COURTESY VISIT TO Dr Esther Mahlangu · 2019-04-08 · 10 - 11 TLP 2018 in Katjibane, Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality 12 Speaker Donates shoes in Katjibane 13 A courtesy visit by

ISSUE 2: 2018

2018IMPROVED SOCIO-ECONOMIC LIVELIHOODS: CELEBRATING TATA MADIBA & MAMA SISULU LEGACY.

COURTESY VISIT TODr Esther Mahlangu

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Every care is taken in compiling the contents of this magazine but we assume no responsibility in the effect arising therefrom.

ON THE COVERThe Speaker, Ms Violet Siwela with Dr Esther Mahlangu

TLVThe Legislature Voice

CONTENTSISSUE 02 | 2018

EDITORIAL TEAM:EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Zamagambu Memela-Gamede

COPY-EDITORRonnie Masilela

EDITORMathutha Masimula

REPORTERSBusisiwe Zulu and Thulile Nkambule

PHOTOGRAPHERJonas Matshika

LAYOUT AND GRAPHIC DESIGNMuzi Xulu and Charl Whitehead

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE

Allan MdakaMalusi Mbatha

Anthony ArendsePaul Mbenyane

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTNompumelelo Mbuyane

04Speaker’s Corner

05From the Secretary’s Desk

06The Speaker and Premier at TLP

07Stakeholders attending TLP

08Business Stakeholders with

MPLs

09Public Hearing during TLP in

Agincourt, Bushbuckridge

10 - 11TLP 2018 in Katjibane,

Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality

12Speaker Donates shoes in

Katjibane

13A courtesy visit by the Speaker to

Dr Esther Mahlangu

14TLP in Pictures

15Public Hearng on The National

Credit Regulator (NCR)

16 - 17Know your MPLs

18 - 19Public Hearing on Khoi-San

Traditional and leadership Bill

20National Health Laboratory

Service Amendment Bill

21Women's Parliament in

Mkhondo

22 - 23Nelson Mandela Centenary

Lecture by Mr Thabang Makwetla

24Speaker Siwela on 67 Minutes

for Mandela Day

25The life and times of Mama

Sisulu

26Unannounced visits to Hospitals

by MPLs

27SCOPA in municipalities of

Mpumalanga

28MPLs with the Department of

Community Safety , Security and Liaison

29Legislature Meets the IEC

30Voter Education at Marite

312019 Calendar

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IMPROVED SOCIO-ECONOMIC LIVELIHOODS: CELEBRATING TATA MADIBA & MAMA SISULU LEGACY.


EDITORIAL

Zamagambu Memela-Gamede

TLVThe Legislature Voice

Zamagambu Memela-GamedeZamagambu Memela-GamedeZamagambu Memela-Gamede

Welcome to another exciti ng issue of The Legislature Voice (TLV), the offi cial newslett er of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature.

The Legislature has kept to its promise of being the true representati ve (the eyes, ears and mouthpiece) of the people of Mpumalanga by executi ng its three mandates of Law making, Oversight as well as Public Parti cipati on and Involvement. This is refl ected in many of the arti cles on this publicati on. The various sector parliaments held, the two programmes of Taking the Legislature to the People (TLP), and committ ees’ work showcase the commitment of the Legislature and elected members towards the bett erment of the lives of the people of the province.

Through these acti viti es, the Legislature conducts oversight and establish the value and impact the various government acti viti es has in assisti ng towards improvement of ordinary people’s lives.

Even though there are areas of discomfort in some projects and service delivery related issues, it is however, heart-warming that Members of the Legislature gave clear directi ves in terms of what needs to be done to improve where there are shortcomings. Government departments will from ti me to ti me account to the Legislature in this regard.

In South Africa, the year 2018 has been declared a year to honour Tata Nelson Mandela and Mama Alberti na Sisulu by celebrati ng their centenary. The Legislature held a number of centenary celebrati ons in honour of the two struggle icons, who would have turned 100 this year. All of this, you will read about in this editi on of TLV.

The TLV remains one of the important platf orms through which the Mpumalanga Legislature communicates with you. We would love to hear from you about the work of the Legislature. Our contact details are at the back page of this publicati on.

As we approach the festi ve season and the end of 2018, we call upon everybody to enjoy responsibly. Observe road and traffi c laws. We will soon welcome the New Year and we should all be safe and be able to face 2019 with pride.

Happy reading!

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Ms Violet Sizani SiwelaSpeaker:Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature

Speaker’s Corner

Ms Violet Sizani SiwelaSpeaker:Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature

Let me welcome and appreciate the publicati on of this editi on, The Legislature Voice. As a people centred Legislature, we conti nuously aim to fulfi l our mission of a true instrument at the disposal of our people. This publicati on aims to be your gateway and front seat to the acti viti es and programmes of the Legislature. It is therefore one of our many platf orms we uti lize to reach, communicate and account to the electorate and the residents of Mpumalanga. We hope to demonstrate that as your elected public representati ves, our task is to arti culate and represent your varied interest and aspirati ons, as together we move our province and South Africa forward.At this current juncture, the Legislature embraced this watershed politi cal moment of a New Dawn, which has swept across the length and breadth of our country. Through this, we intend to intensify our acti viti es, programmes and campaigns, to ensure promises made to our people are being realized. Thus we undertook to re- build the public confi dence and trust in our public

insti tuti ons, by ensuring a more accountable and eff ecti ve government, working closely with our people. As we fulfi l our core mandates to provide of Law-Making, Oversight

as well as Public Parti cipati on and Involvement we strive to be that bridge between the public and government.

Accordingly, we have over the past year, focussed our energies, to Improved socio-economic livelihoods: celebrati ng Tata Mandela & Mama Sisulu. This we undertook in emulati ng the lasti ng legacies of these stalwarts of our struggle for liberati on, as we grapple with the challenges of today, which include, racialized & gendered poverty, unemployment and inequality.

This exciti ng editi on of The Legislature Voice, as the people’s mouthpiece keeps you the reader informed, involved and as acti ve parti cipants on

matt ers that aff ect your communiti es, your sectorial interests and your lives. It showcases how over this period, we spent much of our ti me interacti ng

and listening to our communiti es, through the popular Taking Legislature to the People (TLP) programmes. We were able to touch and reach the community of

Agincourt in Bushbuckridge and Katjibane in Dr JS Moroka. During these acti viti es, the legislature was able to create a one- stop-shop, between public representati ves, government and the people. This platf orm eff ecti vely provided an opportunity to oversight outstanding projects, and to monitor and evaluate service delivery backlogs. We therefore made a commitment to return and provide necessary feedback on the developments and progress made.

Other highlights include contemporary debates and issues, following the successful hosti ng of our sectorial parliaments for workers, youth, women and senior citi zens. These sectorial Parliaments, allowed the Legislature to conduct direct oversight and involvement of these consti tuencies, in resolving some of the unique challenges they face. Our vibrant portf olio committ ees were also hard at work doing oversight on projects across the province, leaving no stone unturned, for maximum returns and value on government spending. Inside, we communicate and update the reader on the said projects, to give progress and developments around your communiti es.

We further paid visits to recognize, promote and acknowledge the great and astounding work of Art, by the world renowned giant, mother and Imbokodo, Dr. Esther Mahlangu, at her humble home in Mthambothini Village near Siyabuswa in Nkangala. At this site, we enjoyed meditati ons, lessons and story- telling from Mama Mahlangu, on Ndebele culture, its history, the painti ngs, meaning and memory. We therefore await with anti cipati on, the building of a school of Art which shall harness, preserve and leave an indelible mark of our rich heritage, future generati ons.

