Issued by: Gauteng Legislature
5 October 2000
Implementing our mandate
Honourable Speaker
Honourable Members
Distinguished Guests
Fellow citizens
A promise made. A promise kept.
I stand before you to report to you and to the people of this province on work done by the Gauteng Provincial Government in implementing our mandate since the beginning of the year. As we report on the progress we have made, we must remember that the promise of a better life is limitless. However, the progress achieved thus far should not lull us into complacency.
The Gauteng Provincial Government has fulfilled the promises we made at the beginning of the year. We are guided by the needs of our people, the national programme as outlined by the President and the strategic priorities we set ourselves at the beginning of our term of office.
Together with other spheres of government, communities and the private sector we are taking strides to realise our goal of economic growth, development, employment creation and provision of infrastructure in our province.
Building on progress made over the last six years, we have made major strides towards the provision of quality services to our people.
Working together with public sector workers, many of whom are committed to the Batho Pele principles, we will continue to deal effectively with corruption and nepotism - thus giving content to our commitment to good governance.
As I said during the budget vote of the Office of the Premier, the government has fulfilled the confidence that the overwhelming majority of citizens of our province bestowed in it during the election. We have no apologies. Our ploughs are in the furrow, and the place for all of us is in the furrow dragging the ploughs.
As Ramsay MacDonald said 70 years ago, 'those who remain out may say, you have not got to your journey's end, but those who remain in say, no, we have not, but we are going to get there.'
The right to know is a fundamental right in any democratic society. This extends to the right to know about what government is doing in the short, medium to long term, to implement its mandate, what the challenges and obstacles are as well as the role that the citizenry can play to ensure change at a faster pace. An informed citizenry is better placed to participate more meaningfully in the democratic process and the process of change. Knowledge is power. Without knowledge, the rights we fought for over many years will remain meaningless.
Raymond Parsons, in his assessment of the South African government, writes that:
"The pessimists have their understandable brand of realism. They emphasise what has gone wrong, about which it is possible to assemble much evidence. For them the glass is always half-empty, not half-full. It is true that mistakes have been made and that risks do exist. The world is full of uncomfortable possibilities. It is only one side of the story. Certain policy benefits are now beginning to emerge."
He goes on to say:
"South Africa possesses a national economy that already represents huge public and private investment, already supports millions of jobs, boasts a sophisticated infrastructure, and remains a cornucopia of national resources and latent wealth."
Indeed the people who are benefiting from these policies can attest to the fact that they are having a positive impact on their lives. Mama Sarah Sekese, a 101 year old pensioner from Vosloorus, had this to say as she received her title deed to a house apartheid had not allowed her to own: "I have no more worries. I have a house and a home now. I have lived in so many houses in these 101 years. But now I have a home".
It is not through coincidence that we have responded positively to Mama Sekese's wish and others like her. It is because we are a caring government that responds to the needs of the poorest of the poor. In partnership with the people, some of whom have only a passing interest in politics, we are committed to bring a better life to all our people.
The overwhelming majority we won in June 1999 was a mandate to move with speed to change the lives of our people. But it was not just about change at a faster pace. It was a mandate to do a proper job.
When you are in government, you are expected to make choices and priorities and stick to them. Demagogy and populism (for its own sake) have no place. When you are in government you can not go on board every train, taxi or bus. You have to know which one will take you to your destination. As Oliver Wendell Holmes, said: "The greater thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are going".
We promised to launch a closed circuit TV in Johannesburg as part of our plans to combat crime in the CBD.
A promise made. A promise kept.
We have launched a pilot project with a control centre located at the Carlton Centre linked to the SAPS, with 15 surveillance video cameras monitoring crime around the Johannesburg CBD 24 hours a day. Apart from helping the police to catch criminals it also serves other purposes like identifying people in need of emergency assistance.
Over the past four months, the usage of CCTV cameras has resulted in the detection of an average of 40 criminal activities a month with 70% of them resulting in criminal prosecution. Together with the Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan Council and the private sector, we are working on a plan to install more cameras by the end of this year. These will cover parts of the freeway, Braamfontein, Rosebank and Sandton.
