives of our people.
Thank you.
More information contact: Thembi Nkadimeng on 082 553 6680
Issued by Limpopo Provincial Government
20 February 2003
Source: Limpopo Provincial Government
Title: Ramatlhodi: State of the Province Address - Limpopo
STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS BY ADV. NGOAKO RAMATLHODI, PREMIER OF LIMPOPO, TO FIFTH SESSION OF THE SECOND LEGISLATURE OF LIMPOPO, 20 February, 2003
Mr Speaker, honourable members,
Limpopo has located us on a world map and on the road to African recovery. We reclaimed our identity and have achieved feats thought impossible few years ago. Indeed we have achieved the objective to create an entity that everyone in the province could embrace.
In the past year, we have witnessed a big increase in direct investments to the province. Limpopo has become an economic and investment destination of choice for many. This has contributed to an economic growth that exceeded the national average at a rate that is the fastest in the country.
ECONOMY
The economic goals we set for ourselves through the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy are now within reach. We have achieved a gross domestic product per region (GDPR) of 6.3%.
MINING
It is important to observe that the main drivers of our growth are in the primary and secondary sectors of the economy. In the primary sector, mining contributed R15, 63 billion to the provincial economy in 2001. According to Statistics South Africa, this amounted to 7.8% of the national average.
As announced by the President, this coming year will see the building of a dam along the Olifants River to supply the much needed water for mining, agriculture and household consumption. The Flag Boshielo Dam wall will also be raised.
Government will encourage private sector to beneficiate mining resources in the province by establishing diamond polishing and jewellery manufacturing concerns.
AGRICULTURE
Agriculture's contribution to the economy amounted to R1.63 billion in 2001. Our objective is to encourage investment in agro-industries. High value foods will enable us to enter the export market at a competitive level.
We will ensure the full participation of black farmers, by among others, establishing mega-co-operatives in all the districts. As part of the small-medium and micro-enterprise development plan, we have set aside thirty million Rands (R30 million) to spend on this programme.
We are convinced that with a growth of direct investment in agriculture, especially agro-processing, better days are upon us.
Private investments in agro-processing include an expansion of the marula project in Phalaborwa to the value of R20 million. We are also packaging further investments in this field to the value of R1.3 billion. These include the Blyde Valley sugar mill, tomato, avocado and soya processing projects.
Furthermore, the CSIR and the University of Pretoria have embarked on an extensive research project in the Giyani area into products that can be derived from the Mopani worm. The project will begin in March of 2003 with a focus on the Mopani worm itself, the tree, the moth and Mopani silk. Local communities will be involved in this venture.
These new projects provide exciting opportunities for emerging and small-scale farmers. They will also play a vital role to stimulate local economic development and employment creation.
We have also prioritised the rehabilitation of the more than 160 irrigation schemes over a period of six years. To date, 28 schemes covering nearly 4 800 hectares and affecting 3 500 farmers have been rehabilitated. The remaining 140 schemes across 18 000 hectares are receiving on-going attention.
The successful development of agriculture depends on the availability of productive land. To date, 76 projects have been completed under the Settlement Land Acquisition Grant (SLAG) while a further 20 projects have been approved for the Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development (LRAD).
The process to resettle previously disadvantaged farmers on state land is proceeding and we are confident that it will pick up momentum in the coming year. A total of 220 000 hectares of state land have been identified for resettlement. Once we have resettled people, the provincial government will provide technical support to the newly established farming communities.
Mr. Speaker,
I would like to announce that we have decided to establish an Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) at the Polokwane Gateway Airport to enable us to take advantage of our competitive advantages in the fields of agriculture and mining.
This IDZ will enhance the global competitiveness of our manufacturing sector and contribute to economic growth and job creation. According to Statistics South Africa, manufacturing is a key driver of our economic growth, averaging 15% growth rates per annum. Our own records show that manufacturing grew by 50% between 1999 and 2001 and contributed R2.75 billion to the economy.
