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WEST RAND DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
STATE OF THE DISTRICT ADDRESS, 2012
CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. State of the Nation Address
3. State of the Province Address
4. Achievements of the West Rand District
4.1 Municipal Transformation – Vision 2016
4.2 Environmental Management and Green IQ
4.3 Health and Social Development
4.4 Economic and Rural Development
4.5 Public Safety
4.6 Human Settlements and Regional Planning
4.7 Technical Support and Infrastructure Development
4.8 Office of the Executive Mayor
5. Financial Accountability and Performance
6. Conclusion
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WEST RAND
STATE OF THE DISTRICT ADDRESS, 2012
Madam Speaker
Provincial Leadership
Executive Mayors
Speakers
Chief Whips
Members of the Mayoral Committee
Religious leaders
Business people
Community members
Officials
Media
Ladies and Gentlemen
1. Introduction
I am honoured to greet you in this special year of remembrance – the
centenary year of the African National Congress.
Over the 100 years of its existence, the ANC has enjoyed supreme
success as the leader of our people’s struggle to rid South Africa of
apartheid colonialism and all its manifestations. Few movements or
parties can show such a consistent record of triumph over adversity,
spanning a period of a century. Today, the ANC enjoys the overwhelming
confidence of the masses as a trusted leader and loyal servant of the
people in the on-going struggle to build a better life for all.
This remarkable success of the movement is not a result of good fortune.
During the years major setbacks and obstacles had to be overcome by
men and women who were prepared to make supreme sacrifices to turn
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the ANC into what it is today. The celebration of 100 years of struggle and
victory is a milestone – a wonderful opportunity to pause and reflect, an
opportunity to recommit ourselves to the aspirations of our esteemed
leaders, to pledge ourselves to selfless and untiring work to achieve a
free, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous future. Among
the progressive forces in the continent and across the world, our
movement has also earned respect as a reliable ally in the struggle for a
better Africa.
The motivation to support our allies in Africa is demonstrated
currently by the West Rand District Municipality in our mission to
assist the suffering people of Brazzaville in the Congo. The WRDM
has sent four officials from Public Safety and two paramedics
seconded to the West Rand to lend a helping hand in that crisis.
In 2011, I presented a State of the District Address (known as SODA)
which illustrated the West Rand’s achievements of the years 2006-2011.
This was an historic occasion, the last report before the end of a five year
term of local government.
In May 2011, Municipal Elections were held throughout South Africa and
in the West Rand. The people of West Rand wholeheartedly endorsed the
rallying cry of the African National Congress.
Our campaign was based on the West Rand Manifesto of 2011, aligned to
the Key Priority Areas of National Government and the national objectives
of Outcome 9 which had been clearly stated in the SODA as follows:
Merge into a single B1 Municipality by 2016
Work towards becoming a Unicity (metropolitan form of
government) by 2025
Become the Greenest District in South Africa
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Use the Green Economy to grow the GGP of the West Rand
Implement increasingly shared services District-wide
Create jobs to combat poverty and dependence
Build a united and prosperous non-racial society
Commit to training and skilling of our communities
Build better neighbourhoods throughout the District with equitable
access to municipal services
Ensure effective and accountable councillors
Improve the quality of life for all.
This was the determination of the way forward for our municipalities. As I
greet you today, I am proud to report on the forward strides we have
taken in the past year, while humbly acknowledging the efforts and
support of my teams – the Mayors’ Forum, the Troikas, the Municipal
Managers and officials, the Regional Office Bearers of the ruling party and
other elected political leadership. I also wish to acknowledge the mature
leadership of the opposition parties. Together, we have made a
difference! We appreciate too, the support of national and provincial
leadership and the co-operation of the private sector.
Working together we are building better communities!
I especially would like to thank my team of councillors deployed to the
Mayoral Committee. These Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs)
are my hands and feet and have been delegated the following
responsibilities as Portfolio Heads:
Corporate Services - Cllr Khaya Blaai
Economic and Rural Development - Cllr Elvis Mphithikezi
Environmental Management - Cllr Olivia Caldeira
Finance - Cllr Loyiso Nkosiyane
Health and Social Development - Cllr Pascalina Kgoleng
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Public Safety - Cllr Buyiswa Xulu
Regional Planning - Cllr Mando Gama
Technical Support - Cllr Naga Lipudi
After the Municipal Elections I committed our District to working together
when I delivered the Inaugural Address on 27th August 2011. The spirit
of the Inaugural Address was the definition of my mandate as “to
dismantle the culture of distrust and introduce an empowerment
philosophy that would see leaders turned into servants and coaches.” I
still subscribe to this approach and aspire to leave a legacy of inclusive,
participatory and transparent local government, free from corruption. The
better life we have promised our people must become a reality in our
term of office.
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2. State of the Nation Address (SONA)
President Jacob Zuma presented his State of the Nation Address in
Parliament on the 9th February 2012.
He marked the occasion by recognizing the significance of the centenary
of the African National Congress, as well as the importance of the former
presidents of the ANC who led the struggle for liberation. He emphasized
the three things that the Cabinet Lekgotla had agreed to focus on this
year and in the coming years – unemployment, poverty and
inequality.
President Zuma reported on the National Planning Commission’s first draft
of the National Development Plan which addresses the elimination of
poverty and inequality through higher growth and job creation. The New
Growth Path of 2010 identified job drivers as infrastructure development,
tourism, agriculture, mining, manufacturing and the green economy. He
added that the global economic situation was hindering our success.
However, mainstreaming job creation in all government enterprises as
well as better “social dialogue” between government, business and the
community, were contributing to successes.
President Zuma announced the successes of the Job Fund, with
investment and incentive advantages; the mining industry and the
beneficiation strategy; the massive “infrastructure development drive,”
which includes the development of rail, road and water infrastructure.
Also significant would be the development of the Durban – Free State –
Gauteng logistics corridor. Other notable projects were earmarked for the
automotive sector in Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage, the new industrial and
agricultural node of the Eastern Cape; a new dam and Mthatha
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revitalization project in the Eastern Cape; infrastructure rollout in North
West and on the West Coast.
