INHLABAMKHOSI WWW..GOV.ZA/OTP ISSUE 1 2013/14

MANDELA A LIVING LEGACY [FULL STORY PAGE 02]

Keep praying Premier undertakes 100 Days SOPA for Madiba 04 reforms 07 promise implemented 03

INHLABAMKHOSI IS A FREE PUBLICATION BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE MPUMALANGA PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT AND CAN BE SHARED FREELY 02 ISSUE 1, 2013/14 Inhlabamkhosi 2 INHLABAMKIHOSI YASE MPUMALANAGA - VOLUME 2012/2013 Issue 03 Mandela a living legacy

MINUTES WELL SPENT: Fixing the road that leads to Embhuleni Hospital during Day, Premier David Mabuza demonstrated that all South Africans should work together to do good. Pictures: Elphas Mdluli.

Dudu Shaba hospital. Secondary School. He also donated we have elections, you started to vote He encouraged the learners at blankets to the aged at St. Benedict Old because of Mandela and you should Highveld Secondary School to take the Age Home and urged the caregivers to protect your democracy so that your baton of good leadership from former look well after the elders. freedom can also be protected,” he said. president Nelson Mandela and to use it While visiting Embhuleni Hospital, Premier Mabuza urged all the appropriately. Premier Mabuza spent his 67 minutes churches to continue praying for former “It is a very special day we are painting the passage walls, cutting President Nelson Mandela. PUMALANGA celebrating in our history. A day where grass and stamping the road. He visited “Do not be left behind, you own Premier David Mabuza the former president was born, and his the maternity ward, the children’s him, pray for him till he comes out of officially opened the name is associated with freedom. As we ward and the circumcision ward. He hospital,” he said. Provincial Mandela Day all stand here, we are free from all the complemented all the males in the Premier Mabuza donated about 50 acknowledgingM the 95th birthday of the injustices of the past. circumcision ward for taking a good wheelchairs to identified people with former President Nelson Mandela at If you want to remain patriotic to your decision and wished all the young boys disabilities at the stadium. He thanked the Highveld Secondary School, Chief own country do not move away from the to grow well. all donors who contributed including Local Municipality. The footsteps of former president Nelson Thousands of people, young and old the SABC, Ligwalagwala FM who has National Flag was hoisted, the national Mandela and all his friends who led this attended the 95th birthday celebration made it all possible. anthem was sung and a biography of country to freedom.” he said. at the Nhlazatje Sports Field where One of the donors, Lawrence Pillay, the former President Nelson Mandela During the visit at school, Premier the biography of the former President CEO, Active Power Projects from was read to all. Mabuza condemned teenage pregnancy was read again to the members of the Benoni, said by remembering the former Premier Mabuza, together with a and urged young girls to look after community. Delivering a keynote president, people should always do good learner, sliced the 1. 5 metre birthday themselves. address, Premier Mabuza said that like he did to others. cake of the former President and shared “Look after yourselves and make a former president Nelson Mandela stayed “We should not forget where we come the pieces with everyone at the school. difference in other people’s lives. As for 27 years in jail and people should from. If it was not him, we would not be In his address, Premier Mabuza learners, you must study, that is your also make him proud by protecting the celebrating today. As black businesses said that he believes that the former duty,” he said. democracy that he fought for. we should also be thanking former President Nelson Mandela will recover Premier Mabuza donated school “We have all met because of Mandela President Nelson Mandela because he and urged people to keep on supporting uniforms, food parcels, and sanitary today and we know that we attained set us free to run our business in a free and praying for him up until he is out of towels to needy learners at Highveld freedom because of him. Next year way,” he concluded.