As we conti nue our mission to realize a bett er future for our children, through Agenda 2030, as encapsulated in our Nati onal Development Plan (NDP), and as we fastrack our collecti ve eff orts in addressing the diffi cult socio-economic conditi ons our people face, we call on our youth to make their choice and register to vote for the 2019 Nati onal General electi ons, as a patrioti c act, to defend and safeguard our hard won democracy.

As the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, our commitments remain your aspirati ons. I therefore invite you to enjoy this reading pleasure, keeping you informed of the progress we are making.

Thuma Thina !!!

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Mr Linda John Mwale

Secretary: Mpumalanga Provincial

Legislature

From the Secretary’s Desk

It is a joy to meet you again on this important platf orm, The Legislature Voice. Looking back at the work of the Legislature. One feels proud that the Legislature has been to various parts of the Province engaging various stakeholders as part of its mandates of Law-Making, Oversight as well as Public Parti cipati on and Involvement. Two Taking the Legislature to the People (TLP) programme were rolled out during this period, one in Agincourt, Bushbuckridge Local Municipality and the other in Katjibane under the Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality.

The two TLP programmes, public hearing sessions and other programmes of the Legislature including media engagements have re-affi rmed the positi on of the Legislature as an oversight body. This is a role that the Legislature will never deviate from. Various government funded projects and insti tuti ons like hospitals were visited and recommendati ons, to improve where there were shortf alls as identi fi ed by the Members of the Legislature during their visits, were made.

It feels good to be in Mpumalanga, where the Legislature which is a people centred, African, world class Legislature conti nues to renew hope that the spending of government funds is under serious scruti ny. One will never get enough and complacent of the good that they do. This is the case with the Legislature. Looking forward, we see an opportunity to improve in our work and we remain steadfast and committ ed to doing everything in our power and knowledge to deliver on our mandates of the legislature without fear or favour.

The att enti on of the residents of Mpumalanga, The Place of the Rising Sun is drawn to the knowledge of the availability of a unit within the Legislature that deals with peti ti ons. This is the unit that has assisted so many people who had problems relati ng to government services. You are called upon to please make use of this unit for the resoluti on of any service delivery related challenge.

We are here to make law that favours your living conditi ons, provide oversight to ensure that public funds are not used fruitlessly and to conti nuously engage you as the public.

Mr Linda John Mwale

Secretary: Mpumalanga Provincial

Legislature

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TLP OverviewThe Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature exists to fulfi l three mandates, namely; Law-Making, Oversight as well as Public Parti cipati on and Involvement. The Legislature has adopted and implemented a programme called Taking the Legislature to the People (TLP) as one of the many ways to execute these mandates.

The TLP programme conti nues to serve as a vehicle and a platf orm through which the people of the province of Mpumalanga interact with their elected public representati ves. The TLP takes place for a period of a week during which government funded projects are visited, communiti es are given a chance to raise issues with their government and responses sought.

Government departments as well as the hosti ng municipality att end to ensure that communiti es get services and answers to their questi ons which relate to service delivery.

Agincourt under the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality hosted the TLP from 25 to 29 June 2018 and Katjibane in Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality on 17 – 21 September 2018. The TLP was characterised by oversight visits and public hearings with the Premier of the Province Ms Refi lwe Mtsweni delivering the closing address on the last day of TLP. Acti viti es and fi ndings are refl ected herein.

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02 02

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03 04

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01/o2 Ms Violet Siwela, the Speaker of the Legislature opening the last sitti ng of the Legislature during the TLP in Katjibane, Dr. JS Moroka Municipality. Ms Refi lwe Mtshweni, Premier of Mpumalanga Province giving the closing remarks.

03 Deputy Speaker, Mr Bonakele Majuba and Ms Thulisile Khoza, MPL listening to community members raising service delivery issues.

04 Local leadership in att endance and listening att enti vely to responses given to community members.

05 Community members listening to their public representati ves.

06 Chairperson of the Provincial House of Traditi onal Leaders, Inkosi Ngomane with other traditi onal leaders paying att enti on at the TLP public hearing.

07 Politi cal leaders from the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality listening to deliberati ons.

08 SAPS personnel and community members in att endance as they listen to issues raised and responses given.

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The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature’s week-long TLP programme would have been incomplete without engaging various stakeholders. Thus, the stakeholder engagement session with the local business was held at the Bohlabela Municipal chambers.

Vundza Mutupo Organic Nursery, Bushbuckridge Local Chamber, Royal Minds Communicati on, Andy S Designs, Manti teng Guest House and Mafana Milo Trading were among the representati ves of the business community that had an opportunity to make inputs on issues that aff ect the business sector. They used the opportunity to propose soluti ons to the problems faced by the business sector in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality.

A case in point is the frustrati on by the business sector which relates to the procurement processes. It was said that the process is open for government offi cials to somehow compete with them. As a proposal to curb this, the business sector submitt ed that a strong database for local economic development be circulated to supply chain in the municipality.

A further allegati on was that government offi cials have a tendency of stealing community business ideas for their own benefi t. A concern was also raised on the relocati on of the offi ce of Small Economic Development Agency (SEDA) to Mbombela. The business sector further indicated that they face challenges in securing a market for local produce and criminal acti viti es in the area. A plea was made for more visible policing and a need to encourage youth to pursue careers in the petroleum industry.

Responding to issues raised, the then MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Ms Sasekani Manzini appreciated inputs and encouraged business to work with government to make the lives of the people bett er. She indicated that local business shall benefi t at least 30 percent for any work performed in their locality.

Follow up visits shall be conducted by the Portf olio Committ ees of the Legislature in a quest to ensure the delivery of the required services to the people.

created a platform for local business to engage on issues of their interest

The TLP programme

01

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Public HearingPublic HearingTaking the Legislature to the People

The Community of Bushbuckridge Local Municipality speaks during the TLP in Agincourt

01 Members of the Legislature Mr JJ Skosana and Mr Mlombo

02 Front Row: Traditi onal leaders of Bushbuckridge gracing a public hearing session during TLP in Agincourt, Bushbuckridge Local Municipality.

03 Community members att ending a public hearing session during TLP in Agincourt, Bushbuckridge Local Municipality.

As part of the Taking the Legislature to the People (TLP) programme in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, the Legislature's Economic Transformati on Cluster (ETC) committ ee interacted with the agricultural sector stakeholders in Thulamahashe.

Farmers who att ended, both as individuals and representati ves of formati ons like the African Farmers Associati on of South Africa (AFASA) expressed grati tude for the opportunity to engage with their elected representati ves, Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) and the MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Aff airs; Mr. Vusi Shongwe.

They raised a challenge relati ng to land for both crop and animal farming. Catt le branding to ensure easy identi fi cati on and safety, veterinary services and non-availability of abatt oirs for red meat and poultry farmers were among issues raised.

Crop farmers appealed for eff ecti ve distributi on of tractors, pest control, adequate water supply for irrigati on scheme, fencing for the protecti on of crops and enhancement of old structures formed before the democrati c era to be relevant to new agricultural dynamics.

The farmers indicated that the municipality's means of livelihood is predominantly agriculture. MEC Shongwe’s commitment to the agricultural sector was echoed by the

representati ves of the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) and the nati onal Department of Rural Development who all pledged to conti nue providing maximum support to the farmers through funding and training amongst others.

Concluding the discussions, Mr VV Windvoël, a Member of the Provincial Legislature, emphasised the legislature's commitment to conduct oversight to ensure that the agricultural sector operates on sustainable grounds of profi table growths.