Thirty station managers at various police stations have undergone a management programme sponsored by Business Against Crime. All station commissioners, branch commanders and heads of crime prevention were trained in the Crime Administration System and the management of other mainframe systems at station level.
Two hundred and forty seven new vehicles and eighty-nine new officers were allocated to priority police stations. This will go a long way in alleviating transport and personnel shortages within the SAPS especially in priority areas, most of which are in previously disadvantaged areas.]
A promise made. A promise kept.
The violence that ravaged Greenfields and Mandela Park areas in the East Rand has virtually been eliminated. We are working with the leaders of the ANC, the UDM, the community and the SAPS to ensure lasting peace in the area.
We have received a positive response from the private sector in response to our requests for donations of material and other resources to repair houses that were vandalised during the spate of violence in Greenfields. Repair work will commence as soon as possible.
The construction of police stations in Alexandra and Orange Farm will be completed by the end of the year.
We have established a school-fencing programme to provide security at 77 schools in high-risk areas. A manual on school safety and disaster management has been developed, as well as a social plan to involve the whole community in ensuring the safety of learners and educators.
Another promise made. Another promise fulfilled.
An awareness campaign on the devastating impact that HIV/AIDS can have on society has continued to enjoy top priority. This is a campaign that demands the mobilisation of all citizens, government and political parties and all sectors of our society. It demands the effective implementation of a multi-pronged and comprehensive strategy of social mobilisation, prevention, care and support.
During the first quarter of this year we established the Premier's Committee on AIDS to drive the prioritisation of the HIV/AIDS campaign in the province. The Gauteng AIDS Council whose function it is to strengthen the partnership between government and civil society in our fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS was also launched in June this year. Through both structures, we have been able to effectively marshal all citizens into a concerted partnership in action against HIV/AIDS.
We reaffirm our policy and programmes on HIV/AIDS as outlined in our provincial programme in line with the national programme. Our policy and programmes are based on the thesis that HIV causes AIDS. Our awareness and prevention programmes are based on the ABC message: Abstain. Be faithful. Use a condom.
An important focus in our efforts to prevent HIV/AIDS has been the promotion of safe sex and the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. There are early indications that our strategies are beginning to work and that there is a lot that we as government - together with other sectors - are doing right. We are currently distributing over seven million condoms a month in Gauteng. The steady increase in the demand for condoms means that the message - Abstain. Be faithful. Wear a condom - has started to get through.
There are strong signals that there is increasing "openness" on HIV/AIDS in Gauteng, indeed the first step to prevention. Together we are beginning to break the silence that provides such a fertile breeding ground for the pandemic.
Interventions through programmes in Carletonville are showing a decline in STD's, a clear signal that our programmes are beginning to yield results. Programmes by the Departments of Education and Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture have been stepped up and are making an impact among young people.
We have introduced life skills programmes in all schools in Gauteng. We have trained 350 trainers from district offices and they in turn have trained educators in schools throughout the province. Each primary school gets R1000 and High School R1500 for specific HIV/AIDS Programme. Research on the impact of HIV/AIDS on school going youth will commence shortly.
We call on the business community to conduct similar research at the workplace using voluntary methods since ignoring it will have a devastating impact on the economy.
We have set in place an integrated programme involving the Departments of Health and Social Services together with local government, NGOs and community-based organisations to focus on home based care for people living with AIDS and their families. Over 50 pilot projects are in operation and have received an overwhelming response from communities, with religious organisations and traditional healers playing a key role.
The challenge we continue to face is to ensure that people who are infected with HIV and those suffering from AIDS are not seen as outcasts in our society. We have to create an environment for society to accept the fact that a friend who is HIV positive is still my friend.