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FULFILLING THE PROMISE: Premier David Mabuza handing over houses to the residents of Thembisle Hani Local Municipality this is in line with his vision of fast tracking service delivery in the province. Pictures: Elphas Mdluli. 100 Days SOPA promise implemented Elphas Mdluli and and a Buhlebesizwe G clinic are due Hani Municipality. As part of his power to attend to their needs,” said Zibonele Mncwango to be finished at about 95% complete. hand-over ceremony around Clarinet, Mabuza. The contractors were optimistic and Empumelelweni Township and Moloto The Premier had public meetings PUMALANGA Premier promised the Premier to hand over he also gave eight families fully after handing over the houses and David Mabuza took time of the projects in few months and on furnished houses with food parcels and visiting the sites. He reported to the to tour the infrastructure record time. blankets in line with celebrating the people about his dissapointment development sites and During the State of the Province International Mandela Day. about a contractor in Buhlebesizwe handedM over finished RDP houses Address this year, Premier Mabuza He targeted child-headed families, who cannot deliver a house out of 140, to some families Emalahleni and announced that the RIU would ensure families headed by an elderly and not even a single house was handed Thembisile Hani Municipalities. the delivery of 10 000 RDP outstanding a widow respectively, and families over due to delays. The contractor The Premier established a Rapid from the previous financial year in 100 headed by disabled persons. It was in was encouraged to work hard or face Implementation Unit (RIU) in his days. He has successfully delivered on Moloto where he handed over a house termination of the contract by end of office to constantlly monitor and fast the promise of the three months target. to a Mhlanga family of 11 people, males August if there is no performance. He track all lacking behind infrastructural He urged the community members to and females who lived in one room. said he was happy with DR Bongani projects. Premier Mabuza is elated by appreciate the good work of government While visiting the projects, Premier Investments in Moloto delivering the the remarkable progress made by the and ruling party. Mabuza was astonished to see a RDP houses on time. The Premier RIU. The RIU concept was conceived as a contractor having built a school in gave food parcels to some families and Since its formation from the beginning result of the Premier visiting several Clarinet six months before the targeted wheelchairs to some individuals. of April 2013, the RIU has managed sites and discovered that they were completion date. It was a realisation Premier Mabuza commended to ensure that the human settlements far behind schedule. He then took the that it is possible to speedily deliver Executive Mayor NJ Mahlangu for the and public works roads and transport decision to act deciscively to rescue services to the people. He consequently good leadership in Thembisile Hani departments respectively deliver the situation. The Human Settlement committed on the spot to officially Municipality, it is no longer under houses and the public infrastructure Department shake up was as result opened the school at the end of August. administration. The councilors have a such as schools, clinics and roads of lack of delivery on RDP houses. “Our people have waited for too positive attitude and cooperative. amongst others. The RIU establishment has produced long, therefore we must be quick in The Premier is confident of all the The premier was impressed when positive results as the Premier has delivering the services as a provincial work, the RDP houses to be completed visiting the sites of capital projects handed over 100 completed RDP government and contractors. It cannot on time as new contractors were like Hospital, Clarinet High, houses in Emalahleni Municipality be us who delay development in their appointed and closely monitored by the Mzimhlophe High, a primary school and 88 in , Thembisile areas. We must do everything in our RIU. • Presidential Hotline: 17737 • www.mpumalanga.gov.za • follow Mpumalanga Provincial Government on Twitter (MPGov) and Facebook - (MPGov) www.mpumalanga.gov.za 04 ISSUE 1, 2013/14 Inhlabamkhosi 4 INHLABAMKIHOSI YASE MPUMALANAGA - VOLUME 2012/2013 Issue 03 Keep on praying for Madiba

PRAYER MEETING: Premier David Mabuza fellowships with his cabinet, various religious leaders and members of the public in a prayer service held in honour of the former national President Nelson Mandela. Pictures: Dudu Shaba.

Dudu Shaba South Africans. Premier Mabuza expressed optimism that the ET us keep on praying for the former president will recover and return to his former President Rolihlahla Nelson home soon. Mandela, during this time when he He said that the people’s government will is not well. It is important for us continue with its task of bringing to an end to “Las a province to keep on praying and also to keep any form of racism like the way that the former on thinking where we come from and where the president did. former first black president of led us He told the crowd that the name of the former to!” President is always associated with people, This was said by the Mpumalanga Province irrespective of race and denomination. He added Premier David Mabuza, at a prayer rally held that the name of the former President was also at the Bergvlam Hoerskool Rugby Stadium, associated with the African National Congress, Ehlanzeni District, Nelspruit. and his other comrades such as and This rally was meant to pray for the former . President Nelson Mandela who is critically ill Reverend Thabang Morare, African Methodist and treated at the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Episcopal Church (AME), described the former Pretoria. President as a God sent Prophet, who was chosen More than a thousand people flocked to the to free the South African people from oppression. Bergvlam Hoerskool Rugby Stadium, singing “The calling of former President Mandela revolutionary songs, prayed and some weaped to from God was for freedom, he is like the prophet show their emotions, their undying support and Hezekiah who was called by God to free the expressed their gratitude for the former president. Israelites from Babylon. We are able to walk All the activities followed a calling by President freely every corner of South Africa and express that all provinces should hold a ourselves freely today because of his sacrifices,” he provincial marathon in honor of Mandela Month. said. Addressing the crowd at the stadium, the “Our Pride and dignity was eroded, but because Mpumalanga Province Premier David Mabuza of the vision of the former President Nelson applauded the former president for being Mandela, we are what we are today.” Kgosi the first black president who has been very Mathibela Mokoena, Chairperson of the House of courageous and who stood for uniting the whole Traditional Leaders, Mpumalanga Province said.