Social infrastructure would include refurbishment of hospitals and nurses’
homes; two new universities and a new radio telescope project. Extension
of basic services would address inequalities, peace, security and social
cohesion. High electricity costs received attention, as well as renewable
energy sources. “Government has a target of 1 million solar geysers by
2014-2015,” he said. The President announced R248 million to be
invested in Acid Mine Drainage solutions. The generally poor culture
of teaching and learning required intervention; FET colleges were noted
as important players in tertiary education.
The President congratulated the health sector on the success of the HIV &
AIDS programme and encouraged South Africans to live healthier lives.
The employment of people with disabilities and compliance with the
Women Empowerment and Gender Equality Bill as well as combating
crime and corruption, would receive attention.
State President Zuma ended his address with the memorable words of
Cde Charlotte Maxeke, who said:
“This work is not for yourselves – kill that spirit of self, and do not
live above your people, but live with them. If you can rise, bring
someone with you.”
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3. State of the Province Address (SOPA)
Gauteng Premier, Nomvula Mokonyane, delivered the State of the
Province Address to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature on 20th February
2012. Premier Mokonyane remarked on the difficulties of the economic
situation, and conflicts and crises in Europe and Africa. She said that
Gauteng had experienced an increase of in-migration and urbanization as
a result.
Education has shown a major improvement in the percentage of learners
who complete schooling to Matric. Health has improved as well with
maternal mortality decreasing. Aids deaths have decreased from 38.5%
to 35% over two (2) years, proving that the rollout of ARVs is effective.
Primary health care visits increased from 19 million to 20 million visits
between 2010 and 2011.
Although unemployment is still a problem, job creation has increased by
4% since the previous year. SAPS together with Metro Police have
succeeded in reducing crime. Housing developments have been
implemented across Gauteng with 26 000 serviced stands and almost 51
000 houses being delivered.
The Gauteng Planning Commission and Gauteng Advisory Council are
developing a long term vision for the Province. The Premier’s Hotline is
functional and fraud and corruption are being addressed.
Financial management has improved as seen by audit outcomes. The
“Gauteng – Smart Province” project is rolling out broadband coverage to
narrow the digital divide, roll out e-government services and grow the
economy. The Maize Triangle Project and tractor services provided to
small farmers, together with technical advice, will boost the agricultural
sector.
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Looking forward, the Premier announced the Province’s intention to
establish (amongst others) the following projects to benefit the West
Rand.
West Rand Logistics Hub
Bus services to be prioritized in Mogale City.
Roads in the rural development node of Magaliesburg
Single tier municipality for the West Rand
Revitalisation of Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital in Mogale City
R120 million for the construction of the Magaliesburg Boarding
School and a similar initiative for 2012/13 in Fochville.
Township Enterprise Hub in Kagiso
National Rural Youth Service Corps will enlist a further 800 rural
youth to improve their lives
All Accounting Officers will assign a focal point in their offices for the
empowerment of people with disabilities.
Girl learners received Dignity Packs in Women’s Month
Mixed housing project successfully launched in Chief Mogale in
Mogale City and Mohlakeng Extension in Randfontein.
People illegally occupying uninhabitable land in Bekkersdal will be
relocated to Mohlakeng Ext 11
Bekkersdal local police station has been upgraded
Bekkersdal road intersections, paving and repairing and rebuilding
storm water infrastructure in process
55 farm workers to benefit from Bambanani Fruit Co-operative in
Westonaria
Thala Herbs in Mogale City acquired a processing facility
West Rand Agriculture Training College to be commissioned during
2012/2013 in partnership with Mogale City.
103 food gardens established in West Rand schools
Kagiso Memorial Park and Sports Centre to be developed
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Joint action with Mogale City towards resolving issues relating to the
proposed Amakhosi Village and assisting in the future development
of the stadium into a multi-sports complex.
The Premier closed the Address with an injunction to the youth.
“I would like to urge the Mandela children, born in 1994, …. to
pick up the baton because the future is theirs. …… The success of
Vision 2055 is on your shoulders.”
Premier Nomvula Mokonyane
4. Achievements of the West Rand District Municipality.
4.1 Municipal Transformation – Vision 2016
The Transformation Committee of 15 was re-constituted during 2011 to
spearhead the process of transformation.
The Revised 2016 Vision Strategic Framework was adopted by Council
after the strategic planning session held in August 2011. There are five
sub-committees in place headed by the Municipal Managers of all the
Municipalities. They report to the IGR meetings and the Chairperson of
the Transformation Committee, Executive Mayor Mpho Nawa, monitors
their performance on an ongoing basis.
Subsequently, a Transformation Stakeholder meeting was held in
November 2011 whereby the 2016 Vision was discussed and a buy-in
from the stakeholders was secured.
Some milestones have been achieved such as the submission of our
proposals to the Demarcation Board before the cut-off date in December
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2011. The five municipalities of the West Rand have agreed on a Unicity
Interlocal Agreement which commits us all to co-operation.
The importance of Vision 2016 is seen in the benefits articulated as
follows:
Improved service delivery
Standardisation of services through integration
Improved resource management (economies of scale) in the region
Support of the achievements of the Millennium Development Goals
Support of the goals of Gauteng Global City Region.
Overall assessment of the performance is that we are on track and 2016
will be realised.
4.2 Environmental Management and Green IQ
Local government has a responsibility to create an environment that
keeps the balance between the needs of our people for housing and
economic development, the protection of natural resources for future
generations and the comparative advantage of our region as a tourist
attraction. Local government also has a responsibility to protect the
health of our people, ensuring clean air, drinkable water and efficient
waste disposal.
The South African public is becoming increasingly aware of the
challenges of global warming and advocacy for combating carbon
emissions is receiving focused attention. The international conference held
in Durban in November 2011, known as COP17, was an opportunity for
the West Rand to create awareness amongst school learners, to attract
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international attention to our challenges of the legacy of mining in our
area (e.g. sinkholes, acid mine drainage and toxic mine dumps) and to
network with important stakeholders and international players in
sustainable development.