In addition to the existing pilot research projects at Chris Hani Baragwanath and Coronation Hospital on the prevention of mother to child transmission, through the use of anti-retroviral drug Nevirapine, the Premiers' Committee on AIDS has decided to expand research sites to cover more hospitals and local clinics in the province. These include Natalspruit, Leratong, Johannesburg and Garankuwa hospitals and local clinics in Vosloorus, Carletonville, Hillbrow, Zondi and Soshanguve.
This research will contribute to the body of research at national and international level on mother to child transmission and involves administering Nevirapine, as well as providing counselling and other support to HIV-positive mothers.
Our programme to combat the pandemic also takes place in the context of our fight against poverty; to make basic health services, clean water and sanitation accessible to all our citizens and to fight against diseases such as TB, malaria and STD's.
While there are clearly positive signals on the horizon, we cannot for a moment afford to be complacent. Monitoring and evaluation to ensure that our programmes indeed have their intended impact will be critical in this regard.
Honourable Speaker, this was a promise we made. It is a promise we have kept. No amount of pettifogging can hide these facts from the public.
The move from hospital-based care to clinic-based care as part of the primary health care programme is proving to be a major success. At least seven out of ten patients are now seen in clinics close to where they live or work as opposed to hospitals. Many people previously depended on hospitals for treatment of even minor ailments.
Through the Departments of Health and Education, we provide meals to 250 000 learners at 878 schools every day, as part of our poverty alleviation programme.
We have made good progress in the fight against corruption and in combating the theft of medicines at the Medical Supplies Depot in Auckland Park. Four staff members have been dismissed and disciplinary action was taken against a number of others for corruption and theft. Security systems have been improved. Electronic stock control systems and asset registers will be implemented more widely once pilot projects currently in place at selected institutions have been completed.
We have launched a Health Information System, which captures patients' up to date information and links all hospitals and clinics around the province. The result of this is the reduction in waiting times as well as making it easier for hospitals to collect patients' fees.
In order to promote efficiency in the running of health care institutions, we have established the Khanyisa awards for service excellence. This is also aimed at encouraging health officials to conduct their work along the lines of the Batho Pele principles. Cash prizes of up to R500 000 are given to winning institutions and the money is used to make improvements in the delivery of health care. This year's awards, which were handed out this morning, went to the following institutions:
Khanyisa Awards: Winners
Category for the Academic and Specialist Awards
1. Wits Paediatric HIV Clinics
2. Alex Clinic at Tara Hospital
Category for the Regional and District Awards
1. Leratong Hospital
2. South Rand Hospital
Category for District Health Services
1. West Rand District (Oral Hygiene Project)
Category for Support Services, Colleges and Head Office
1. Helen Joseph (Information Systems)
2. Pretoria West Hospital (Garden Services)
The Kickstart Award (new award: information and help desks)
Discoverer's Hospital
Lilian Ngoyi Community Clinic
Johann Heyns Community Clinic
Lenasia Clinic
As part of our commitment to ensure that all children of school-going age get access to education, the Department of Education has just completed a campaign for the registration and admissions of learners for the year 2001.
This month thousands of learners will sit for the final examinations of their schooling life. Security measures are in place and, as was the case last year, we expect the examination process to go smoothly.
We expect improved performance as a result of our Senior Secondary School Intervention Programme at 206 targeted schools, as well as our efforts to encourage excellence among high achievers in disadvantaged communities.
The Education Action Zone Programme has successfully completed phase one, which entailed the stabilisation of schools and dealing with management problems. Action was taken against a number of principals and teachers responsible for the dysfunctional schools. 71 schools have been stabilised in this regard.
We have engaged the services of colleges of education to provide teachers with training in the implementation of outcomes based education for the senior phase, the foundation phase and in curriculum management for principals, deputy principals and Heads of Departments.
Economic Management Sciences is now a compulsory learning area and 230 bursaries were allocated to educators to obtain additional qualifications in this learning area.
A promise made. A promise kept.
As teachers celebrate teachers' day, I would want to salute all those who put all their efforts to the promotion of the culture of learning and teaching. On this day they need to renounce the few who tarnish the image of their valuable profession.
