28 JULY 2000
The Minister for Provincial and Local Government, FS Mufamadi visited the Gauteng Province today. During the visit, the Minister held meetings with the Premier of Gauteng, Mbhazima Shilowa, and the Gauteng Provincial Executive Council; organised local government; and the Provincial Standing Committee on Development Planning and Local Government.
The visit was aimed at achieving the following:
The meetings reached consensus on a common commitment to work together at national, provincial and local level in the following key areas:
1. To strengthen South Africa's system of intergovernmental relations. An Audit Report on this issue has been released and will be the subject of further discussions involving stakeholders at national, provincial and local levels. The discussions will be aimed at reviewing the current system and laying the basis for policy initiatives to ensure that the three spheres of government are organised in such a manner that their mandate is effectively discharged, particularly in the delivery of services to improve the quality of life of our people.
2. To ensure the success of the upcoming local government elections. A concerted effort will be undertaken to assist the IEC especially in as far as the registration of potential voters is concerned.
3. To ensure the effective establishment and consolidation of the new municipal entities that will come into effect following the local government elections. To this effect, a comprehensive strategy to support the local government sphere to address new challenges, including in the areas of capacity and financial viability, is to be put in place. The province will lead a process of reviewing the present integrated development plans for a smooth transition to the new municipalities.
Issued by: GCIS
Issued by Freddy Pilusa, Ministerial Liaison Officer
Cell: 082 498 2001