We as the West Rand District Municipality are committed to sustainable
development and protecting our environment for future generations. We
call this programme “GREEN IQ.”
In our Municipality we have a strategy which is aimed at becoming a
Green and Beautiful City, the greenest in Africa! There is a suggestion to
name the new municipality “Botaleng City.” We are planting 20 000 trees
per year (as much to enhance the region’s natural beauty for tourism as
to combat carbon emissions); we spent R7.2 million in 2011 on
converting street lights to energy-saving lighting in Finsbury, Kokosi,
Wedela and the R28 in Westonaria. The lights in Finsbury alone will save
us R599 000 per year in electricity bills while reducing carbon by 390 tons
per year. We are planning to install solar geysers in all sub-economic
housing. We are running projects such as Plastic Recycling and setting up
Buy Back Centres with grants from Provincial Government. We are
investigating new independent power producers to generate renewable,
affordable and reliable energy to power new industries and the harnessing
of the potential of landfill sites for this purpose.
“…the transition to a low carbon or “green” economy will help to
create a new generation of labour intensive jobs, which is what
the country needs.”
Kuben Naidoo (National Planning Commission)
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The Environmental Framework for the West Rand is nearing completion
and public participation on the Integrated Waste Management Plan was
held in 2011. WRDM has prepared draft Air Quality Management By-laws
and established an Air Quality Office for processing of Atmospheric
Emission Licences. The WRDM in collaboration with provincial
government departments and local municipalities celebrated National
Environmental Week in June and Arbour Day in September.
A great opportunity to showcase the West Rand and its commitment to
“greening,” was the Green IQ stand at the Randfontein Show from 28th
February to 3rd March 2011. This stand and the publicity afforded the
Executive Mayor, were key to putting the WRDM’s position on
environmental management in the public discourse. Our sincere thanks
are extended to Gold Fields for their support in contributing to this huge
success.
4.3 Health and Social Development
All programmes of the directorate are presented regionally in partnership
with relevant officials of municipalities and departments such as
Education, Health, Social Development as well as NGOs, to collectively
address the Millennium Development Goals.
Outcome No 1: improved quality of basic education
Outcome No 2: a long and healthy life for all South Africans
Outcome No 4: decent employment through inclusive growth
MDG No 1: eradicate Poverty and hunger
MDG No 2: achieve universal primary education
MDG No 3: promote gender equality and empower women
MDG No 4: reduce child mortality
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MDG No 5: improve maternal health
MDG No 6: combat HIV or AIDs, Malaria and other diseases
MDG No 7: ensure environmental sustainability
MDG No 8: develop a Global Partnership for Development.
The functioning of legislated structures like District Health Council and
District AIDs Councils meetings, chaired by Portfolio Heads, has ensured
that the health of the people in West Rand is prioritized. In these
important meetings officials tabled the legislation that governs such
structures, national and provincial government plans, reports over the
past twelve months, challenges and remedial actions and those that need
elevation to the provincial political level e.g. delayed payment of allocated
HIV and AIDs grant to the district.
The clinic visits with Portfolio members and MMCs ensures that people are
receiving the treatment they deserve at government health facilities and
the following clinics were visited:
o Carletonville central clinic
o ML Person clinic
o Krugersdorp central clinic
o Westonaria central clinic
On learning through the media that Ya Rona and Mohlakeng clinics in
Randfontein were without water, electricity and some medication, a
joint visit with Randfontein relevant MMC and the Regional Health
Department officials went on fact finding mission and it was
established that the media report was wrong. However it was
discovered that in Mohlakeng there was not even a single Planned
Patient Transport ambulance at the Mohlakeng clinic which was also
functioning as a Community Health Centre. Randfontein municipality
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was engaged and currently there is now an ambulance on site for any
emergency at the clinic.
Portfolio Chairperson, Cllr Kgoleng, jointly with Westonaria MMC
intervened in a case where a mother was turned away at Bekkersdal
West clinic with a dead baby. Officials involved were given a warning
by their employers and the department is currently drawing up a
procedure for handling such matters.
The Political Sports, Recreation, Art and Culture Forum was established
and it is composed of all MMCs responsible for this function in their
local municipalities. It is functioning well.
HEALTH PROGRAMMES (aligned to Outcome No 2, MDG 4, 5 and 6)
This programme is geared towards improvement of health of the people.
It focuses on community education thus empowering people to prevent
diseases and seek early medical intervention.
Child Health (MDG 4)
The focus was on Early Childhood Development Centres, to educate them
on:
The importance of ensuring that a parent of each child admitted
in those institutions should bring along the child’s immunization
card
To emphasize the importance of immunization
To educate on the importance of balanced nutrition for
developing children
Prevention of cross infection by ensuring healthy practices such
as hand washing.
A total of 8 ECDCs were reached.
Youth health (alignment to MDG 3 and 5 and outcome 2)
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Teenage pregnancy presentations were made at three schools, namely
Imfundo, Kgothalang and Lodirile High School where 1386 learners were
reached. The importance of this programme is to highlight the negative
impact of teenage pregnancy in terms of health, risk of contracting HIV
and AIDs and the socio-economic impact.
Women’s Health (alignment to MDG 3 and 5 and outcome 2)
The focus was on prevention of dread diseases such as breast and cervical
cancer. Thus women mostly from rural areas and farms of Randfontein
were targeted and 1625 women were educated on these health issues
and 4131 female condoms distributed. All this was done through door to
door education.
Prevention of Communicable diseases (MDG 6 and outcome 2)
A total of 5105 people were educated on tuberculosis, signs and
symptoms, and the importance of early treatment as well as of
completing treatment. All this was done through door to door education.