While the recent Statistics South Africa report on poverty rated Gauteng as the richest province in the country, the scourge of poverty remains our biggest challenge. There remain many poor people in Gauteng, particularly in informal settlements and rural areas which still have no proper water supply and sanitation.
Minister Manuel is correct when he says:
"What [the report] doesn't do yet, is to measure the level of inequality within an area… In Gauteng, for instance, it tells us that Cullinan is the poorest place, with a mean monthly household expenditure of R2 083, and that Pretoria is the richest, with an average household expenditure of R6 487. But it doesn't tell us specifically about the poverty within Pretoria."
An Interdepartmental Committee for Integrated Poverty Programmes has been established comprising the Departments of Health, Education, Transport and Public Works, Finance and Economic Affairs and Housing. It will coordinate our efforts to reduce the vulnerability of families, groups and communities to poverty, through sustainable social and economic development strategies and institutional capacity development.
Social security is one of the major poverty alleviation mechanisms. This programme caters for an average of 380 000 people monthly, the majority of whom are the elderly who receive old age pensions. Many of our regional offices are now able to process applications for grants in less than three months and some are able to do this in just one month.
The number of children that receive child support grants has increased from 29 332 in January to 74 790 at the end of September 2000.
The Department of Social Services and Population Development has funded 171 poverty alleviation projects, benefiting over 5000 individuals, mostly women, youth and people with disabilities.
A total of 177 women are benefiting from the Bekkersdal flagship project. The project caters for unemployed women with children and consists of various programmes such as a restaurant, a hair salon, a guest house, a creche, a recreation centre, a food garden, a car wash facility and a mobile kitchen. The Department has invested R450 000 over a three-year period for use in infrastructure, training, equipment and materials. The proceeds from this project are shared amongst the participants.
As we promised, the processing of pensions and the time spent in long queues has improved dramatically. Pensioners themselves can vouch for this. Security has been stepped up at pay points.
Last week we launched Operation Dignity to restore the dignity of our senior citizens and to raise awareness to eliminate the abuse of the elderly in our communities.
This month has been declared social development month, the main objective of which is to raise awareness and improve access to social welfare services.
A promise made. A promise kept.
Our housing programme continues to provide housing for more people who did not have shelter for many years. We have launched major projects in Heatherly, near Mamelodi in Pretoria, and BraamFischerville near Dobsonville.
The Provincial Housing Board has just approved a proposal for development of an integrated housing project at Cosmo City. A developer has been appointed and work will soon commence on the construction of 16 000 housing units.
In addition to building houses, we have in direct response to requests from many people provided them with serviced stands which they develop themselves.
Our programme to give houses back to the people has resulted in the transfer of properties to people by awarding them with title deeds. For people who have lived in these houses without full ownership of their property, this is a major achievement.
We have made good progress towards eradicating informal settlements in Gauteng. This has included the issuing of title deeds, the building of houses, the installation of services and the upgrading of social infrastructure.
To ensure more transparency in the delivery of houses, we will be publishing the housing waiting lists. This will enable the public to assist government in detecting irregularities in the allocation of houses.
We recently received the report of the Public Protector on allegations of irregularities in the Department of Housing. We welcome this report and the Department of Housing has already implemented measures to address weaknesses identified. Proposed amendments to the National Housing Act will provide for the abolition of Provincial Housing Development Boards.
We will deal severely with unscrupulous housing contractors who are siphoning government money without delivering as expected. Some of these contractors are assisted in their criminal activities by corrupt government officials and for this reason we call upon the Heath Special Investigation Unit to complete outstanding investigations into various allegations of corruption in the Department of Housing.
Honourable Speaker, these and other services have improved the lives of women, the poor, the sick, the homeless, the victims of crime, the young and the elderly.
But the realisation and entrenchment of the social and economic rights of our people demands sustained economic growth and job creation, a strategic priority we have set for ourselves.
We know that people want to be able to earn their own income, to support themselves, their families and their communities. People want to be economically active, they want skills, they want jobs and they want to own and run their own enterprises.