We are hopeful that towards the end of 2003/04, we would have received the necessary ministerial approval for this IDZ.
Our intention is to reach a point where Gateway International generates its own revenue and operate at full capacity that is extending beyond commuter transport to freight and cargo transport. The good news is that National Cabinet has approved a second international point of entry at the Hoedspruit Airport. The Ministry of Transport is currently discussing implementation logistics with Home Affairs and other relevant Ministries.
To advance black economic empowerment we will accelerate the process of local beneficiation of agricultural products, increase bulk production to meet export quantity demand, and enhance job creation at a local level. Other opportunities for black empowerment include the disposal of platinum shares that we placed on public auction recently. These shares will be given at a discount to a broad based consortium which ways in favour of residents of Limpopo.
We do not want empowerment to enrich a few individuals. What we want is to empower as many of our people as possible. We will shortly announce the successful bidder. We also plan to put government's shares owned through Limpopo Economic Development Enterprise in the Dilokong Asa Metals on public offer to further empower communities. The Agriculture Rural Development Corporation will also release agricultural assets on public offer.
TOURISM
Honourable members,
As we speak tourist are flooding Limpopo. This is a result of an aggressive drive to market Limpopo as a preferred tourism destination following the establishment of the Limpopo Tourism and Parks Board.
Mr. Speaker,
Limpopo is a proud custodian of some of the most important cultural heritage sites on the African continent. As a government and a people, we have a responsibility to protect this heritage even as we make it accessible to a wider audience through marketing and publicity.
Amongst these we count, Mapungubwe, Thulamela, Dzata Ruins, Modjadji, Tjate, Makapans Valley, Nylsvlei, the Waterberg biosphere reserve, and the Transfrontier parks.
These icons are not only important for tourism but also for the preservation of the history and culture of our people. Accordingly, we have opened discussions with the University of Pretoria in order to return to us the golden rhino sculpture and other artefacts taken from the Mapungubwe Kingdom.
We are also investigating the whereabouts of Ngoma Lungundu, the mythical drum of VhaVenda, in order to facilitate its return to Dzata. This year, we will build a monument at Tjate - the fortress of King Sekhukhune. I have written to the Ministry of Arts and Culture to assist us to find the remains of King Sekwati and King Makgoba.
TRANSPORT
Honourable members,
Transport is experiencing a steady growth. In 2001, transport contributed R4.9 billion to our economy, which is double its size of 1995. Due to its critical role in the economic my government remains committed to support its growth as a way of supporting overall economic development.
To achieve this, we have prioritised the improvement of public transport facilities. There are a number of projects that we will undertake in this respect, which include the implementation of the Dilokong Transport Plan as a joint venture between the provincial government and Anglo Platinum. This plan provides for public transport transfer facilities within the Dilokong Spatial Development Initiative.
Given the increased mining activities within the Dilokong SDI and a platinum smelter outside Polokwane, we are also undertaking, together with the National government, a feasibility study with the intention to develop a rail service between Dilokong and Polokwane. Such a rail service will assist in offloading from the road network the burden of transporting ore from the mines to the smelter. This rail service is intended to have a dual role of transporting both cargo and commuters along the rail line.
Other economic development plans for transport include the development of the Tropic of Capricorn Development Initiative (TROCADI), which is a joint initiative between the National Roads Agency, Trade and Investment Limpopo, and the provincial government.
We are also developing other transport initiatives at major economic centres in order to improve the efficiency of the transport system. Such initiatives include; the Beit Bridge Multi-purpose centre, the Polokwane transfer facility and the Gateway Freight Logistics.
In addition to this, we are committed to improved efficiency of the government service transport system. To this end, we will award a tender for the outsourcing of the provincial ambulances, patient transfer and traffic vehicles. We are also commercialising all government garages. However, we will retain one garage per district.
