STATEMENT ON THE GAUTENG EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING
The Gauteng Executive Council met yesterday (Wednesday, 22 July) to discuss a range of issues. The meeting was chaired by the Premier Nomvula Mokonyane. Among the issues discusses were:
- Service delivery protests;
- Mandela Day Campaign; and the
- Establishment of the National Youth Development Agency.
Service Delivery Protests
The Executive noted that protests in the Gauteng were limited to a few isolated areas; that they were instigated by interest groups and that the reasons for them varied depending on the area. It was further noted that poor communication with communities and the hijacking of community concerns by criminal elements were some of the factors fuelling these protests.
The Executive, however, felt that whatever the reason for the protest may be; violence and wanton destruction of property were totally unacceptable. The Executive said it would not allow anarchy to take root in the Province and called on the police not to allow illegal marches and to arrest perpetrators of violence irrespective of their standing in the community.
People had to follow proper channels to raise grievances and to gain permission to embark on protests. Grievances can be lodged with Ward Committees; the Office of the Mayor; the offices of the Department of Local Government and Housing; through Parliamentary Constituency Offices, the Public Participation Office of the Gauteng Legislature and the Office of the Premier.
The Executive agreed that there was a need to strengthen Ward Committees; review the role of Community Development Workers and improve communication in municipalities to be able to respond adequately to community concerns. Community Policing Fora would also need to be strengthened to deal with criminal elements who have been looting and destroying property during the protests.
Mandela Day
The Executive expressed gratitude to all the people who volunteered their time and resources to help the less fortunate on Mandela Day - last Saturday (July 18). The people of Gauteng were thanked for their display of generosity and urged to continue supporting needy causes throughout the year.
National Youth Development Agency
The Executive received a briefing about the process of establishing the National Youth Development Agency. It was agreed that, in the light of the establishment of the Agency, the Gauteng Youth Commission Act will be have to repealed. This will facilitate the establishment of NYDA offices in the Province.
Employees of the Commission will be re-assigned to other areas within the Provincial Government departments. Meanwhile, youth programmes will continue to be implemented in departments with the MEC for Infrastructure Development, Nonhlanhla Mazibuko, championing these issues with the Provincial Government.
Next Exco Meeting
The Executive resolved to hold its next meeting on July 29 in Merafong. Details will be provided in due course.
Issued by the Gauteng Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government, July 23 2009
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