HIV AND AIDS PROGRAMME (contribution to outcome 2 and 4 and
MDG 1 & 6)
The focus as indicated above is education of the communities (including
workers) on HIV and AIDs thus encouraging them to visit clinics for HCT
and if already on ARVs to have discipline in taking medication. During
this period of first 100 days the following took place:
Candle light ceremony for WRDM employees was held on 30 May
2011 and 56 employees participated
The WRDM was represented at the 5th South African AIDs
Conference by a delegation of two led by the MMC for Health and
Social Development
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114 075 people reached through door to door education campaign
(that is above the targeted 100 000.) NB: all volunteers offering the
education are on a stipend
As part of work place support the directorate is engaging in an
employee survey in terms of HIV/AIDS programme. Questionnaires
were circulated and results compiled for discussion at the Work
Place Committee meetings
Donations that were committed during the Heroes Sports Walk
against HIV and AIDs in November 2010 were followed up and
eventually delivered during this period as follows: Greenspark
Home-based Care Centre in Kokosi and Kamohelo in Bekkersdal -
both homes received their office furniture whilst Zenzele received a
one-roomed park home container and a generator during August
and September 2011.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Child Development (contribution to outcome No 1 and MDG 2)
The training of 76 ECDC practitioners on the Educational Toy library has
a direct impact on the improvement of primary education from the early
developmental stages of children. A total of eight (8) ECDCS within the
West Rand were assessed in using Early Childhood Development Institute
monitoring and evaluation tool. The importance of these activities is to
ensure that these institutions comply with a basis for quality education.
Women development (contribution to outcome 4 and MDG 1 and
3)
Toy library training for ECDC practitioners and librarians was held.
Seventy six (76) people were trained during the month of June
2011.
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Management in catering for women from the West Rand at Basadi
Pele (10 day training): Twenty five (25) women were trained during
the last week of May and first week of June 2011.
Parenting skills sessions held with youth heads from an NGO in
Kagiso (House of Mercy) - partnered with Department of Health and
Social Development
Information sessions on children and women’ s rights in Munsieville
Leadership empowerment presentations to youth at three schools;
namely,
Lodirile Secondary School in Swannieville
Imfundo Secondary School, Kokosi and
Kgothalang Secondary School in Bekkersdal.
MUNICIPAL HEALTH SERVICES (contribution to outcome 2 &
Vision 2016 )
Food Safety training took place in food facilities (shops). 35 sessions and
231 people were reached. Food safety sampling was achieved through
joint sampling with department of Agriculture’s Butcheries programme.
Water sampling (20) took place. Second set of District MHS By-laws were
promulgated in June 2011. The process of developing fines has
commenced. Forty-four ECDCs’ training sessions were offered on MHS
By–laws and food safety and 166 child minders were reached.
SPORTS, RECREATION, ART AND CULTURE (contribution to
outcome 1 & 2 and MDG 3 )
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Netball Coaching clinics in partnership with the Netball Association were
conducted in Merafong and Randfontein. The participating schools in
Merafong were also given a kit and balls. The following schools
participated:
Merafong:
Tsitsiboga Primary School
Phororong Primary School
Kamogelo Primary School
Mbulelo Primary School
Randfontein (Farm schools)
Lourentia Primary School
Thuto Bokamoso Primary School
Imfundo Secondary School
Promotion of Reading and Love of Books
“Reading to children programme” has been initiated and Four Early
Childhood Development Centres have taken up the programme with
enthusiasm. The programme aims to promote children in role playing,
storytelling and dramatizing with the object of creating love of books and
reading at an early age. These are the ECDCs reached:
Noah’s Ark (Randfontein Local Municipality)
Mohlakeng Prototype (also Randfontein, but rural)
Munsieville Prototype (Mogale City Local Municipality)
Amogelang ECDC (Merafong City Local Municipality)
The unit has formed a partnership with one secondary Imfundo at
Merafong City in the promotion of reading amongst its grade 8 learners.
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The target for the programme was 100 learners, however only 98 learners
participated
Sports and Recreational Facilities Assessment
Four (4) Sports and Recreational facilities were assessed in 2011/2012.
They were Greenhills Stadium (generally in good condition except for
toilets and some lighting), Westonaria Sports Complex (turf needs
attention); Westonaria Gymnasium and Greens Park Sports Complex need
attention.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES (contribution to outcome 4 and MDG 1)
In this Portfolio the co-ordination of the NYS Learners programme is done
where the administration of all data is collated from the four local
municipalities and forwarded to the Department of Infrastructure and
Development (the lead department that contracted the learners).
A total of 970 learners from the West Rand area are in the
programme at the different municipalities.
The directorate jointly with Public Safety has ensured that NYS
learners practicing in the WRDM are trained as follows:
A total of 451 learners were trained on TB (171); Peace Officers
(100); public safety (180). Five (5) of the 970 contracted learners
found employment.
4.4 Economic and Rural Development
As President Zuma has said, the most urgent challenge to the
realisation of our vision of a better life is unemployment, poverty and
inequality. These are also prevalent in the West Rand.
The decline of mining, poor strategic transport linkages and dolomitic
conditions in many areas, contribute to the lack of economic growth
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and thus the poverty of the West Rand. The global economic trends
have further impacted on the situation. Local Government has a
responsibility to create an environment which is conducive to building
local economies to create more employment and sustainable
livelihoods.
The launch of the West Rand Development Agency in 2006 has had
little impact on the economy and in the year under review has
undergone some major changes to render it more effective. At present
an Interim Board is in place (at no cost to the WRDM) and a strategic
review in this month will re-determine the way forward.
Rural development is a cross-cutting portfolio which will prioritise rural
beneficiaries. Thus far, in the roll out of National Rural Youth
Programme (NARYSEC) three hundred and fourteen (314) youths were
identified in the region to receive training as well as internal
leanerships. Eight hundred and eight (808) food gardens have been
established in schools and in the home-based care centres. Seven
hundred and ninety one (791) homestead food gardens were
established in Merafong alone. Assisted by the WRDM, a total of 27 co-
operatives were established in Randfontein and 80 members of co-
operatives were trained in management. In Westonaria a Bakery and
Poultry Project was launched in Simunye. SMMEs were given support
through outreach programmes.