We have built a firm economic foundation. What is now needed is to increase the levels of private investment and to accelerate our growth. In this regard, we are planning to host a Provincial Investor Conference in the middle of 2003.
In preparation for this conference, we will identify and package a range of available investment opportunities for national and international investors in Limpopo.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Mr. Speaker,
ROADS
We prioritised roads, which support economic growth for tarring programmes as a way of improving and expanding the quality of our road network system.
In the coming year, the government will increase its expenditure on maintenance and tarring. This growth is as a result, of a reduced personnel budget due to restructuring and an increased infrastructure grant. We will spend one hundred and fifty three (R153 million) million Rands on the maintenance of roads and bridges, compared to one hundred and nineteen million Rands (R119 million) during the current financial year.
Compared to the sixty million Rands (R60 million) we spent last year, we will increase the road tarring budget to one hundred and forty eight million Rands (R148 million).
Our commitment to the improvement of the road network system also encompasses the improvement of the rural roads network. In this regard, we are continuing with Gundo Lashu, our labour intensive rural roads re-gravelling programme. The first group of trainee-contractors under this programme are completing their projects at Capricorn.
The Gundo Lashu trainee contractors (12) are each employing an average of 80 labourers in the communities where the projects are being implemented. This translates to R3.1 million paid to the communities as wages to the labourers and R1.2 million for training. This programme will be expanded to cover all the districts in coming year.
Limpopo has markedly recovered from the devastation that the 2000 floods wreaked on its road network infrastructure. This is mainly due to the efforts and hard work of our provincial road agency, the NPRA. The quality and the efficiency of our roads have generated interest from our counterparts in the region, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other provinces on how we manage this function. Legislation will be introduced, changing the name of the NPRA to Road Agency Limpopo.
Honourable members,
To ensure that the infrastructure development programme contributes to black economic empowerment, we are undertaking a number of initiatives in order to develop and support small and emerging contractors. In the construction industry alone, 84% of government business went to black companies from Limpopo and this translates to close to one billion Rands.
We are doing this because the infrastructure budget of government amounts to R1.29 billion. It also has a potential to create at least twenty five thousand (25 000) jobs, wherein a job is defined as someone employed for six months.
We are thus launching the Sakhasonke programme aimed at assisting emerging contractors to develop into companies that can survive on their own. A majority of the beneficiaries of the Sakhasonke programme will be women and youth.
HOUSING
We are also strengthening rural housing programme by building where people prefer to live. Given our capacity and the increase in the housing grant, we are confident that we will provide more houses.
Increased delivery rate for rural housing must be accompanied by a matched increase in the electrification and water reticulation programmes. We will co-operate with the National department and local government to alleviate problems experienced in villages such as Mentz.
Honourable members,
This year, the provincial government will transfer most of the R293 towns to the relevant municipalities. This measure shall restore pride and dignity to our people. This means that owners of the envisaged houses will then have title deeds.
We shall also continue the process of selling of redundant government houses to members of the public. Priority will be given to present occupants of the houses. Through government benefit schemes for first-time homeowners, we shall ensure that the poor who are current occupants of these houses do afford them.
The process to rationalise under-utilised office space occupied by government departments, is enhanced by improved ability to collect revenues.
SOCIAL
EDUCATION
Matric results have improved once more. This is a result of hard work and commitment by teachers, learners and parents. Mr. Speaker, allow me take this opportunity to again congratulate the Class of 2002 for the excellent results they achieved in the final year school exams. The challenge facing us is to increase more of matric exemptions.
Quality teaching and learning is guaranteed by provisioning of infrastructure.
More than 19 450 new classrooms have already been erected and as a result the estimated backlog has been cut by half. A total of 875 340 pupils are benefiting from these new facilities.
By the end of March 2003, contractors will be handing over completed classroom facilities in further 86 schools. This includes the new Setotolwane School for learners with disabilities. And a further 700 classroom blocks, that is 2 800 new classrooms, will be completed by the end of March 2004.