02 03

created a platform for local business to engage on issues of their interest

The TLP programme

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OVERSIGHT REMAINS ONE OF THE KEY INGREDIENTS OF THE PROGRAMME OF TAKING THE LEGISLATURE TO THE PEOPLE

The mandate of conducti ng oversight over the Executi ve forms a crucial part of the programme of the Taking the Legislature to the People (TLP). Katjibane in the Dr. JS Moroka Local Municipality witnessed an impactf ul TLP towards the end of September 2018.

This exercise yielded positi ve results when government funded projects and insti tuti ons were visited. The Economic Transformati on Cluster (ETC) of committ ees kick-started their work by visiti ng the Siyabuswa Distributi on Centre, a government nutriti on programme. Whilst at the centre, the chairperson of the committ ee, Mr. Fidel Mlombo menti oned that the Legislature's visit is aimed at inspecti ng the functi onality of the project and the role played by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDT) as well as the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA). He further indicated that the economic impact which translates to job creati on amongst many positi ve spin-off s is the ulti mate goal for such projects.

The ETC went on to Mmametlhake Police Stati on where representati ves of the Mmametlhake, Vaalbank and Siyabuswa Police Stati ons spoke on issues which relate to policing and crime fi ghti ng in those areas which are bordering three provinces; Gauteng, Limpopo and North West.

Various crime fi ghti ng stakeholders presented to the Legislature delegati on on the status of their operati ons in their respecti ve areas. The Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL) as led by Head of Department (HOD), Mr. William Mthombothi gave a comprehensive report covering the three police stati ons, to which the stati on commanders concurred. The labour federati on representati ves; POPCRU and SAPU also added their recommendati ons and appealed to the MPLs to ensure they are implemented in order to ensure police safety, good working conditi ons, employment of more offi cers and the availability of tools of trade which include vehicles.

It appeared that other types of crime fought in those areas included contact crime, assault with Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), robberies, stock theft and missing persons.

The Dr. JS Moroka Agrihub at Kameelrivier was next in line for the visits. The slow progress in completi ng the constructi on of the project was a matt er of serious concern to the members. The delays have negati ve impact on the economy of the municipality and province. The constructi on comes aft er the Agrihub’s initi al structure was demolished.

The chairperson, Mr. Fidel Mlombo committ ed that the Legislature will revisit the area to att end to all the identi fi ed challenges echoing the senti ments of the Executi ve Mayor, Mr. Thulare Madileng on the strategies of providing the water supply to the community in general and the project in parti cular as most of its operati ons require adequate water supply.

Pankop Clinic and Mmametlhake Hospital constructi on projects were inspected. Members expressed appreciati on with progress made at the hospital whereby the constructi on was at 97% towards completi on.

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Members of the Economic Transformati on Committ ee Cluster (ETC) committ ees members were happy to fi nd the Retloshoma Fortune 40 project being fully functi onal. It is a co-operati ve with three females and one male as members, nine EPWP offi cials; fi ve males and four females as well as an incubator appointed by the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Aff airs (DARDLEA).

The members also commended the department for its visibility and constant support given to the project. Retloshoma Fortune 40 project was commended for successfully diversifying their operati ons as livestock and farming vegetables co-exist. The vegetables include cabbage, spinach, beetroot and kale.

When speaking to the acti ng Head of Department, Mr. Lucky Monareng, Members of the Legislature said that true sati sfacti on would be when the co-operati ve is self-sustainable and employs more people thereby contributi ng positi vely to the economic growth of the province.

The department was then urged to fi x tractors, att end to the expiring contracts of the benefi ciaries and ensure that all trainees are properly accredited in order to be able to uti lise their skills elsewhere outside of the co-operati ve's acti viti es.

The major disappointment was however expressed at the MEGA funded brick manufacturing Mphebatho Bricks Co-operati ve that started operati ng in 2013 and is now defunct with only four members left out of about 17.

The ETC committ ee members urged the Department of Economic Development and Tourism as well as MEGA to speed up the process of revitalising the project.

The department and MEGA should capacitate the cooperati ve, market the project, ensure producti vity by allocati ng resources, availing necessary incubatory measures to assist the project and submit a comprehensive report to the Legislature.

Members of the co-operati ve were encouraged to fully commit for the sustainability of the project.

The committ ee members committ ed to have a follow up visit to the project and would also expect members of the co-operati ve to account.

01 Chief Whip of the Majority Party at the Legislature, Mr JJ Skosana addressing the local business stakeholders at TLP in Katjibane. Sitting on his right hand side are; member of the provincial legislature, Mr C Sedibe; Executive Mayor of Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality Cllr. T. Madileng and another member of the provincial legislature, Mr F Mlombo.

02 Members of the Provincial Legislature, Front Row, left to right : Mr J Masango, Ms J Sithole and Ms D Manana and back row from left to right: Ms J Thabethe, Ms P Ngobeni and Ms T Khoza receiving a briefing about government funded Projects to be visited during the TLP in Katjibane, Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality.

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01 Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, Ms Violet Siwela and Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality, Speaker Rhoda Mathabe flanked by learners, teachers and SGB members of Katjibane Primary School during the Speaker’s Legacy Project to hand over 92 pairs of school shoes.

02 Speaker Siwela addressing learners.

03 Learners of Katjibane Primary School singing joyously.

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There is no bett er way of honouring the legacy left by Mama Alberti na Sisulu than ensuring the safety of children at School.In keeping up with this wish and showing that the Legislature cares about the well-being and educati on of children in the province, Speaker Violet Siwela donated 92 pairs of shoes to needy learners at Katjibane Primary School as part of her legacy projects during the TLP programme at Dr. JS Moroka Local Municipality.

Katjibane Primary School is located in the deep rural areas of Dr. JS Moroka Local Municipality and it is a Quinti le 1 school. It caters for kids who are doing Grade 1-6. The learners welcomed the entourage from the legislature with traditi onal songs.

In her welcoming remarks, Ms. Rhoda Mathabe, the Speaker of the Dr. JS Moroka Local Municipality pleaded with the legislature to assist the school in getti ng scholar transport for the learners.

The Circuit Manager, Mr. Patrick Togwani, appreciated the donati on made by the legislature since some of the kids had to walk long distances without shoes. Ms. Nomsa Ngobeni, the Chairperson of the School Governing Body (SGB) also appreciated the legislature for the donati on and she requested the legislature to assist in fastracking the process of acquiring scholar transport for the learners.

SPEAKER DONATES SCHOOL SHOES

at Katjibane Primary School

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“Anyone who knows how to do handwork must not undermine that skill because that very skill can make him or her known and respected worldwide just like me,” said Dr. Esther Mahlangu during a courtesy visit by Speaker Violet Siwela at her house at Mthambothini Village near Siyabuswa in Nkangala District.

The Speaker and her delegati on were welcomed by Gogo Mahlangu as she is aff ecti onately known and Mr Isaac Mokwana, Dr. Mahlangu’s manager and Chairperson of Esther Mahlangu Foundati on. Speaker Siwela who was accompanied by the Secretary to the Legislature, Mr. Linda Mwale, Speaker of Dr. JS Moroka Local Municipality, Ms. Rhoda Mathabe and councillors from the municipality.

“People oft en come to Dr. Mahlangu to be taught about the Ndebele painti ngs and culture but the challenge is that there is not enough space and shelter where she can accommodate these people,” said Mr. Mokwana who also menti oned that Dr. Mahlangu’s greatest wish is to see an art school being built in the area.