• Presidential Hotline: 17737 • www.mpumalanga.gov.za • follow Mpumalanga Provincial Government on Twitter (MPGov) and Facebook - (MPGov) www.mpumalanga.gov.za Inhlabamkhosi ISSUE 1, 2013/14 05 INHLABAMKIHOSI YASE MPUMALANAGA - VOLUME 2012/2013 Issue 03 5 Mpumalanga Provincial Aids Council resuscitated

ADDRESSING THE MPAC SITTING: Premier David Mabuza chairs his first sitting at the Mpumalanga Provincial Aids Council. Picture: Dudu Shaba.

upon the election of a new leader that Policy and Planning, Office of the HIV AND SYPHILIS PREVALENCE Dudu Shaba will give direction to MPAC at the Premier stated that the Mpumalanga Dr Ngomane, Department of Health, South African National Aids Council Provincial Government recommends presented a research paper at the (SANAC) plenary meeting in Secunda. institutional coordination in order to council. She stated that research IV and Aids has had a Mpumalanga Premier, David Mabuza, enhance inclusive and broad-based revealed the following latest results devastating effect in South Health Minister participation, and contribution of all on Antenatal Sentinel HIV and Africa, and in the African and the Deputy President of South sectors of society to the implementation Syphilis Prevalence continent at large. Everyday, Africa Kgalema Motlante held a brief of the Provincial Strategic Plan. Other • That the Mpumalanga HIV aH high percentage of people are meeting with the Treatment Action recommendations at the council were prevalence increased from 35.1 % continuing to be infected with the virus, Campaign (TAC) members. Premier such as the continual enhancing of the in 2010 to 36.7 in 2011, second to challenges associated with HIV and Mabuza conceded that the MPAC was capacity of the MPAC, DACs, LACs KwaZulu Natal. Aids, such as socio-economic conditions dysfunctional and personally committed and WACs, and also enhancing the • That Gert Sibande showed an and other factors worsen the situation himself to oversee the functionality of participation of traditional leaders increase from 38.8% in 2010 to and continue to increase the spread of the MPAC. and the mainstreaming of the HIV and 46.1 in 2011, Ehlanzeni decreased virus. “I am accepting the commitment, and Aids programmes in the work of all from 37.7% in 2010 to 35.8 in In an effort to curb and zero I want to agree with you that our council government structures. 2011. Nkangala showed an base the spread of HIV and Aids has not been visible enough. I am Commenting at the council, increase from 27.2% in 2010 to in the Mpumalanga Province, the personally taking over the leadership Licky Thusi, a member of GRIP, 29.6 in 2011. Mpumalanga Provincial Aids Council of the council so that together we an organisation that focuses on (MPAC) was formed in 2007 and strengthen our efforts of dealing with empowering vulnerable and abused MPUMALANGA PROVINCIAL resolved to work on projects and services the scourge. women, said that government should GOVERNMENT PRIORITY that will tackle the spread and increase introduce more programmes that would According to Dr Ngomane, following of HIV and Aids. The council faced MPAC was well attended and empower unemployed women so that are the Mpumalanga Government some challenges in its milestones, but represented by almost all stakeholders they are able to stand on their own and Priorities on HIV and Aids. the structure is finally revived again, at the Ngwenyama Lodge, where face poverty related challenges. • To increase HIV awareness anticipating in taking its resolutions Premier Mabuza chaired the council for “Vulnerable women find themselves throughout all the sectors forward. the first time. especially in the youth. Premier Mabuza appreciated all the going back to abusive relationships • To strengthen all the structures of The Mpumalanga Provincial Aids members of the MPAC for their good because they do not have strong backup the AIDS councils. Council (MPAC) response. systems. Employment opportunities • To mitigate stigma, discrimination “I am grateful that our executive should be considered rather than grants, so that they are able to make a and related behaviors. At the launch of MPAC in 2007, the mayors did their best, we are probably living for themselves,” she said. former Premier surviving because of their efforts. We The chairperson of the council, HIV AND AIDS DRIVERS said that the number of new infections are going to stretch our ways by picking Premier Mabuza called upon for According to Thulani Mdakane, DDG, needed to be reduced by 50%, and also up the necessary momentum and fly commitment from all members of the Macro Policy and Planning, Office of that the impact of HIV and Aids on with this battle. We must spend a lot of council and collective leadership to the Premier, following are the HIV individuals, families and communities energy in an effort to save our people,” ensure that the MPAC is taken to the and AIDS drivers. needed to be prioritised. said Premier Mabuza. next level. • Alcohol and substance abuse Though this commitment was made, “I am going to try my best to ensure • Poor parent-child relationship it never worked out as planned. Way forward that we move with speed in trying to • Early sexual debut MPAC meetings were not properly co- close gaps created. The mountain we • An impact of migrant laborers ordinated and it became a daunting must climb is too huge, but it needs all • Multiple concurrent partners task to convene council meetings. of us to be strong,” Premier Mabuza • Transactional sex at trucking Civil Organizations and society called Thulani Mdakane, DDG-Macro concluded. hubs and stops