A Rural Development Strategy has been approved by the Regional
Rural Development Forum established in September 2011.
Labour intensive construction methods created one hundred and fifteen
(115) EPWP job opportunities along the R28 in Randfontein and fifteen
(15) jobs were created through the agricultural food garden project.
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Also in Randfontein thirty-three (33) HIV/AIDS volunteers received
stipends. Nineteen (19) community-based contractors were appointed.
Mogale City employed one hundred and thirty-two (132) learners and
interns and plans to participate in EPWP Phase 2 to augment the total
of three hundred and nine (309) employed in the last six months of
2011.
Tourism has continued to enjoy attention from our LED units and Local
Tourism Associations have developed with WRDM support. The
Regional Tourism Organisation will soon show results. The Tourism
Awards function held at Maropeng in February 2012 was a glittering
event in partnership with the Cradle of Humankind and it emphasized
the importance of world class tourism products to attract visitors to the
West Rand. The Tourism Indaba in May 2011 was also a valuable
exercise. Merafong City trained fifty (50) stakeholders on tourism
during 2011 and one individual was afforded an opportunity to sell his
products at the Indaba.
Going forward together, we will prioritise the focus on LED. Together
we will implement more programmes such as Community Works
Programme and NARYSEC, increasing the number of youth in job
creation and giving support to SMMEs. We will prioritise procurement
for co-operatives as well as other designated groups. We will develop
our comparative advantage in agriculture and agri-processing,
exploiting our proximity to Gauteng’s major markets.
4.5 Public Safety
Socio-economic factors cannot be separated from crime and criminality.
Poverty and unemployment definitely impact on levels of crime.
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In Mogale City, 52 cases of disaster and rural evictions have been
responded to during the period reported on. One new Emergency Site and
Services was approved by MEC GDARD for Muldersdrift area.
Throughout WRDM 33 disaster awareness campaigns and one fireworks
awareness campaign have been conducted. Victim Empowerment and
PIER community awareness campaigns were offered on crime and road
safety. Eight (8) road safety audits and four (4) security inspections were
conducted by WRDM.
In Mogale City, 1199 public safety roadblocks were conducted and 893
by-law enforcement operations executed as well as a Public Safety
Strategy adopted. 12 981 school children participated in traffic safety
campaigns.
In Merafong City, 425 warrants of arrest and 244 fines were issued. One
hundred (100) taxis were tested and eleven discontinued.
In Randfontein, a Law Enforcement Operational Headquarters was
established; road safety promotion conducted for 18 schools and 40 cars
impounded for unroadworthiness. Sixty (60) drivers were arrested for
drinking and driving, while twenty-nine (29) roadblocks were conducted.
Installation of CCTV cameras will impact on crime in the CBDs of
Carletonville, Krugersdorp, Randfontein, Westonaria and Fochville. CPFs
are functioning to ensure safety of communities.
4.6 Human Settlements, Transport and Regional Planning
The Regional Spatial Development Framework was approved by WRDM
during February 2012.
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Regional Planning has co-ordinated establishment of housing projects
throughout the District. A major step forward in the creation of racially
integrated developments was initiated in Chief Mogale Township in Mogale
City where 15 white households were accommodated. In Merafong City,
a total number of 654 houses were completed during the year. The
Khutsong Resettlement Plan is being implemented with 5 500 houses in
progess to date. Bulk storm water and surfaced roads, internal water
services and internal sewer services have been completed. In
Randfontein, 625 new stands have been serviced in Mohlakeng Extension
11; five blocks of flats completed with three new ones on foundation level
at Mohlakeng Hostel and a service provider appointed to commence
establishment of Badirile extensions. One hundred and twenty (120) title
deeds have been issued in Toekomsrus.
A Provincial grant of R30 million has been awarded for the development
and rollout of a Regional Human Settlements Strategy. This will impact
very positively on the housing situation in the West Rand.
The unit for Transport Planning has revised the District Integrated
Transport Plan and this has been approved. Weighbridge facilities are
receiving attention. The Non-motorised Transport Policy has been
developed in-house and serves as a guiding document to access the
Shova Kalula programme. The roll out of this bicycle project continues
with a total of 3 715 bicycles distributed so far. Bicycle racks were also
constructed at ten lock-up facilities, each hosting 50 bicycles.
The Transport Logistics Hub announced by the Premier in the 2011 SOPA
has been put on hold until a suitable location has been identified.
Discussions are underway with Mogale City and all relevant stakeholders
for an Intermodal Transfer Facility at Leratong Crossing that will cater for
a regional taxi rank and bus transfer point.
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The WRDM is in the process of assisting local municipalities with an audit
on traffic signals, road signage and road markings in order to comply with
the National Traffic Signals Standards Manual.
During 2011 the WRDM in co-operation with the Gauteng Department of
Roads and Transport, constructed a 4km cycling lane along the R28 which
links Segaetsho Street with the CBD of Randfontein. The project cost R6.5
million (funded by Gauteng) and created 41 jobs for a 3 month period.
In addition, a 4km walking lane was also constructed for the creation of
safe pedestrian movement environment for community members from the
Mohlakeng/Toekomsrus area. Labour intensive construction methods were
applied at a cost of R7 million.
The Transport Directorate continues to support administratively the
Western Gauteng Taxi Council and the Public Passenger Road Carrier
Permit Committee. A Learner Transport Policy has been approved.
4.7 Technical Support and Infrastructure Development
Refurbishment of Kromdraai Pipeline
The Consulting Engineers on the project is ProPlan and the
Contractor is Khaselihle Constructions CC / Maseno General Trade
JV (Joint Venture). The project entailed the refurbishment of 7,5
kms of water pipeline. The Cradle of Humankind Management
Authority (CoHMA) was requested that a new Environmental Impact
Assessment be conducted, Gautrans approval and Department of
Water Affairs (DWA) approval be submitted.
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A new estimate of the balance of the work is to be undertaken.