Through the Gauteng Economic Development Agency, up to R252m worth of foreign direct investment has been attracted to the province, resulting in the creation of more than 4000 jobs.
In February this year we announced 10 Gauteng Spatial Development Initiative (SDI) projects aimed at lifting the economy onto a higher growth path and creating the jobs that lie at the heart of our efforts to build a better life.
These projects represent a strategic intervention to reshape the economy through realigning the manufacturing sector towards higher value added production and focusing on new growth sectors, in particular "smart" industries such as IT and telecommunications and the development of business services. Public funds will be used to leverage private sector investment in the provision of economic infrastructure with the aim of creating an enabling environment to boost economic growth.
The Strategic Economic Infrastructure Investment Programme (SEIIP), set up in the Department of Finance and Economic Affairs to coordinate the SDI projects, is fully operational.
The Johannesburg International Airport SDI is aimed at promoting investment in the Industrial Development Zone (IDZ). To date the infrastructure master plan has been completed. Potential IDZ sites have been identified and a sectoral competitiveness study for the airport has been completed. Work is proceeding on choosing the exact site for the IDZ, consultation with stakeholders and drawing in international partners.
In the City Deep SDI, which links Gauteng to international markets by rail and road, an analysis of infrastructure and facilities has been completed and two IDZ sites have been identified. Construction of access roads is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of next year.
The Industrial Regeneration project in Wadeville-Alrode on the East Rand, has reached agreement with the National Manufacturing Advisory Centre on the establishment of a Manufacturing Advisory Centre (MAC). Although the focus is on the East-Rand, the Vaal and the West Rand regions will also benefit through the establishment of MACs in depressed areas such as Chamdor and Vereeniging.
A high level staff complement, including a project manager, have been appointed to manage the development of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. Progress includes the identification of gateways and the erection of signage and the design of the "on farm" housing scheme. Important collaborative tourism ventures, the Crocodile Ramble and the Magaliesburg Meander, have been launched.
The Heritage Site and the North Eastern Gauteng Initiative have seen the establishment of numerous private initiatives in the hospitality industry.
A high level staff complement has also been established for the "All of Africa in One Day" eco-tourism destination planned for the north eastern part of Gauteng. Tender specifications are being finalised. Progress thus far includes the establishment of an Advisory Centre at the Leeuwfontein Nature Reserve, the signing of a contract with neighbouring landowners, awarding of Conservancy certificates to the Seringveld and De Tweedespruit Conservancies and the construction and expansion of facilities at the Roodeplaat and Leeuwfontein Nature Reserves.
The Development Framework for the Constitutional Hill project to promote heritage tourism, has been completed. The project includes a new Constitutional Court building, commercial and housing developments, museums, archives and tourist facilities and the refurbishment of the old Hillbrow Fort. The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) which will be responsible for managing the project will be formed this month. Construction of the court and its surrounds is scheduled to begin next year for completion in 2003.
Land has been identified and an access study completed on the Innovation Hub project to create an information and communication technology based industrial park. Two industry briefings have been held and international benchmark studies have been conducted in the USA, Sweden, UK, and Israel. Construction of the main Hub site is scheduled to begin by the middle of next year.
We are very encouraged by the interest shown in the initiative by a wide range of potential role-players, including leading IT and Telecommunications companies and institutions of higher learning.
In a few days times I will be going to California to meet with business people who have shown an interest in investing in the project.
The agreement on the Metro-Mall project, which forms part of the Newtown Cultural Precinct SDI, has been signed. The SDI aims to promote cultural tourism and related industries, and includes the construction of the Nelson Mandela bridge, a housing project and the upgrading of the precinct. The construction of the bridge is scheduled for early next year.
We are on track with the Gauteng Rail Link project which will provide our economy with a quality high-speed train project to link Pretoria, Johannesburg and the Johannesburg International Airport. As part of the province's integrated network, it forms a critical component of our commitment to promote economic development and provide efficient public transport.