The absence of a proper shelter deters Dr. Mahlangu to conduct her classes with ease. Another wish for Dr. Mahlangu is to have a stall or a gallery to display her products.

COURTESY VISIT TO

01 Dr Esther Mahlangu smiling as she welocmes Speaker V Siwela and her entourage.

02 Speaker V Siwela and Dr E Mahlangu flanked by members of the mayoral committee with Mr L Mwale, Secretary to Legislature on the far left and Mr I Mokwana, manager of the Esther Mahlangu Foundation on the far right.

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02

Dr Esther Mahlangu

The Speaker congratulated Dr. Mahlangu for building and furnishing a six roomed guest house which is also a main att racti on for tourists.

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TLP in Pictures

01 - 06 Members of the Provincial Legislature, Government offi cials and community members during TLP.

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01

01 - 02 Community members att ending the public hearing

A public hearing on the Nati onal Credit Amendment Bill was conducted by the Portf olio Committ ee on Premier’s Offi ce Finance Economic Development and Tourism on Friday, 16 November 2018 in the three Districts of Mpumalanga Province.

Mr Jimmy Golela, a representati ve of the Department of Trade and explained the Bill and what it aims to achieve. He indicated that if passed into a law, the Bill will benefi t those households who are over indebted and earn a salary of less than R7 500 a month, with debt not exceeding R50 000, and unsecured (store accounts, personal loans, etc).

The Nati onal Credit Regulator (NCR) will then have to employ Debt Interventi on Offi cers who will intervene and speak to creditors on behalf of debtors to suspend debts should they fail to pay back in the fi rst 12 months and arrange for debt cancellati on should one conti nue not being able to sett le aft er a period of 24 months.

The public expressed their appreciati on of the amendments to the bill and pleaded with NCR to ensure that as the debt is cancelled, they should work with the credit bureau to ensure consumers’ names are cleared and not blacklisted. They also indicated that the amount of the salary that warrants benefi ciati on is too low at R7 500 especially if it involves married people’s salaries combined. The public supported the Bill.

Public hearing on the National Credit Amendment Bill

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Members of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature

Ms Re� lwe Maria MtshweniPremier

ANC

Mr Bonakele Amos Majuba, MPL

Deputy SpeakerANC

Mr Simon Piet Dollman Skhosana Ka Mahlangu, MPL,

Chairperson of CommitteesANC

Mr Vusumuzi Robert ShongweMEC - Agriculture, Rural Development,

Land Administration & Environmental A� airsANC

Mr Sikhumbuzo Eric KholwaneMEC - Finance & Economic Development

ANC

Mr Gillion Pudumo MashegoMEC - Public Works, Roads

& TransportANC

Ms Norah Mahlangu - MabenaMEC - Human Settlements

ANC

Ms Blessing � andi ShongweMEC - Culture, Sport & Recreation

ANC

Mr James Jim Skosana, MPL,

Chief Whip, ANC

Mr Vusumuzi Victor Windvoël, MPL ANC

Dr David Dube, MPL, ANC

Mr Andrias Mzikayifani Gamede, MPL

ANC

Mr James Suhla Masango, MPL,Leader of the O� cial Opposition,

DA

Ms Raesetja Jane Sithole, MPL, Chief Whip,

DA

Mr Bosman Grobler, MPL, Whip

MPL, DA

Ms � ulisile Swenky Khoza, MPL,

Deputy Chief Whip, ANC

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Ms Gabisile Cynthia Shabalala, MPL, ANC

Mr Michael Collen Sedibe, MPL, Leader of the Minority Party,

MPL, EFF

Mr Sam Zandamela, MPL, Whip,EFF

Mr Moloko Cecil Shilakwe, MPL, Leader of the Minority Party

BRA

Ms Violet Sizani Siwela, MPLSpeaker

ANC

Ms Patricia Ngobeni, MPL,Deputy Chairperson of Committees

ANC

Mr Sibusiso Innocent Malaza MEC - Education

ANC

Ms Sasekani Manzini MEC - Health

ANC

Mr Petrus Simon NgomanaMEC - Community Safety, Security &

Liaison - ANC

Mr Speed MashiloMEC - Cooperative Governance &

Traditional A� airs ANC

Ms Busisiwe Paulina ShibaMEC - Social Development

ANC

Ms Jeaneth Lizzy � abethe, MPL, ANC

Mr Fana Vincent Mlombo, MPL, ANC

Ms Duduzile Promise Manana, MPL, ANC

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2018IMPROVED SOCIO-ECONOMIC LIVELIHOODS: CELEBRATING TATA MADIBA & MAMA SISULU LEGACY.VED SOCIO-ECONOMIC LIVELIHOODS: CELEBRAVED SOCIO-ECONOMIC LIVELIHOODS: CELEBRAVED SOCIO-ECONOMIC LIVELIHOODS: CELEBR TING ATING A TATAT TATA A MADITA MADIT BA & MAMA SISU

The Portf olio Committ ee on Human Sett lements, Co-operati ve and Traditi onal Aff airs conducted a Public Hearing on the Traditi onal and Khoi- San Leadership Bill at Libangeni Community in Nkangala District. A similar Public Hearing was held in Gert Sibande District Municipality at Elukwati ni Community Hall. The Public Hearing was att ended by Members of the Legislature, councilors, and traditi onal leaders, representati ves from the Department of Cooperati ve Governance and Traditi onal Aff airs (COGTA). The aim of the Public Hearing was to solicit comments and inputs on the possible eff ect on the implementati on of the Traditi onal and Khoi- San Leadership Bill.

The development of the Traditi onal and Khoi-San Leadership Bill started in 2010. Cabinet approved the introducti on of the Bill in Parliament in August 2015. In the act there was no provision for the recogniti on of the Khoi-San, no provision for recogniti on and withdrawal of recogniti on of a headmanship/ headwomanship; insuffi cient provision for investi gati ons in cases of uncertainty as to whether the criteria for the recogniti on of structures and leadership positi on have been complied with; insuffi cient provision in respect of the electi on of elected members of traditi onal councils; no provision for the monitoring of councils and limited code of conduct.

Public Hearingson Khoi-San and Traditional and Leadership Bill

"Khoi-San people and their traditi onal leadership are South Africans, therefore they should be recognised and their rights should be protected." said Mr. Petrus Lukhele as the community made their verbal submissions on the Traditi onal Bill and Khoisan Leadership. He also added that all traditi onal leaders should be treated equally whilst relati ng the evoluti on of history, since 1652 that also adversely aff ected the Khoi-San community.

Councillor Nkululeko Nhlabathi emphasised that the Khoi-San people deserve inclusivity in legislati ons and recogniti on as a community, as their language is also used in the Coat of Arms. The Bill was accepted with parti cipants urging the Committ ee to ensure that old traditi ons of installing kingship and queenship are upheld for future generati ons.

Highlighti ng the purpose of the public hearing, the chairperson, Honourable Jeanet Thabethe indicated that the envisaged outcome of the public hearings will be an act that will be passed by Parliament, while also explaining the legislati ve processes and public involvement.

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01 Members of the Legislature; Ms Dudu Manana (Addressing attendees) with Mr J Masango on her right and Mr JJ Skhosana on her left.

02-03 Participants at the public hearing.

02 03

“Khoi-San” which means a person who lives in accordance with the customs and customary law of the Cape-Khoi, Griqua, Nama, Koranna or San people, or any subgrouping thereof.

The Bill makes provision for the establishment of Khoi- San councils. The councils must consist of the number of members as determined by the Minister. The council must consist of 60% selected and 40% elected members. The 60% consists of the senior Khoi- San leader; branch heads (if the main community has branches); if there are no branches, the senior Khoi-San leader must select the required number of members.