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JOINING HANDS: Premier David Mabuza joining hands with traditional leaders in Middleburg to symbolise solidarity in fighting the scourge of HIV and Aids. Picture: Dudu Shaba. Premier joins hands with traditional leaders in fighting HIV and Aids Dudu Shaba traditional leaders that they should conjunction with the Department of “We aim to zero base the spread of get tested and set a good example to Health, though he does not discourage HIV and Aids and TB infections and OINING hands to fight the the public they are accountable to. circumcision through different forms we also want to make sure that we spread of HIV and Aids was “We should be at the forefront to go of cultures, he recommended that fight discrimination against those a strong position taken by and test for HIV and Aids. People will circumcision at initiation schools people who are infected with HIV and the Mpumalanga Provincial follow us because we will be leading by should be done in a correct way that Aids. Traditional leaders should play a GovernmentJ Premier, David Mabuza example and those who need medical will not hamper another person’s live. central leadership role in communities together with the Mpumalanga help will be able to get assistance “A circumcised male stands a chance to drive campaigns against the spread Traditional leaders at a consultative before its too late. Let us not be shy of 60% for not being infected with of HIV and Aids,” Mdakane said. meeting held in Middleburg this about a disease that has come to attack STD’s and the HIV virus. It’s a study Kgoshi Mathupha, Chairperson, month. us, instead, let us be strong enough that has been conducted and proven,” House of Traditional Leaders, Premier Mabuza told the traditional to stand together in order to fight it Premier Mabuza said. commented that traditional leaders leaders that it was high time that all back,” Premier Mabuza said. Addressing the Traditional Leaders, were very grateful to have a caliber of leaders in the Mpumalanga Province Another way of fighting the Thulani Mdakane(DDG-Macro Policy a leader that is committed to fighting collaborate and come up with good pandemic, Premier Mabuza said that and Planning), said that the drivers HIV and Aids for the first time in the strategies that will lead towards zero it was through male circumcision. He for the spread of HIV and Aids were Mpumalanga Province. basing the spread of HIV and Aids. said that male circumcision should socio-economic drivers, poor parenting, “As we hold our hands together today, He highlighted that the prevalence of be encouraged in the province, as it alcohol abuse, truck drivers who this marks a new beginning in our province the HIV and Aids in the Gert Sibande reduces chances of being infected with resort to transactional sex, multiple and everyone will be an ambassador District was at the forefront and had a Sexually Transmitted Diseases and relationships and other drivers that to protect our children and even other cumbersome effect in the Province. HIV and Aids. could lead towards the spread of HIV generations to come against the pandemic Premier Mabuza suggested to the He said that this can be done in and Aids. of HIV and Aids,” he concluded. Medical Male Circumcision (MMC) in Mpumalanga HE department of health in facilities are high volume sites in the Ehlanzeni