The first two phases of the project have been completed. Extensive consultation with stakeholders has shown strong support for the project and market surveys have indicated a clear demand.
Extensive work on the technical, financial and economic feasibility of proposed routes has been undertaken. The Executive Council has given the green light for a more detailed study to proceed on the preferred routes and the location of stations. Further work will also be done on an appropriate financial model, as well as an environmental impact analysis.
Local and international investors have shown interest in the project and an investment conference is planned for the first quarter of next year.
A promise made. A promise kept.
The full impact of our SDI projects in boosting the Gauteng economy will be most evident in the medium to long-term. However immediate results will include short-term job creation and skilling which will enable the beneficiaries to access income generating opportunities.
We have taken a decision that anybody who gets a tender for any of these projects will have a component for job creation during infrastructure construction.
The announcement a few weeks ago by Minister Alec Erwin, that Cabinet has approved the gazetting of regulations on Industrial Development Zones (IDZ) gives further impetus to our SDIs. Of particular reference is the impact this will have on the manufacturing of high value, low-bulk goods, by giving manufacturers access to international markets through duty-free production, a single window facility for services to investors as well as efficient administration.
A few weeks ago we launched the Gauteng Film Office to market and attract producers to utilize the film production resources available in the province. The Office will liaise with producers, providing advice and essential information in order to encourage them to locate their production in the province. We have a huge potential as a province because we have the best production resources and infrastructure in the country.
The upgrading and development of the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve is progressing according to plan. A "toktokkie trail" for the disabled has been constructed and was opened to the public in July this year. The name of the trail is derived from the tapping of the walking stick of the visually impaired, which simulates the call of the Toktokkie beetle. Upgrading of facilities and construction of new facilities is underway and will be completed in the current financial year.
The second phase of the Gauteng Open Space Audit has been completed and is currently being circulated to all local authorities in order to support best practice decision making in the processing of development applications.
The Agricultural Resource Information System has been finalised and will be updated on an ongoing basis. Meetings have taken place with all the key roleplayers in the agricultural sector to put in place measures for the dissemination of information to support agricultural planning.
In addition good progress is being made with further work on the identification of niche commodities with a particular focus on indigenous crops and crops with medicinal value.
In the last six months the media has given extensive coverage to environmental management. Important progress has been made in two areas in particular. The project document for the management of medical waste has been finalised and a budget of R12 million approved. This project is part of the country to country agreement with Denmark and will specify the requirements and implementation measures for cost effective and safe sorting, storage, transporting and disposal of medical waste. The project, accepted in August 2000, serves as a pilot project for national implementation and involves all relevant national and provincial departments. An inception report for the implementation of an air quality project has been finalised.
Another promise made. A promise kept.
A range of steps we took since last year to deal with problems in the minibus taxi industry have resulted in much improved co-operation between the taxi industry and the provincial government. The launch of the Gauteng Taxi Council bears testimony to this.
The democratisation process marks a departure from a culture of violence and all its related ills towards a culture of engagement and a commitment to search for appropriate solutions. The launch of the Taxi Council lays firm foundations for the establishment of an integrated public transport system in our country. We are currently sharing our experiences on the matter with other provinces.
In line with the Arrive Alive campaign, the Department of Transport has embarked upon a campaign called Operation Boima. This campaign focuses on overloaded heavy vehicles, which cause extensive damage to our road infrastructure and pose a threat to road safety. Overloaded vehicles and the damage they cause to roads accounts for many of our road fatal accidents.
We undertook to conduct an audit of the qualifications of senior government officials from the level of Assistant Director upwards. We will soon make the full audit available to the Public Service Commission so that it can independently verify our results.
To avoid any misrepresentation in future, all new appointees now have their qualifications verified prior to taking up employment.
As promised and in line with the Public Finance Management Act, we have submitted reports on how resources are being used to implement our programmes. This will assist MPL's to conduct their oversight function effectively as well as give an opportunity to departments to correct any spending and delivery patterns that are not in line with plans discussed during the tabling of the budget. This helps the public know where money is being spent and how.