The Bill deals with applicati ons for the recogniti on of the Khoi- San. All applicati ons must be lodged with the Commission and the date from which applicati ons may be lodged will be announced in Government Gazett e.

“The way the Bill is writt en potrays Khoi-San people are a special group of people. The Khoi- San community should apply for their Kingship,” said Mr Amos Mgidi from the KwaNdebele Development Forum as he appreciated the Bill.

The people who att ended the Public Hearings voted in favour of the Bill. This clearly indicates the mandate from Mpumalanga Province that will be given to the Nati onal Council of Province will be to vote in favour of the Bill.

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A public hearing was held at Wesselton Community hall in the Gert Sibande district, on 31 August 2018 to consult the community members about the proposed amendments that are contained in the Nati onal Health Laboratory Service Amendment Bill and was conducted by the Portf olio Committ ee on Health and Social Development, accompanied by offi cials of the Department of Health, specialising on health laboratory services.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr Andries Gamede highlighted the parti cipatory role of citi zens in the legislati ve processes such as having a voice on legislati ons. Highlighti ng the background of the democrati c state, he said; "In this democrati c era we have a right to vote for the Government of our choice because the Consti tuti on gives us a right to parti cipate on issues that aff ect our own lives. In short, South Africa is a democrati c state”.

The community of Msukaligwa Local Municipality accepted the bill with grati tude indicati ng that it was long overdue because they struggle with tests in the local health care centres and are someti mes told to wait longer for their tests results.

The community urged the Department of Health to decentralise nati onal health laboratory services to local municipal health care centres for easy access to their services as opposed to the status quo which someti mes lead to delay in the cure of certain diseases due to long wait for results.

Hearing on National Health Laboratory Service Amendment Bill

01 02

01 Members of the Legislature, Mr AM Gamede, addressing community members at a public hearing.

02 Community members at the public hearing

03 Women att endees of the 2018 Women’s Parliament.

04 MEC for Social Development, Ms BP Shiba addressing the Women’s Parliament at Mkhondo whilst Members P Ngobeni and Ms GC SHabalala look on and listen.

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A plea for women to participate in the mainstream economy

A strong feeling that women are sti ll treated as labourers and that certain industries are sti ll dominated by male counterparts exist. This came to light during the Women’s Parliament which took place at Eziphunzini Community Hall under Mkhondo Local Municipality.

The Women’s Parliament which was part of celebrati ng the women’s month was held as part of the centenary celebrati ons of struggle icons Tata Nelson Mandela and Mama Alberti na Sisulu with specifi c reference to the life and ti mes of Mama Sisulu.

Parti cipati ng women indicated concerns that women are not given agricultural land to work it and that they need to become contractors.

Parti cipati ng women requested to be involved in incubati on projects to explore other opportuniti es. A call for children in schools to be off ered driving lessons at the age of 17 was made. A need to seriously monitor how funds given to cooperati ves are used was raised as a matt er that requires att enti on.

It was suggested that the Departments of Educati on and Social Development should work together to ensure that morals and values are taught as part of the school curriculum. “We need to go back to the culture where ‘my child is your child’, said one of the parti cipants.

The Women’s Parliament was addressed by MEC for Social

Development Ms Busisiwe Shiba who told the meeti ng that “As women, we must emulate the example of Mama Alberti na Sisulu, who was very strategic in her approach while contributi ng to the struggle for freedom."

She conti nued to narrate the role played by Mama Sisulu which included amongst others her role in the 1956 women march to union buildings against the pass laws. Mama Sisulu is one of the 200 women who were arrested under general laws amendment Act, for her parti cipati on in the Soweto boycott through acti ve parti cipati on in the formulati on of street committ ees.

“Mama Alberti na Sisulu has been an inspirati on to all of us as women. Women of today are faced with challenges in economic development, but thanks to the government of South Africa and Mpumalanga Province in parti cular for creati ng a platf orm for women to organise themselves into cooperati ves and encouraging support for locally manufactured products”, said MEC Shiba.

Women were encouraged to work together. They were encouraged to diversity in the types of business they embark on. In att endance were Members of the Legislature, Mr SPD Skhosana Ka Mahlangu; Chair of Committ ees, Ms P Ngobeni; Deputy Chair of Committ ees and Ms GC Shabalala; Chairperson of the Portf olio Committ ee on Public Works Roads and Transport.

Women's Parliament04

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Mandela was faced with the revoluti on to achieve freedom in their lifeti me.

Amongst other highlights of the life and ti mes of Mandela, Makwetla pointed out a declarati on of a vision towards a divine desti nati on of nati ons by the youth league that Mandela belonged to, through drawing anecdotes from his life experiences; an asserti on that the African people will only achieve freedom out of their own eff orts and toil.

Freedom without development is meaningless, and non-development is equivalent to sti ll being in bondage. It is therefore important for South Africans to understand that freedom is about changing lives, there shall be no freedom without bread and no bread without freedom as alluded to by Mandela himself”, said Makwetla. He cauti oned that people must understand that there are certain prerequisites of development and for people to have freedom which is development, there are certain things that must be put in place.

“One of those important things that are an anti thesis of development is violence, where there is violence there is no development, our people must know that if they will see violent protest everyday destroying infrastructure, freedom will never be achieved”, warned Makwetla speaking on mushrooming service delivery protests.

He remembered Mandela as someone who sensiti sed the people that the struggle of achieving the land of milk and honey, that the country is dreaming of, is a conti nuous and life-long eff ort.

“Beyond the fi rst generati on rights, the only way to give meaning to our freedom is to att end to the second generati on

The Legislature holds the Nelson Mandela Lecture as part of Centenary celebrati ons

“This lecture series seek to promote and sti mulate the necessary debate, dialogue and conversati on about the state of our nati on’s development as we work together in realising our historic mission of a bett er life for all.” These are words by the Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, Ms. Violet Siwela in her opening remarks during the Nelson Mandela centenary lecture. The lecture was hosted by the Legislature as part of the centenary celebrati ons of the struggle icons held in collaborati on with the University of Mpumalanga on 26 July 2018.

Speaker Siwela went on to speak of Dr Mandela as a leader who was able to translate all the diffi culti es from humble beginnings to become one of the world’s renowned leaders. She indicated that Mandela’s legacy is an embodiment of the generati on of freedom fi ghters who fought selfl essly against the brutaliti es of land dispossession, forced removals, detenti ons without trials, disappearance of people, deaths in detenti on and the hanging of those opposed to the apartheid regime.

“The ability to act in principled ways and to demonstrate forti tude at all ti mes is what characterised Mandela’s revoluti onary leadership”, remarked the Deputy Minister for Justi ce and Correcti onal Services Mr TSP Makwetla while delivering the keynote address during the Nelson Mandela memorial lecture. Makwetla who is former Premier of Mpumalanga Province told the gathering that each and every generati on is faced with a revoluti on of its own ti me, menti oning that the generati on of

Nelson Mandela Centenary LectureThe Legislature holds the Nelson Mandela Lecture as part of Centenary celebrations

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rights. Those are the social rights which can only be successful if the economy of our country is growing. Militancy without cracking the challenge of catapulti ng the economy into a higher level of development will not change anything."

Representi ng the University of Mpumalanga during the lecture, Professor Moses Mbewe remembered Mandela as not just a politi cian but as someone who left a trail that must be followed and cannot be ignored.