district has five sites, which the CD4 count is above 200. Mpumalanga is targeting 60 province, which has second highest are Tintswalo, Mapulneng, Themba, MMC is a very simple and 000 males for the Medical HIV prevalence in the country after Tonga and Barberton hospitals. straightforward procedure, which Male Circumcision (MMC) KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The MMC when performed by a takes between 15 and 30 minutes. The programmeT for and already 49 609 “The Mpumalanga province has well-trained professional is safe and time taken to carry out the procedure males have been 36.7% HIV positive people with KZN can reduce the risk of acquiring HIV is dependent on age, condition of circumcised in the province. The having 37.4%, but health workers are infection by approximately 60%. the foreskin, method of pain relief sexually transmitted infections cautioning that the gab is closing,” Hence the World Health Organisation and experience of the health worker seminar held at Ingwenyama lodge warned Mawela. is now recognising MMC as an carrying out the procedure. was told. A district spread of HIV prevalence additional and important strategy There are three main myths for Addressing the seminar, Dr. Lesego according to a 2011 statistic revealed in the fight against HIV infection in MMC, which need to be dispelled. Mawela from the Foundation for that Gert Sibande has the highest men. Some people believe that MMC Professional Development said: HIV prevalence in the province at MMC has also been found to reduce is performed only in winter, the “MMC is the removal of the male 46.1% followed by Ehlanzeni with STI’s like herpes, chancroid, syphilis procedure can be done anytime of the foreskin by an appropriately trained 35.8 % and Nkangala with 29.6%. and HPV. year. health worker in aseptic conditions. The 12 high volume sites in The 60 000 men targeted in the There is also the wrong belief that “In South Africa 32 - 45 % of men the province are Mmamethlake, province includes men who are HIV it is difficult for a grown man to be report being circumcised either KwaMhlanga, Witbank and positive as they risk to be re-infected circumcised. medically or traditionally with Middelburg hospitals all in Nkangala if exposed to unsafe sex. Some people believe that once they circumcision rates being the highest district. The Kwaggafontein Before an HIV positive men can be are circumcised they are protected in the Western Cape with 67.5 % and community health centre is the only circumcised he is referred to a health from being infected with HIV - that the lowest being KwaZulu-Natal at CHC in the province, which is counted facility for a CD4 blood test to make is a myth, consistent condom use, 26.8 % and Gauteng at 25.2 %.” amongst high MMC volume sites. sure that his CD4 count is not less avoiding multiple sexual partners or He said all 28 public hospitals in Gert Sibande district has only than 350 cells. If found to be less than delayed sexual debut and abstinence the province are MMC sites. Recent two high volumes sites, which are 350 cells he is referred for treatment, is strongly encourage even after records show that only 12 health care Embhuleni and Piet Retief hospitals. and circumcision will only be done if circumcision. www.mpumalanga.gov.za Inhlabamkhosi ISSUE 1, 2013/14 07 7 INHLABAMKIHOSI YASE MPUMALANAGA - VOLUME 2012/2013 Issue 03