A promise made. A promise kept.
The process to set up the Shared Services Centre is progressing smoothly. The Steering Committee for the implementation of the Shared Services Centre has been established and phase one of the establishment plans has been completed. This involved the development of a shared services strategy and the development of an implementation solution.
These programmes are improving the lives of many people who previously lived in the periphery and had no hope for a better life. Today our people are not just living on hopes, but are beginning to experience a better life for themselves and know that their children are guaranteed an even better life without poverty, marginalisation and the conditions that make them vulnerable to illnesses.
Honourable Speaker, while a lot of progress has been made, we know that for many families, black and white, young and old, life is still a struggle. We are keenly aware of other challenges that we face as a country and province. These includes challenges:
To build a non racial society
To end poverty and degradation
To build a non sexist society
To end the abuse of women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities
The mandate of all elected representatives must be the creation of a non racial, non sexist and prosperous South Africa. We have a responsibility to work to translate the slogan - the people shall govern into reality. Together we must commit ourselves to do everything within our power to ensure that our people are not mere spectators in their liberation, but active participants. Through this we will build a truly patriotic society.
We need to move beyond denial on whether the majority of whites supported apartheid or not. We know it to be a fact and no denial will erase that from the memory of those who bore the brunt of apartheid oppression and exploitation. As Pallo Jordan put it, we know that for many years, whites returned the National Party to power with a mandate, knowing fully well that their aim was to deny blacks the vote. We know that while a number of progressive whites refused to be conscripted, many including some in leadership positions, who today claim to have been on the side of the struggle for change, were part of the apartheid armed forces, which fought the forces of liberation.
We stand for the building of a non-racial society. We will never abandon it. This means that we will implement affirmative action even as racists brand it reverse racism. We will continue to ensure the empowerment of women and people with disabilities even as sexist bigots brand it tokenism.
We remain firmly committed to the total liberation of all South Africans. This includes addressing issues of skewed patterns of income and social life as well as the exclusion from ownership of the means of production and productive land by the majority of South Africans.
To further cement the democratic process in our country, the Local Government elections will soon take place. We are aware of the difficulties that some of the municipalities have had in the provision of basic services, maintaining payment levels and using their meager resources effectively.
That is why we have supported the transformation of local government. This process will result in Gauteng having three metropolitan councils, three district councils and 9 local municipalities. The thrust of this restructuring is to ensure that all local authorities become economically sustainable. Resources such as infrastructure, personnel, assets, liabilities and management will be pulled together to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of services to our people.
We do not make apologies for effecting these changes. For far too long, Africans, Indians and Coloured people have contributed to the wealth of all our cities and towns through their blood and sweat without realising the benefits. This we are determined to reverse.
We will be requesting all local government structures in our province to develop plans that will see us move gradually to the provision of a minimum of basic services such as water and electricity for free. This does not mean that people will not pay for services. It means that no one will be denied the bare minimums required to survive simply because they are poor.
Honourable speaker, this is our report to the house and to the people of our province. We are ready to put our case to the people. They are our opinion makers. Ready to go to every part of our province. Ready to go to all cities and towns to put our case and to learn from our people. This underscores our commitment to remain accountable to the electorate.
Our people want to hear about real policies. Not fables of the past. That is why we are taking our message directly to the people. Face to face, on the doorstep, in the shopping centre and at the taxi rank. That is the way we have always done it. That is the way we must always do it. To keep on building mutual trust. To involve our people in governance.
The Gauteng Provincial Government expresses its appreciation to the Chief Whip for facilitating today's report back to the legislature and the people of Gauteng on work done since the opening of the legislature at the beginning of the year.
Six years after the democratic elections, the South African revolution continues. We remain a new nation in the making. As long we have dreams for the future, our revolution will remain in the making. Now is the time to make a meaningful contribution to changing the lives of our people. That is our destiny. We will not fail.
Thank you