During 2002, we have successfully managed to restructure colleges of education and training. These colleges were merged into 7 mega-Further Education and Training (FET) colleges.
These mega-colleges are designed to support the human resource needs of our Province. They will become entrepreneurial skills development centres following an open and distance learning format.
One of these mega-colleges is the Phalaborwa College for Further Education and Training, which has recently established Mosate Hotel School. This school is aimed at training learners in the hospitality and catering fields directly supporting tourism development.
In the past years, we have made great strides in curriculum development and the training of teachers and examiners. This year, we will further strengthen our empowerment programme for curriculum advisors and key educators in Maths, Science and Technology in order to improve learner performance in these subjects. We shall provide at least one mobile laboratory to each district in order to assist with the teaching of science and biology.
Honourable members,
We will introduce a pilot project on Inclusive Education in line with our programme to integrate learners with disabilities into the mainstream school system. Three mainstream schools have been identified and designated as "full service schools" and the educators in these schools will be provided with advanced training to support the learners.
At the same time, we are making good progress to establish more centres for learners with severe intellectual disabilities as well as for the deaf and the blind.
Education cannot be meaningful if it does not empower learners with life skills to be able to face the challenges of their day-to-day lives. To this end, we have introduced into the mainstream of our education programme Life Skills education with a specific focus on HIV-Aids. Already eight thousand (8 000) educators have been trained in this respect to move into our school system and work with our young people. We will expand this programme to include advanced training to enable them to conduct advocacy workshops.
HEALTH
We are beginning to stabilise our overall HIV-infections rates amongst pregnant women. Compared to a steep increase of infections from 0.55% to 11.43% between 1991-1999, infection rate for the period 1999-2001 only increased from 13.2% to 14.5%. Our goal is to translate this marginal stabilisation in HIV-infection rate into actual reduction in new infections.
Accordingly, in the coming year, specific attention will be given to high transmission areas such as border posts, truck stops and shebeens. We will establish information and education centres close to such areas. One such centre in Musina is scheduled to be completed in March 2003.
We have further strengthened our HIV-Aids treatment programme. To date, we have expanded the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) services to all regional and district hospitals and 58 clinics. We are committed to roll out PMTCT services to all the remaining 319 clinics by the end of 2003.
We have also established 233 sites where Voluntary Counselling and Testing services are provided, and a further 80 sites will be introduced in this year. We are also winning our battle against opportunistic diseases associated with HIV-Aids. Allow me to pay tribute to the hundreds of NGO's, community based organisations and individuals volunteers who are involved in Aids-education and counselling as well as, the provision of Community Home-based care services.
Tuberculosis still poses a challenge. We have to deal with problems of Multi-Drug Resistance TB (MDR TB) that result either from 'mismanagement' of the disease or non-compliance by our TB patients. To this end, we have established an MDR Clinic at Polokwane/Mankweng Health Complex. We are also in the process of establishing an MDR Unit to hospitalise clients for purpose of achieving total cure and preventing further spread of TB infections.
In this area our records show that our TB cure rate is improving steadily - from 52,8 percent to 53,2 percent in the past year. As a province, we are re-activating the Community-based Care Groups to supplement the work of the already existing Direct Observed Treatment Strategy (DOTS) Supporters to enable us to increase our TB cure rates.
Mr. Speaker,
We are making definite progress in combating Malaria. By January 2003, we had already sprayed 75 percent of targeted households and our number of fatalities dropped from 86 in 2000/01 to 51 in 2001/02. We are on course to eradicate Malaria by 2007.
In the first quarter of 2002, Limpopo experienced a cholera outbreak that was caused by problems of sanitation and clean water supply following the heavy rains. The cholera affected 495 people and claimed two lives. We were successful in eradicating the outbreak and the province remains cholera free.
In general, we have made great strides in the prevention and treatment of communicable diseases. For instance, the number of children under the age of one who have been fully immunised has risen from 64.9 percent in 2001 to 68,5 percent in 2002.
