Issued by the Office of the Presidency
25 February 2000
The President's Co-ordinating Council (PCC), a body made up of the President, the Premiers and the Minister for Provincial and Local Government met today at the Union Building.
Amongst other things, the PCC addressed the following issues:.
1. Cross-boundary Municipalities
The various Provinces affected have held discussion and all these Provinces have agreed in principle to the establishment of cross-boundary municipalities. The Department for Provincial and Local Government in discussion with affected provinces will prepare a framework within which Provinces can determine the details and implications of the implementation of cross-boundary municipalities. The details agreed to by affected provinces will aim to ensure that communities in the affected areas receive effective service. Affected Provincial Legislatures are expected to pass legislation on these municipalities by not later than the 15th of April 2000.
2. Local Economic Development Fund
In November 1999, The Department for Provincial and Local Government announced the names of Municipalities in the Nine Provinces who have received grants totalling 42 million under the auspices on the LED fund. The PCC noted the need for proper monitoring of the utilisation of these grants and therefore decided that together with the established Provincial co-ordinating committees, all Premiers of Provinces must take a keen interest in the running of these grants and ensure maximum benefits by targeted communities. The Premiers of Provinces will submit reports on progress of the LEDF at all PCC meetings
3. The role of Traditional Leaders
In accordance with the stipulation of our constitution, the PCC noted the importance of the institution of Traditional Leadership. Within this context, the role of traditional leaders in the advent of democracy in the country was discussed, particularly as it relates to their role in in governance was concerned. The PCC was also informed about a discussion paper on Traditional Leadership that will soon be ready for distribution for comments by the public. This discussion document is currently being finalised by the Department for Provincial and Local Government. The department hopes to this process will finally lead to the launching of the white paper on Traditional Leadership.
4. Disasters
The PCC received reports on disasters in the country particularly the current flood disasters in the Northern Province and Mpumalanga. The PCC noted the cabinet decisions announced last week aimed at providing assistance to the affected Provinces and to boosting capacity to deal with these disasters. The PCC expressed its support for all efforts being taken to bring relief to affected communities including the planned visit by seven National Ministers to the affected areas in the two Provinces. The visits by Ministers will assist them to make the necessary assessment as to the efficiency of the Management of the disasters in the affected areas as well as the determination of further assistance that is required to bring relief to affected communities.
5. SMMEs
In line with a PCC decision of the 3rd December 1999, the Minister of Trade and Industry led a discussion on the issue of SMME's. The meeting noted the following:
The PCC decided that it is important that Provinces must accelerate the creation of a conclusive atmosphere with good support mechanism for small and medium businesses to prosper particularly at a local level. Premiers are expected to co-ordinate this process to ensure that programmes are implemented speedily to help reduce unemployment and boost the economy in the country.
For More Information Contact: Tasneem Carrim 083 650 7119 Or Freddy Pilusa (Ministry for Provincial and Local Govt) 082 4982001