Indications are that Mogale City Local Municipality will continue with
the implementation of the project with the WRDM playing a
supporting role. As at the end of December the project is
approximately 60% complete. The award value of this project is R
5 784 397.00 and expenditure to date is R 3 038 993.00.
Development of Common Electricity Specification.
Bigen Africa was appointed on 29 June 2011 to undertake the work.
The work was due to be completed on the 29 September 2011.
Work is progressing and is approximately 98% complete. The award
value of this project is R 210 000.00.
Katlego Building Assessment
The building was completed approximately four years ago. It has
since been resolved that the West Rand Development Agency would
manage the facility and therefore the available funds would be
transferred to the Agency for implementation of the maintenance
work. The Directorate would provide assistance where possible.
Provision of basic services to 45 Families on Portion 26
Application was made to the CoHMA to provide a similar level of
service to the 45 Families as that provided to the 39 Families, viz.
communal standpipes, 3 three families sharing a chemical toilet and
3 three families sharing a roller bin, one communal skip all on a
structured layout. Permission was granted subject to numerous
conditions. A letter has been written to CoHMA indicating the
responses to the conditions. Mogale City Local Municipality will
undertake this work once the funds have been transferred.
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The Directorate would provide assistance to MCLM where possible.
The budgeted amount for this project is R100 000.00.
Refurbishment of certain facilities on Portion 26
The farmhouse and garage have been converted to Office
Accommodation and Community Hall respectively. The building
alongside Kromdraai Road was to have been converted to office
accommodation. During construction it was discovered that
unconventional construction methods were used in the construction
of this building. The Provincial Heritage Resources Authority (PHRA)
instructed that all further work be suspended. Various site
inspections and meetings have been held and there has been no
indication from the PHRA on a way forward.
Consultation has taken place with an expert on the National
Heritage Resources Act and advice received is to employ a Heritage
Consultant and proceed with the refurbishment after advising the
PHRA that they have 30 days to respond.
No financial provision has been made for a Heritage Consultant. In
addition the additional work would require a Variation Order to be
approved.
A new estimate of the new scope of work is to be undertaken once
direction is received from the PHRA. Mogale City Local Municipality
will continue with the implementation of the project with the WRDM
playing a supporting role. Approximately 60% of the total work has
been completed. The award value of this project is R2 900 000.00
and expenditure to date is R 2 061 963.93.
Regional Infrastructure Master Plan – Merafong
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During the compilation of the Infrastructure Master Plan Merafong
City Local Municipality was not part of the District. In order to make
the Infrastructure Master Plan truly Regional, it was resolved that
the exercise be extended to incorporate Merafong City Local
Municipality.
SSI Consulting Engineers (company name) were appointed on 29
June 2011.
The project is approximately 99% complete. The award value of this
project is R453 721.00 and expenditure to date is R453 721.00.
Street Lighting
The installation of a total of 789 Street Lights and 3 km of cable in
three Local Municipalities has been undertaken on this project. 22
Lights still need to be installed in Mogale City. Project is 98%
complete. The award value of this phase of this three year project is
R7 292 000.00 and expenditure to date is R 6 945 565.00.
Phase two of this project is expected to commence shortly with a
limited budget.
Hannes van Niekerk Waste Water Treatment Works –
Mohlakeng Emergency Outfall Sewer Pipeline.
The WRDM resolved to transfer its MIG Allocation to the
refurbishment of the Hannes van Niekerk Waste Water Treatment
Works. In the investigation phases it was discovered that the
Mohlakeng Emergency Outfall Sewer Pipeline was losing
approximately 11ml of Raw Sewerage per Day. It was discovered
that the Pipeline had fractured and needed to be replaced. Due to
the dolomitic conditions and the area being susceptible to sink holes
alternate methods of construction needed to be used. It was
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estimated that Emergency Work would cost in excess of R 12, 66
million.
Westonaria Local Municipality has applied to MIG to utilize WRDM’s
funds R6,5 million to undertake the Emergency Pipeline. This was
approved.
The emergency work entails the construction of 3.2km of 500mm
Diameter HDPe Class 6 pipeline.
Construction work commenced on 16 May 2011. For various
reasons progress (delivery of material, rain etc) on site has,
however, been very slow and the revised completion date is end
February 2012. Project is 80% complete. The transferred amount to
Westonaria Local Municipality is R6 517 000.00 and expenditure to
date is R5 182 716 .46.
Khutsong Refurbishment of Water Infrastructure
The funding of this work is a portion of a Conditional Grant allocated
by the Department of Local Government and Housing (DLGH).
Merafong City Local Municipality (MCLM) submitted Business Plans
to undertake the installation of Telemetry Systems on key water
infrastructure and to install small bore pipelines to supply water to
informal communities. The installation of the Telemetry was
completed until some challenges came to light. Challenges are
being experienced with the pipelines as these traverse private land
and the land owners are generally not amicable to the installation of
the pipelines. The revised projects are the extension of the
Telemetering System and the replacement of an Asbestos Cement
Pipeline that is subject to frequent bursts.
The Telemetering work is 85% complete with the installation of
certain equipment and training still to be done. It is expected that
this work will be complete mid-March.
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Work on the Pipeline commenced on 23 January 2012 with the
anticipated completed date being end March.
The amount allocated to Merafong Local Municipality is R6 363
600.00 and expenditure to date is R3 026 560.50
Develop District Bulk Infrastructure Plan
This project has been identified in the Strategic Planning Sessions.
Due to Financial constraints no funds have been set aside for this
Plan. Letters seeking funds have been sent to various potential
funders. Responses are awaited. However, there is a plan to
develop a business plan which will be used by the MMC to engage
relevant MECs/Ministers to source funding.
Regional Renewable Energy Plan
This project has been identified in the Strategic Planning Sessions.
Due to Financial constraints no funds have been set aside for this
Plan. Letters seeking funds have been sent to various potential
funders. Responses are awaited. However, we are engaging various
companies to look at possible partnership.