“The University of Mpumalanga is looking at producing young people that will respond to the ethos of Nelson Mandela. It further reminds young people about the level of sacrifi ces that came through in order for people to stand in freedom and speak today”, said Professor on one of the roles of the University. He also went on to stress the importance of training young leaders who can rise above and be shoulder to shoulder with anybody else in the world.

Delivering his message of support, Mr Irvin Phenyane defi ned Mandela as a very persuasive leader but not a dictator and stressed the importance of not allowing the generati on gap. He further expressed concern on the issue of young people who appreciate the legacy of Mandela whilst also indicati ng that he failed them.

“If we were judged on paper as a country we would have been one of the best countries, our policies are so good, our Consti tuti on is so great as well as our leadership profi les but our implementati on is bad. We should not blame those who have made policies, but those who cannot implement them. We should be teaching young people that good followers make good leaders”, said Mr Phenyane as he concluded his remarks.

01 Deputy Minister of Justi ce and Correcti onal Services, Mr Thabang Makwetla delivering a Mandela Centenary Lecture.

02 Mr VV Windvoël, Chairperson of SCOPA who directed the programme of the Nelson Mandela Centenary Lecture

03 Mr VV Windvoël, Mr I Phenyane, Mr F Mlombo, Mr T Makwetla, Speaker Ms VS Siwela, Deputy Speaker Mr BA Majuba, Ms P Ngobeni and Professor M Mbewe.

04 Mr I Phenyane delivering a message of support.

05 Prof M Mbewe from the University of Mpumalanga delivering a message of support

03

04

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Speaker Siwela SPENDS HER 67 MINUTES FOR MANDELA DAY CELEBRATIONS IN BUSHBUCKRIDGE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

“Everyone is equal before the law in South Africa. Nobody should be prevented from accessing educati on”, said Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, Ms Violet Siwela when she visited Shanke Secondary School as part of the Mandela Day celebrati ons. Shanke Secondary School is a Quinti le 2 school in Oakley village in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality. She was accompanied by the Circuit Manager of Lehukwe, Ms Busi Nyakane; Mr Delta Khoza who is a Member of Parliament and councillors from the municipality.

Among the learners at school was Ms Gift Masuku, a 17 year old Grade 10 learner who was born without a leg and an arm but she has a strong passion for educati on. Gift was discovered by Ms Linda Rikhotso, a representati ve from DPSA and she managed to get a prostheti c leg and a wheel-chair for her. Speaker Siwela donated blankets and other goodies to her.

Speaker Siwela encouraged learners to remain positi ve and focused, “I encourage you to change your mind-set and concentrate on your educati on. If you disrespect teachers, bunking classes, being ill –disciplined you will not be able to be successful in school.”

She further congratulated the school for obtaining good results for the matric class of 2017.

The Speaker also donated 3 months’ supply of dignity packs to 30 needy learners. “I am happy about the gift s and I appreciate that there are sti ll people who care about me. I can see and I feel that the spirit of Mandela lives in you,” said Gift .

On the second day, Speaker Siwela, spend the whole morning with more than 100 elderly people from around Bushbuckridge Local Municipality and she gave them blankets as a token of appreciati on and as part of the 67 minutes in honour of Tata Mandela. She further gave walking sti cks to those who needed aide when walking.

01 Speaker Siwela flanked by community members as she hands over gifts to Ms Gift Masuku, a learner at Shanke Secondary School.

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Mama Sisulu

As part of celebrati ng the life and ti mes of Mama Alberti na Sisulu as one of the two struggle icons that South Africa is celebrati ng in 2018, the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature hosted a colloquium which was addressed by Mr. Zwelibanzi Mcube on 14 August 2018 in Nelspruit.

Another event to celebrate the struggle icon was addressed by Dr Nonzwakazi Maqubela of the University of Mpumalanga on 21s November 2018nin White River. She highlighted that Mama Sisulu prioriti sed educati on, was a prominent politi cian and a community builder of note.

Celebrati ons are conducted under the theme: “Improved socio-economic livelihoods: Advancing Tata Mandela and Mama Sisulu Legacy.”

The fi rst colloquium took place when there was a heated debate over land in South Africa. When addressing the legislature, Mncube indicated that in the process of returning the land, a process which will translate to wealth going back to the dispossessed majority is a sensiti ve and very crucial one. It is a process that addresses the injusti ces of apartheid.

It also came out that this is one of the reasons why the African Nati onal Congress (ANC), the governing party in South Africa put the return of South Africa’s land back to its rightf ul owners

as one of its clauses in its Freedom Charter.

Mncube told att endees that Mama Alberti na Sisulu was a fearless champion of democracy and human rights. So for everyone to have equal rights Mama Sisulu would fi ght for land to go back to its rightf ul owners.

Mncube said that Mama Sisulu was a woman of forti tude. Her courage, strength, resilience and the will to carry on shone like a beacon in the darkest days of apartheid dedicati ng her enti re life to the service of her country, South Africa and its people. Mr Zwelibanzi Mncube concluded by pointi ng out that Mama Sisulu’s life also as a health worker, was that of service with high levels of integrity and dignity, respecti ng human beings.

Celebrating the life and times of

01 Legislature staff at the colloquium on the life and times of Mama Sisulu as addressed by Mr Zweli Mncube.

02 Legislature staff at the colloquium on the life and times of Mama Sisulu as addressed by Dr Nonzwakazi Maqubela and Ms Cynthia Majombizsi-Rakhale.

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01 Members of the community in the public hospital

02-03 Ms Dudu Manana, Chairperson of the Portf olio Committ ee on Health and Social Services during unannounced visits to hospitals

The Portf olio Committ ee on Health and Social Development, as led by its Chairperson Ms Dudu Manana, conducted unannounced oversight visits to Embhuleni and Carolina Hospitals in Gert Sibande District as well as KwaMhlanga and Witbank Hospitals at Nkangala District. The oversight visits are part of fulfi lling the Legislature’s oversight mandate. The aim of the visits was to check whether the hospitals adhere to the Nati onal Core Standards, budget and expenditure patt erns as well as the eff ecti veness of governance structures.

On arrival at the Embhuleni casualty ward, the committ ee was not happy with the long waiti ng period that pati ents are subjected to. The committ ee noti ced that the yard as well as the kitchen were not clean. However, the committ ee appreciated the fi lling system and the hospital pharmacy.

The hospital Chief Executi ve Offi cer (CEO), Mr. Themba Mashaba, appreciated the visit by the Legislature and highlighted that the hospital is facing challenges relati ng to the regular maintenance of the hospital infrastructure.

The Committ ee later visited the Carolina Hospital one of the oldest hospitals in the province that was built in 1963. The committ ee appreciated the cleanliness of the hospital even though the hospital infrastructure is very old.

Small pharmacy, old infrastructure, dysfuncti onal air –

conditi oners and lack of accommodati on for doctors were challenges raised by the hospital CEO, Ms Madala Ndlovu.

The next stop of the Committ ee was at KwaMhlanga Hospital in Nkangala District where the committ ee noted with concern that most of the managers were acti ng and were not able to take full responsibility of most of the issues raised by the committ ee.

The hospital does not have enough funding, there is shortage of staff , shortage of cleaning material, inability to buy items above R5 000, shortage of doctors that leads to pati ents waiti ng for longer periods, lack of transport for conducti ng community outreach and shortage of beds since the hospital is supporti ng 23 clinics. The committ ee also conducted unannounced visits at Witbank Hospital.

Subsequent to the unannounced visits, the committ ee compiled a report on all the fi ndings and referred it to the Department of Health for implementati on.