Despite many challenges, we have made significant progress in our quest to deliver accessible and quality health services to the people of Limpopo. Currently there are 43 hospitals and 471 clinics or health centres and 10 fixed visiting points serving the health needs of the population. Of these, 233 provincial clinics provide 24-hour services, and this number will be increased to 286 in the coming year. In addition, there are five Oral Health Mobile Units providing oral health services our five districts.
Furthermore, we have reduced our referrals to hospitals in Gauteng by a quarter, and our ultimate target is to reduce the referral rate to centres outside Limpopo by half.
WELFARE
Mr. Speaker,
In the last year we have invested an amount totalling R1.1 billion on poverty alleviation projects with minimal impact on the poverty situation in our Province. This year we plan to improve the management and co-ordination on poverty alleviation programme.
In the meantime, we are strengthening poverty alleviation programmes and school nutrition as well as social grants targeting children. We will strengthen the Integrated Nutrition Programme by transferring it to the department of education, which directly manages the beneficiaries of the program. Already more than 98 % of the primary schools in the province are participating in the school nutrition programme and we are reaching more than 1,1 million children. In the coming year, we will increase the budget allocated to this programme and transfer its administration to the Department of Education.
The number of children receiving grants increased from 248 204 to 343 329 in the period March 2002 to February 2003, with an additional 32 000 to be added in March 2003. The total number of persons receiving grants has grown from 625 551 as of March 2002 to 737 686 in February 2003. We are confident that we shall reach more people in the coming year, as well as implement the progressive extension of age for children receiving grants.
We are further going to share with the other provinces R400 million for distribution as poverty alleviation grants. Accordingly, we have put systems in place to enable us to distribute this money as soon as it is made available by the national government. In this regard, we have identified Elandskraal, Nebo, Hlogotlou, Mhala and Calcutta as the recipient areas and targeting 51 876 households.
SAFETY
Honourable members,
I am pleased to announce that the most recent crime statistics indicate a decrease in the occurrence of most major categories of crime. Serious crimes such as murder, assault to cause grievous bodily harm, housebreaking and vehicle theft have all declined by more than 8 percent in the period October 2001 to October 2002.
I believe that these encouraging trends can be attributed to a number of complementary factors. For one, the South African Police Service in Limpopo continues to render a professional and admirable service to the public. We want to congratulate their leadership and each and every dedicated officer for a job well done.
Another contributing factor is the growing co-operation between police and people through the Community Police forums, and such forums are now in place at all stations. Furthermore, it seems that our crime prevention campaigns are delivering the desired results.
However, a successful crime prevention strategy requires continuous vigilance. In the final instance, the battle against crime can only be won through our common endeavour to curb crime.
Mr. Speaker,
Though crime is in the general decline, we are deeply concerned about the increase of social fabric crimes in our province, particularly violence committed against women and children. Child abuse, spousal abuse and sexual molestation are often difficult to police because they mostly occur behind closed doors in the privacy of homes.
Government will continue to provide specialised services to children, youth and women who are at risk or who have been the victims of abuse, as well as our senior citizens and people with disabilities.
In recent months, we introduced victim empowerment programmes in all the districts through the Department of Health and Welfare. These programmes are important for our battle against woman and child abuse.
We are investigating the possibility of establishing in the coming year, two specialized centres and one shelter for victims of crime and abuse. These centres will be utilised by NGOs, CBOs and volunteers. At present, only Polokwane has a place of safety to care for victims of domestic violence. We urge the private sector and volunteer organisations to make contributions towards the establishment of more centres, which cater for more children.
SPORT
Honourable members,
Our battle against crime also needs a social intervention. Infrastructure gaps in the area of leisure, entertainment and sports will walk a long way to boost moral regeneration in the province and reduce crime.
Sports, arts and culture are also important instrument for fostering appreciation and respect of values, tradition, and heritage of a people. They have often been symbols of national unity and patriotism.
