Date: 07/11/2008
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government
Title: SA: Mashatile: Maiden speech at the National Council of Provinces

His Excellency the Honourable President, Kgalema Motlanthe
The Chairperson of the National Council of Province, the Honourable Mninwa Mahlangu
Members of the National Council of Provinces
Cabinet Ministers
Honourable Premiers
Chairperson of South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Mayor Amos Masondo
Comrades and friends

Honourable President, in 2004, we entered into a contract with the people of South Africa to create work and fight poverty. The theme for today's session; 'Empowering Communities for the eradication of Poverty' is therefore informed by the commitment we have to our people in 2004.

Honourable President, it is true therefore, that in order to win in the fight against poverty and unemployment, we will have to empower our communities. Honourable President, since 1994, together with our people we have managed to grow the economy. We have done this in the midst of the global meltdown. Our economy has been able to withstand the challenges of the international economy and this is because of our stable macroeconomic policies.

Comrade President, we believe that, investing in infrastructure development will contribute to growth of our economy. In Gauteng, projects like the Gautrain remain central to the growth of our economy and the creation of jobs. We are confident that by 2010 visitors to our country and province will have access to a world class, efficient and integrated public transport system incorporating rail, busses and taxis. The investments we are making in road infrastructure will help by alleviating congestion on our roads thus reducing travelling time between destinations.

Comrades President, because of the work we have been doing, today many of our people have access to employment, through the Expanded Publics Works Programme (EPWP). This programme continues to assist with alleviating poverty, providing access to jobs and skills development. To further increase the impact of programme, it will be appropriate that we increase the period spend by our people beyond the agreed timeframes. This will assist our people to gain more skills in order to participate in the economy.

One of the key tasks that we have as government is to address the problems of informal settlements, in doing so we have launched a programme of formalising informal settlements. The objective of this programme is to ensure that many of our people have access to basic services, such as electricity, water and sanitation facilities.

The success of this programme will largely depend on the implementation our rural development strategy. We must do so because many of our people move into urban areas with a hope of finding, jobs and shelter. We are confident that we will win the war against poverty.

Comrade President, since 1994, we have improved access to quality healthcare and education. We have lifted the burden of school fees on the shoulders of many poor parents. Access to antiretroviral treatment for those who are infected by HIV and AIDS is being extended and we are marshalling resources to curb spread of tubercolosis.

Comrade President, the achievements we made since 2004, reflects our commitment of empowering our people. As we prepare for the 2009 elections, the ANC government will go to our people knowing very well that we have remained true to our commitment. We did so because of our firm belief in our guiding document the Freedom Charter, 'That the people shall govern'.

Comrade President, we are here in the Eastern Cape talking our people because this government belongs to them. One of the key tasks we have is to continue to strengthen intergovernmental relations. Working together as the three spheres of government we will be able redirect resources for development. Through the NCOP, and the Presidents Co-ordinating Council we have been able to ensure coordinated interventions in the development of our people.

Comrade President, when we celebrate the centenary of the ANC in 2012, we will be able to demonstrate the successes we have had in bringing a better life to our people. I am confident that in 2055, when we celebrate the centenary of the Freedom Charter, we will have realised the goals, aspirations and ideals contained in this noble document.

The ANC government, we will not fail in the task of building a better life for all the people of South Africa.

Ke a leboga