02

Oversight

hospitals in the provinceUNANNOUNCED VISITS TO

01

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In its programmes of interacti ng with municipaliti es in the Mpumalanga Province, the Legislature’s Select Committ ee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) considered the municipaliti es’ fi ndings by the Auditor-General (AG) in Nkangala, Gert Sibande and Ehlanzeni District Municipaliti es.

Invited to parti cipate in the hearings were the Executi ve Mayors, the Members of the Mayoral Committ ees dealing with fi nance, Auditor General, Provincial Treasury, Department of Co-operati ve Governance and Traditi onal Aff airs (COGTA) and chairpersons of Municipal Public Accounts Committ ees (MPACs) to engage on the matt ers relati ng to all local municipaliti es in each district.

The Chairperson of SCOPA, Mr VV Windvoël was accompanied by other Members of Provincial Legislature (MPLs) who included Ms P Ngobeni, Mr JJ Skhosana, Mr F Mlombo, Mr SJ Masango, Ms GC Shabalala, Mr SPD Skhosana ka Mahlangu and Mr S Zandamela.

The SCOPA hearings were conducted jointly with the Portf olio Committ ees on Human Sett lements, Co-operati ve Governance and Traditi onal Aff airs; Premier's Offi ce, Finance, Economic Development and Tourism.

When giving the purpose of these meeti ngs, the SCOPA Chairperson, Mr. VV Windvoël indicated that SCOPA aims to interface with the municipaliti es on the audit outcomes. With fi ndings that are an indicati on of municipaliti es in fi nancial distress. This is done with the view to assist in formulati ng turn-around strategies and fi nd soluti ons to the challenges as well as issues around the verifi cati on of physical assets.

The MPLs commended Ehlanzeni District Municipality for the clean audit fi nding to which the acti ng CFO, Mr. Dawie van der Merwe had an opportunity to share the municipality's good practi ces that led to the achievement. Some of the good factors that led to the favourable audit outcome as highlighted by the Acti ng CFO include; having a fully qualifi ed staff complement with relevant skills, effi cient fi nancial and accounti ng systems in place as well as good communicati on amongst departments within the municipality.

Calling for transparency and community involvement, Mr. Windvoël said at these sessions; "State of municipaliti es vary as some MPAC chairpersons are full ti me in offi ce compared to others. We wanted to determine the support given to MPACs with for instance physical resources as well as fi nancial management support to various municipaliti es."

04 Members of the Provincial Legislature considering municipaliti es’ responses to the Auditor General’s audit fi ndings.

Joint SCOPA and Committees with Municipalities

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01

02

ETC COMMITTEE ENGAGES DEPARTMENT ON NELSPRUIT POLICE STATION AND 2017/18 ANNUAL REPORT

As part of the oversight functi on of the legislature as consti tuti onally mandated, the members of the Portf olio Committ ee on Public Works, Roads and Transport; Community Safety, Security and Liaison as led by the chairperson, Ms Gabisile Shabalala conducted an oversight visit at the Nelspruit Police Stati on. The Committ ee’s fi rst meeti ng was held with the Head of Department (HOD), Mr William Mthombothi, senior offi cials of the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL) and senior provincial SAPS personnel as led by the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Bethuel Zuma.

Following the briefi ng by the HOD of the DCSSL, members of the committ ee commended the SAPS for their eff orts in fi ghti ng crime parti cularly the cash in transit heist, contact crimes and killing of women and children, amongst other serious crimes.

They had also raised concerns on the DCSSL's over and under expenditure in the previous fi nancial year and the department was urged to appear before the study group on Economic Transformati on Cluster.

“Bring along the executi ve council's correspondence instructi ng you to back-pay acti ng allowances to offi cials, which led to over expenditure and virement in favour of human resources at the expense of the infrastructure and fl eet management,” Ms Shabalala urged the department.

The committ ee members were also briefed about the police stati on wall that fell, warranti ng feasibility study by the nati onal Department of Public Works. The project became a challenge as it started as a small renovati on but more needs for bigger repairs were discovered during the feasibility study and areas covered included the barracks.

SAPS further indicated that other police stati ons are also renovated by the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport.

The committ ee concluded their business by meeti ng with the then MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Ms. Sasekani Manzini and the department’s senior offi cials and considered responses to preliminary questi ons emanati ng from the fourth quarter performance report for the fi nancial year 2017/ 18 of the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport.

01 Mr SPD Skhosana ka Mahlangu, Mr JJ Skosana and Mr VV Windvoël in a meeting with the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison

02 SAPS and DCSSL personnels during the oversight visit

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01

01 Seaker V Siwela and Mr SPD Skhosana ka Mahlangu and Mr VV Windvoël in a meeting with Glen Mashinini, Ms Jabu Mthethwa, and others from the IEC.

The Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, Ms Violet Siwela met with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) led by Mr Glen Mashinini, Chairperson of the IEC. The purpose of the meeti ng was a briefi ng to the Legislature on the preparati ons for the 2019 nati onal and provincial electi ons.

"Successful electi ons require more than excellent planning and logisti cs, they also require the support, assistance and cooperati on of a wide variety of stakeholders in government, business, labour, civil society, traditi onal leaders, religious-based organisati ons, the media and many others", said Mr Mashinini of the IEC.

He conti nued, to outline a number of crucial issues for the 2019 electi ons that may be of public interest and concerns. The issues included the deadlines for politi cal party registrati ons that will contest the electi ons, the fi nal voter registrati on dates, proclamati on of electi on dates by the President and Premiers, certi fi cati on of voters roll, candidate nominati ons, drawing of ballot papers and signing of the electoral code of conduct just to menti on a few.

“The IEC is busy with the recruitment and training of registrati on staff of about 55 000 for the registrati on weekend and about 200 000 staff who will be working during the electi ons as well as the development of training material for party agents, the media and observers,” said Mr Mashinini outlining the work of the IEC.

He concluded by encouraging the Legislature to assist in ensuring that the politi cal parti es abide by the electi on rules, and their parti cipati on in communicati ng with the potenti al voters to register and vote in numbers

The Manager of the IEC in the province, Ms Jabu Mthethwa touched on a number of crucial issues that aff ect Mpumalanga

Province that included the less number of voters that are already registered to vote in 2019, the status of addresses that are held back due to informal sett lements and also refl ected the picture of voter registrati on in each municipality. It was also indicated that the Gert Sibande and Kangala districts are doing well in terms of preparati ons for the 2019 electi ons with Ehlanzeni being left behind, more especially the Bushbuckridge areas.

The MPLs also encouraged that the issue of rural communiti es without addresses should be dealt with as their votes are equally important, they also stressed the issue of reviving the ID campaign as it was done towards the previous electi ons

“The Legislature appreciates the work of the IEC thus far, and as the Members of the Legislature we are ready and trying our level best to put together resources in order to work with the IEC to ensure that whatever gaps identi fi ed are closed,” said Speaker Siwela in response to the presentati on.

THE MPUMALANGA PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURE MEETS THE INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION IN PREPARATIONS FOR THE 2019 NATIONAL AND PROVINCIAL ELECTIONS.

ENGAGES DEPARTMENT ON NELSPRUIT POLICE STATION AND 2017/18 ANNUAL REPORT

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01 Ms J Thabethe, a member of the Provincial Legislature addressing community members during a voter education session in Maritie.

MariteVoter education at

01

The Legislature embarks on voter educati on roadshow as it is a legislated Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) functi on and plays a signifi cant role in ensuring that the electi ons are successful and democrati c. The Legislature will conti nue to provide voter educati on to enhance parti cipati on and encourage voters to make an informed choice when voti ng for the government of their choice.

Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) alongside Bushbuckridge Local Municipal councillors went on the voter educati on roadshow at Marite ahead of the Ward 5 by-electi on.

The Member of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, Ms. Jeaneth Thabethe spoke about the importance of parti cipati ng in the by-electi ons, outlining the electi on process and emphasised

avoidance of spoilt ballot papers. She also responded to a number of questi ons as posed by community members. These questi ons range from lack of addresses, lost identi ty documents and voters’ roll.

Some asked about assistance for special voters and people with disabiliti es to enable them to vote. Some used the opportunity as a platf orm to raise service delivery related concerns which included lack of streetlights closer to their homes. Members of the community are urged to register to vote for the 2019 Nati onal General electi ons on 26 and 27 January 2019.

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01Ms Re� lwe Maria Mtshweni

PremierANC

A people-centred, African, world class Legislature

Office of the Speaker 013 766 1051Office of the Secretary 013 766 1169African National Congress 013 766 1077Democratic Alliance 013 766 1368Economic Freedom Fighters 013 766 1370Bushbuckridge Residents Association 013 766 1375

Share-Call Number 0860 77 4455

Physical Address:

Baobab, Building No. 1Government Boulevard,Legislature & Government Complex,Riverside Park Ext. 2Mbombela1200

Mpumalanga ProvinceRepublic of South Africa

Postal Address:

Private Bag X11289Mbombela1200

@MPLegislature

https://www.facebook.com/MPLegislature

School Terms 2019

Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape and Western Cape

Ms Violet Sizani Siwela MPL, Speaker

ANC

Mr Bonakele Amos Majuba MPL, Deputy Speaker

ANC

Mr Simon Piet Dollman Skhosana Ka Mahlangu, MPL,

Chairperson of CommitteesANC

Ms Patricia Ngobeni MPL

Deputy Chairperson of CommitteesANC

Mr Vusumuzi Robert ShongweMEC - Agriculture, Rural Development,

Land Administration & Environmental A� airsANC

Mr Sibusiso Innocent Malaza MEC - Education

ANC

Mr Sikhumbuzo Eric KholwaneMEC - Finance & Economic Development

ANC

Ms Sasekani Manzini MEC - Health

ANC

Mr Gillion Pudumo MashegoMEC - Public Works, Roads

& TransportANC

Ms Norah Mahlangu - MabenaMEC - Human Settlements

ANC

Mr Petrus Simon NgomanaMEC - Community Safety, Security &

Liaison - ANC

Mr Speed MashiloMEC - Cooperative Governance &

Traditional A� airs ANC

Ms Blessing � andi ShongweMEC - Culture, Sport & Recreation

ANC

Ms Busisiwe Paulina ShibaMEC - Social Development

ANC

Mr James Jim Skosana MPL, Chief Whip,

ANC

Mr Vusumuzi Victor Windvoël MPL, ANC

Dr David Dube MPL, ANC

Mr Andrias Mzikayifani Gamede,

MPL, ANC

Ms Gabisile Cynthia Shabalala MPL, ANC

Ms Jeaneth Lizzy � abetheMPL, ANC

Mr Fana Vincent Mlombo MPL, ANC

Ms Duduzile Promise MananaMPL, ANC

Ms � ulisile Swenky Khoza MPL, Deputy Chief Whip

ANC

Mr James Suhla Masango MPL, Leader of the O� cial Opposition,

DA

Ms Raesetja Jane SitholeMPL, Chief Whip,

DA

Mr Bosman Grobler MPL, Whip

DA

Mr Michael Collen Sedibe MPL, Leader of the Minority Party,

EFF

Mr Sam Zandamela MPL, Whip,

EFF

Mr Moloko Cecil Shilakwe MPL,

Leader of the Minority PartyBRA

Term 1 09 Jan – 15 MarTerm 2 02 Apr – 14 JunTerm 3 09 Jul – 20 SepTerm 4 1 Oct – 4 Dec

Public Holidays1 January New Year’s Day21 March Human Rights Day19 April Good Friday22 April Family Day27 April Freedom Day1 May Workers’ Day16 June Youth Day17 June Public Holiday9 August Women’s Day24 September Heritage Day16 December Day of Reconciliation25 December Christmas Day26 December Day of Goodwill

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRII SAT

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 112 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28

January February


1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 119

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

March April May June

July August September October November December


1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31


1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 112 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30


1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 119

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31


1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30


1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 119 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31


1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31


1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 112 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24/31 25 26 27 28 29 30


1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30


1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

112 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31


1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 119 20 21 22

23/30 24 25 26 27 28 29

Physical Address, Postal Address and Contact Details

Website Address: www.mpuleg.gov.za

2019

Newsletter 2018 2.indd 31 2018/12/13 10:39

32TLV |2018



The month of May 2012 will go down in history as the month that saw the demise of the country’s beloved

heroes and heroines. This follows the announcement on the unti mely passing-on of the Minister of Public Service and Administrati on, Mr Roy Padayachie while on an offi cial trip in Ethiopia att ending an African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) meeti ng.

While the county was sti ll reeling with shock following this announcement which was received on the 6th of May, another blow was sti ll to come – the former Minister of Cooperati ve Governance and Traditi onal Aff airs, Mr Sicelo Shiceka, had also lost his fi ght against ill-health. Shiceka will be remembered for introducing the Local Government Turnaround Strategy which has assisted a number of municipaliti es in service delivery approaches.

As if that was not enough, the country lost Mama Florence Nyanda. “Mam’ Flo”, as she was aff ecti onately known, is the child of Mpumalanga Province and she had served in the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature before her secondment to serve in the Nati onal Council of Provinces (NCOP) representi ng the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature. Mam’ Flo is a sister to General Siphiwe Nyanda

In the very same month of May, the Legislature received through moti ons without noti ce, news on the passing-on of the Reverend Motlalepula Chabaku, former Speaker of the Free State Provincial Legislature and Member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. The late Reverend Chabaku will be remembered for her vibrancy and astuteness as acti vist for democracy gender equality.

The Members of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature joined in unison as they acknowledged the role the fallen heroes and heroines had played in the development of this country. The House also paid its respect to the late Ms Hlengiwe Edith Mashego, sister to the MEC Candith Mashego-Dlamini, and the late Ms Linah Thembi Shongwe, sister to the Premier, Mr DD Mabuza.

May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace.

Baobab, Building 1,Mpumalanga Government Complex

Riverside

Private Bag X 11289MBOMBELA

1200

[email protected]

Share-call: 0860 77 44 55

Fax: 013 766 1465

Vision of the Legislature

A people-centred, African, world class Legislature.

Mission of the Legislature

To hold the Executive and other state organs accountable through intensified oversight, enhanced public involvement and effective law making supported by professional administrative service.

Values of the Legislature

• Adaptability: Flexibility in response to new circumstances• Co-operation: Commitment to working with both internal and external stakeholders• Customer orientated: Placing customers first• Economical: Cost effective usage of resources • Excellence: Continuous improvement of performance standards• Fairness: Acting in a fair, balanced and considerate manner in all circumstances• Integrity: Acting with integrity at all times and being exemplary• Openness: Transparency and accessibility • Participation: All processes of the Legislature to be people-centred• Quality orientated: Commitment to focusing on quality and meeting world class standards

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Newsletter 2018 2.indd 32 2018/12/13 10:39

Documents

COURTESY VISIT TO Dr Esther Mahlangu · 2019-04-08 · 10 - 11 TLP 2018 in Katjibane, Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality 12 Speaker Donates shoes in Katjibane 13 A courtesy visit by