Regional Cemetery – Feasibility
This project was identified as a need in the Infrastructure Master
Plan. No Funds have been allocated to undertake the Feasibility.
Various potential funders have been approached to fund this
initiative. Responses are awaited. However, we are planning to
engage various companies to look at possible partnership.
Regional Storm Water Management Plan.
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The Local Municipalities identified an urgent need for this Plan.
Funds are being sought to undertake this Plan. However, there is an
intention to develop a business plan which will be used by the MMC
to engage relevant MECs/Ministers to source funding.
Completion of Uncle Harry’s Bridge
Only the temporary works (New Jersey barriers, repair work to the
sidewalk and parapets) on this Bridge have been completed. It is
estimated that R7 million is required to complete the final works.
Various Departments have been approached to fund this work.
Link Roads
MIG funding at an amount of R6 086 000.00 is available to
construct a portion of the 0,8 Km road between Rietvallei Proper
and Rietvallei Ext 2. The EIA has been approved. The Final Road
Designs have been completed.
The deviation from normal bidding processes has been made with
Aurecon Consulting Engineers appointed as Engineering consultants.
Tenders for the appointment of contractor was advertised and
closed on the 16 January 2012.
The Technical Evaluation report has been completed and submitted
to Supply Chain. However, the bids reveal that we will have a
shortfall of between R1,5 million and R2.42 million. The additional
funds will need to be sourced prior to the appointment of the
Contractor.
Strategic Environmental Focus (Pty) Ltd (SEF) has been appointed
as the Environmental Consultant and is still finalizing the Water Use
License Applications.
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Plight of 27 families in Portion 26
We won the high court legal battle against the Cradle of Humankind
World Heritage Site Conservation Group by resettling the 27
families back into the plot and provided them with basic services
like water, dustbins, toilets and skip bin. 12 families that were not
evicted located in the same vicinity we resettled together with the
27 families and enjoy same benefits of basic services. This has
restored the dignity of these communities as the ANC 7th Regional
Conference noted
“The inhumane evictions of farm labourers by farmers from
their farms create a social problem for poor families who
have stayed on those farms for all their lives.”
Formalization of the informal settlement will proceed hich includes
the 45 families covered in the report above in terms of building of
houses after geotechnical study to ascertain the geological
conditions of the 52 hectares has been done.
4.8 Office of the Executive Mayor
The Office of the Executive Mayor has, as a new innovation, focused on
programmes that will have a major impact on the communities we serve.
In the first 100 days since taking office the Executive Mayor launched…
the following programmes and projects:
SPECIAL PROGRAMMES & PROJECTS
SOCCER LEGENDS
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Date: 09/07/2011 Venue: Westonaria Sports Complex
Sports developmental programmes were adopted and are to be
presented to local municipalities for consideration.
South African Sports Legends business plans were adopted.
MANDELA DAY EVENTS
Date: 16 -18/07/2011
The following events were organised by WRDM in partnership with
Gauteng Provincial Government:
Cleaning up campaign at Kamogelo School and Mashudu Primary
School
Planting of trees at Old Age Home Mohlakeng and Creche Jabulani
Informal Settlement
Food gardening
Shova Kalula
HERITAGE DAY CELEBRATIONS
Date: 24/09/2011 Venue: Maropeng Heritage Site
The event was organised in partnership with Gauteng Provincial
Government. The WRDM provided food to 1000 elderly persons.
MORAL REGENERATION PROGRAMME
Established Moral Regeneration Units to consider the following areas:
Job Creation
Ministers’ Affairs
Social Cohesion
25 young people were trained in entrepreneurial skills to create jobs.
Schools Outreach Programme.
YOUTH & CHILDREN
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1. Substance and alcohol abuse campaign, through sports and arts.
More than 350 Young people attended the programme in Zenzele
Informal Settlement.
2. 200 Orphans’ Visit to the Johannesburg Zoo.
Creation of a partnership between WRDM and the Department of Social
Development exposed 200 children to the gift of time, love and family
environment during the season of festivities.
GENDER
Sixteen Days of Activism against Women and Children Abuse was marked
in the West Rand between November and December 2011.
- Education of communities on Gender issues
- Partnership forged with Social development (Province)
- SAPS, NPA and Regional Dept of Education were key role players
- NGOs participated in the programme
DISABILITY DESK
The following projects were conducted:
Disability Strategic Policy Conference
Disability Zenzele Birth Certificate Project
Disability Stakeholders Meeting
Casual day in fundraising for people with disablities
Disability Sport Day
Disability week programmes in December 2011.
EDUCATION
Matric Awards to Top 15 Learners in the West Rand.
WRDM hosted a successful event in Westonaria Hoerskool and top
achievers were awarded as follows:
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o The best student in each cluster (5) was awarded with
R10 000 cash and a brand new laptop.
o The second best were awarded R5 000 each
o The third best were awarded R3 000 each.
o Four other learners were assisted with their registration fees.
Mayoral School Visits
The Executive Mayor extended the invitation to local Pastors to form part
of the delegation to schools. The Executive Mayor encouraged Pastors to
adopt schools. The following underperforming schools were visited:
AB Phokompe School
Thuto Lehakwe High
Phahama Senior Secondary
Kagiso Secondary
The best performing township school is Lodirile Secondary.
All these programmes as well as topical issues of the day, are reported by
the Communications Officer in the Executive Mayor’s Office. During the
period under review newspaper articles, radio interviews and TV
appearances have projected and promoted the image of the District and
the Executive Mayor.
The Randfontein Herald locally featured the District’s messages in 20
articles. In addition the Krugersdorp News published the Mayor’s
Christmas message and Good Luck message to Matriculants. The Beeld
promoted Vision 2016 and Green IQ in two feature articles. The Vision
2016 was also reflected in the Sowetan. The Daily Sun published four
articles ranging from our COP17 involvement to the Orphan’s visit to the
Zoo in December. The Star promoted the Greening programme as well as
Michelle Garforth’s TV programme “The Green Line.” The Executive Mayor
appeared on Soweto TV four times. Cllr Nawa broadcast on Lesedi FM
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twice, Motsweding FM eight times, Kaya FM ten times, Radio 702 twice
and Rainbow FM four times during the period of reporting.
