WORKSHOPS AND PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE PROVINCIAL BUDGET

Issued by Gauteng Legislature

25 January 2001

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature has embarked on a process of ensuring that the citizens of Gauteng become more involved in the affairs of government. In its aim to accelerate such public participation as espoused by the Constitution, the Legislature has begun to hold workshops on the budget.

The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs Committee resolved last year that it is important that the citizens of Gauteng be involved in the budget process so that the Provincial Budget can reflect and attempt to address the needs of Gauteng people.

Public education workshops are being held from 22 January to 29 January excluding the weekend. The aim of these workshops is to explain to the people what the budget is, the budget process, how the budget is drawn up, the involvement of the people and how to make a submission. The workshops have already been held at Lekoa-Vaal, on the East Rand and in Randfontein. More workshops will be held at Khayalami/Kempton Park (25/01/01), Johannesburg (26/01/01) and Tshwane (29/01/01). A detailed schedule is attached for your attention.

The Public Participation and Petitions Unit of the Legislature, with some Members of the Provincial Legislature responsible for Finance and Economic Affairs present, conduct these workshops. These workshops are in preparation for the public hearings on the budget for the financial year 2002/2003.

The public hearings on the budget for 2002/2003 will be held from 1 - 6 February 2001, excluding the weekend, and the Legislature will be visiting different regions of the Province. The residents of Gauteng will be provided with an opportunity to make submissions about the budget for the financial year 2002-2003. The Public Hearings will be held in Johannesburg (01/01/01); in Tshwane (02/02/01); at Lekoa-Vaal (05/02/01) and on the East Rand (06/02/01). Attached please find a detailed schedule on the public hearings.

The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs believes that this is an important exercise, which will contribute to people's empowerment and the committee's fiscal oversight to ensure accountability and good governance.

For more information please contact Ms. Joan Fubbs (MPL) at (011) 498 5673 or Itumeleng Masege at (011) 498 5452 or Lonnie Mahole at (011) 498 5504

Schedule for Budget Workshops and Hearings: 22 January - 6 February 2001