Mr. Speaker,
Our country is at the moment experiencing such an important nation-building event through the Cricket World Cup. Join me in wishing Shaun Pollock and the rest of the South African team well with the Cricket World Cup. I am also confident that our bid to bring the Soccer World Cup to our country will succeed.
Our plan is to host, when we win the bid, some of the important Soccer World Cup matches in Limpopo. Of course, to host Soccer World Cup matches and other important games would require us to have good sporting facilities. To this end, we will contribute towards a project to upgrade the Peter Mokaba and other stadiums to international standards. We have also provided basic sporting facilities to communities of Saselamani, Senwabarwana and Ga-Manamela.
Judging by the increasing number of national and international tournaments that we continue to host, the quality of our sporting facilities is improving. Towards the end of 2002, we hosted the International World Shoot Competition. Only last week, a World Boxing Title fight was staged here and we will soon host the tennis Davis Cup fixture.
The more these tournaments are hosted in our province, the more shall we need more sportsmen and women to participate at top level. In this regard, we have established a Provincial Sports Academy in collaboration with the SA Sports Commission and the University of the North to identify and nurture our emerging sporting talent.
In the same vein, we appreciate the prowess and achievements of our young men and women in sporting codes ranging from boxing to athletics, golf to disabled competition that have raised the profile of Limpopo.
In the past year, we made important progress to bring structure to cultural and heritage activities in the province. These include the establishment of a Provincial Arts and Culture Council, Geographic Names Committee, and the Limpopo Provincial Language Council. This process will be taken further in the coming months with the creation of the Provincial Heritage Resources Council, a Provincial Film Commission and a number of District Geographical Names committees.
Honourable members,
We have not optimally promoted the value of our arts and culture. Our major cultural events, which are the Melting Pot Festival and the provincial celebrations of Freedom Day and Heritage Day, have not succeeded in rallying all our people. Thus our challenge in the coming year is to broaden the scope and representative nature of these celebrations.
We have rolled out programmes to encourage our young writers, poets, dancers and artists. We encourage the private sector to support the promotion of indigenous arts and crafts at shows and exhibitions, both inside South Africa and abroad. We want our composers to compose music in our own languages.
GOVERNANCE
Mr. Speaker,
The administration is rapidly maturing to an effective instrument of service delivery. The administrative and financial management systems are now running effectively and efficiently to a commendable level. This year our efforts will be directed to the improvement of those service delivery institutions that are still lagging behind .We will rely on the performance management system that was introduced last year for improving service delivery.
In the coming year, we will elevate the Multi Purpose Community Centre Strategy to the second level of e- governance in our province. We have entered into an exciting partnership with Hewlett Packard through Mogalakwena Municipality. The pilot project for the establishment of an I-community in Mogalakwena represents a new dawn of the world our province is about to enter.
Effective governance and service delivery are largely depended on co-ordinated relationship amongst the spheres of government and integration will be achieved through alignment of the provincial growth and development strategy with integrated development plans.
To support municipalities, we had established the MEC (Local Government and Housing) Mayors' Forum. This year, we will strengthen this Forum by elevating it to the Premier - Mayors' Forum. We have already extended an invitation to our Executive Mayors to join the Executive Council (EXCO) Lekgotla.
Our anti-fraud and corruption strategy has taken firm root. Increasingly, we are making strides to prevent fraud and corruption amongst public servants. The main challenge facing us is to tighten our budget controls and procurement systems in order to reduce risk levels.
Mr. Speaker, and honourable members,
We are marching forward towards the conclusion of our first Decade of Freedom and delivering on our promise for a better life to our people. We must all pick up pace to ensure that we consolidate on the gains we have made over the past nine years. I trust that this coming year will be fruitful and productive as we continue to make a difference in the lives of our people.
Thank you.
More information contact: Thembi Nkadimeng on 082 553 6680
Issued by Limpopo Provincial Government
20 February 2003
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