A Regional Communications Strategy has been completed and will be
rolled out in 2012/ 2013 with high impact branding and publicity for the
Unicity and the Green IQ vision.
5. Financial Accountability and Performance
In the build-up towards Vision 2016 the Regional’s financial situation is
reviewed on an on-going basis to ensure that all Municipalities are in a
healthy financial state. A Summit on Regional Finances was held
presenting a consolidated report by the WRDM on Regional Finances. The
Summit was held on the 21st November 2011 and problem areas were
identified and corrective measures to alleviate the situation
recommended.
The financial status of the municipalities in the Region is as follows:
WRDM:
Total capital budget is R1 mil and total Operational Budget is R 256 646
mil. The level of expenditure in Capital Budget is R1.6 mil (161%) where's
in Operational Budget its R116,2 mil (46%). Under expenditure in
Operational Budget is R12 mil (4%). Over Expenditure in Capital Budget
is R615 901 (61%) (to be rectified in the adjusted budget).
The financial year 2010-2011:
The Annual Financial Statements (AFS) were prepared in compliance with
Generally Recognized Accounting Practices (GRAP) and submitted to the
Auditor General of South Africa. The AFS were also submitted to the
Audit Committee for review.
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Across the District, the Auditor General declared an Unqualified Audit
opinion on three municipalities and a Qualified opinion on two. The WRDM
attained an Unqualified opinion for the 9th consecutive year and no
matters of emphasis were raised.
Compliance in WRDM:
Monthly Section 71 reports in terms of the MFMA were submitted to
National and Provincial Treasuries as well as the Section 80 Committees
of Finance.
Adjustment Budget proposals including programmes and projects, were
tabled to the Budget Steering Committee chaired by the Executive Mayor,
Cllr Nawa. The Budget Steering Committee sits quarterly.
The Council approved the Adjustment Budget on February 29th 2012.
Expenditure management:
Creditors that have delivered and performed have been paid within thirty
(30) days. Monthly salaries and allowances are paid on the 25th of every
month except in special circumstances e.g. December.
Zero tolerance for rollovers of capital budgets or projects has been agreed
by all role players.
Revenue management:
Some challenges have been experienced with transfers of Provincial
grants. The relevant MMCs are discussing the revenue enhancement of
Ambulance and Firefighting debtors.
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Supply chain management:
Monthly and quarterly reports are submitted to section 80s of Finance and
Council. The reviewed Supply Chain Policy, commensurate with PPPFA
Regulations was approved by Council on 7th December 2011.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT HIGHLIGHTS
The regional approach on the financial management perspective is to
secure sound and sustainable management of the financial affairs of
municipalities by entrenching and focusing on these pillars:
The achievement of clean audit reports long before the target of
2014 from the Department of Cooperative Governance and
Traditional Affairs (COGTA). The five municipalities have developed
the action plans that aim to eradicate and eliminate audit queries.
These action plans will be monitored by the members of the Mayoral
Committee responsible for Budget and Treasury Office(BTO);
The enhancement of the Credit Control and Debt Management
Policy implementation. The enhancement has led to the review of
the current contracts that municipalities have with service providers
for Credit Control and Debt Management. All shortcoming and gaps
in the contracts that undermines effectiveness and efficiency
implementation of the policy are being addressed;
The Preference Procument Regulation of 8 June 2011 has brought
changes which became effective on 7 December 2011, and are
being attended to across the region. All municipalities are
submitting the changes in the Supply Chain Management Policy to
align fully with the PPPFA and adhere to compliance with the
legislation.
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The Revenue Enhancement strategies have been reviewed to be
commensurate with the global economic trends that have affected
the region. The sections that were relevant previously are being
revisited to ensure that all avenues of revenue enhancement are
considered.
Furthermore, the Members of the Executive Council (MEC) responsible for
Finance in Gauteng Province on Tuesday, 06 March 2012 made these
statements that have financial impact on our region:
An allocation of R 120 million towards the construction of the
Magaliesberg Boarding School which is expected to be completed by
2013/2014 financial year to accommodate learners entering school
system;
The renovation of the Bona Lesedi Nursing College (Leratong) from
the allocation of R 850 million;
An amount in excess of R 1 billion has been allocated to the
Department of Health to adhere and settle the outstanding grants
that must be transferred to our municipalities;
An amount allocation of R 3 million has been made for the
establishment of the West Rand Agricultural College that aims to
promote agricultural knowledge and skills in the region;
Kagiso, Mohlakeng and Bekkersdal will benefit from the R 173
million for development of our physical infrastructure in the 20
Prioritised Township Programme that focus on utilising government
land effectively;
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The Premier also indicated during the State of the Province Address
(SOPA) that the lesson learnt during the incorporation of
Metsweding District Municipality to City of Tshwane will be
replicated in the establishment of a Unicity in the West Rand;
An amount of R 4 million is allocated to upgrade the Maropeng
Infrastructure; and
The region will adhere to the call by National and Provincial
Treasuries to undergo security vetting of Supply Chain Management
staff and attend to the perceived existence of corruption and fraud
in government tenders.
7. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Madam Speaker, let us on this occasion of our State of the
District Address, re-commit ourselves to achieving the Vision of 2016 as
a Unicity. The four local municipalities have agreed to budget for the
funding of transformation and the regional development agency (WRDA).
We are committed to phasing in Shared Services across the Region. We
are committed to the transformation of our strategies and policies to be
regionally appropriate.
We will change the pattern of poverty in our District.
Together we CAN!
“History will be our judge, but what’s written is up to us. Who we
are, who we’ve been, what we want to be remembered for. We
can’t say our generation couldn’t afford to do it. And we can’t say
our generation didn’t have reason to do it. It’s up to us.”
Bono, 2004, in the foreword to ‘The End of Poverty.’