REAPING THE REWARDS: Premeir David Mabuza and MEC of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Administration Violet Sewela visiting Kotokwane Fresh Produce, a cotton and maize meal farming project in Marapayane. Picture: Dudu Shaba. Premier undertakes reforms Dudu Shaba and Elphas Mdluli could not go ahead in revamping the All the leaders of the co-operatives take responsibility for were to widen pump station because they had to told the Premier about their success the Moloto Road, to tackle problems get permission from the Department stories, progress made in their projects of sanitation and electricity in the he Mpumalanga Premier, of Public Works for them to do that. after they were assisted by government municipality area. David Mabuza, has visited They requested permission from and also highlighted all the areas There were allegations from some projects at Dr JS Moroka Local the Premier to go ahead with the where they needed assistance. senior citizens, that some of the Municipality and announced revamping project. Premier Mabuza committed himself councillors were swearing at them newT efforts that will positively impact “The pump station has not been to continue assisting the farmers in when they go to consult with them for on resource deprived communities in complying with the set standards of their areas of lack. help. Premier Mabuza called on all the the area. the Water Services Act 108 of 1997,” The MEC for Agriculture, councillors and reprimanded them. He was accompanied by Members he said. Rural Development and Land “From today, I do not want to hear of the Executive Councils (MEC’s), Premier Mabuza requested the ward Administration, Violet Sewela who any complaint from people that they Councillors and officials to the Redutsi councillors to write him a requisition accompanied the Premier, said that are being sweared at by councillors, (Former Toitskraal) pump station, letter and committed himself that her department will work hand in especially the elders. I do not think farming areas at Marapyane and to he would resolve the matter with hand with the Premier, in order to that they are telling lies because they the J.S Moroka Sport ground, as part the Department of Public Works. He ensure that all the farming projects are elder people. I urge members of of his monthly Public Participation told them that he had approved their are assisted and seen to be successful. the public encountering problems with Programme (PPP) and Comprehensive requisition in principle and that they councillors to phone my office or the Rural Development Programme should start working on the project for COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT office of their Mayors,” he said. (CRDP) initiative. the sake of people. Speaking at the J.S Moroka sport The Premier also condemned According to the Premier, this grounds, Premier Mabuza outlined criminals who are breaking into state initiative enables continuous feedback FARMING PROJECTS that government will continue to close property and stealing from schools and to communities, enhances participatory Paying a visit to the farming areas the gaps caused by the apartheid clinics. democracy and provides members of at Marapyane, Premier Mabuza regime in the resource deprived “Parents, let us teach our children the public with an opportunity to hold committed himself to fund some of the communities. to respect our property because this is public representatives accountable on agricultural projects and identified “We have built clinics and schools meant for all of us. Why should we hire service delivery matters. areas needing intervention and in this area, by the end of this year, security guards to look after our clinics support. I promise to have built 1000 houses whereas we could be using that money VISIT TO REDUTSI PUMP STATION He visited the Semakaleng at Thembisile, because this area has for something better?” he asked. Councillors of Redutsi, have been Agricultural Co-operatives at been left behind for a very long time,” Members of the community that trying to revamp the Redutsi pump Marapyane, a co-operative farming he said. needed assistance were advised station, which has been causing toilet with sunflower and maize meal, the He committed himself that he will and attended to by the officials at blockages and frustrating members of Lekgwarapa Livestock Project Co- bring water to Moretele through the J.S Moroka and referred for further the community. operative, and the Kotokwane Fresh Rust de Venter Dam and to build attention if there was any need. According to a Redutsi Ward 2 Produce, a cotton and maize meal flushing toilets. Other areas that Councillor, Simon Maganedisa, they project. the Premier committed himself to www.mpumalanga.gov/otp. • Presidential Hotline: 17737 • www.mpumalanga.gov.za • follow Mpumalanga Provincial Government on Twitter (MPGov) and Facebook - (MPGov) www.mpumalanga.gov.za 08 ISSUE 1, 2013/14 Inh Inhlabamkhosi INHLABAMKIHOSI YASE MPUMALANAGA - VOLUME 2012/2013 Issue 03 8 Sanitary Towels Dignity Campaign boosts confidence for young girls

GIVING THE GIFT OF DIGNITY: Girls at Ekwazini High School in Middleburg pose happily with Lindi Ntuli-Tloubatla from the Office of the Premier and Jabulile Mkhwanazi from NYDA after receiving sanitary towels. Picture: Dudu Shaba

Dudu Shaba at school due to lack of sanitary towels. the causes of abseeintism of girls uniform for children at these two The Office of the Status of Women, at schools are not only because of schools. Office of the Premier, embarked on a pregnancy but also because of lack “We have already confirmed that we HILE the donation of Sanitary Towels Dignity Campaign of sanitary towels when they are will donate school uniforms to thirty sanitary pads to these and donated more than 2000 sanitary menstruating,” she said. boys and girls to Primary young girls has put a towels to resource deprived girls at Meanwhile Jabulile Mkhwanazi, School and Ekwazini High School. smile on their faces, Mhluzi Primary School and Ekwazini Branch Manager, NYDA, Witbank, These challenges are temporary, light Wit will also restore their dignity, High School in Middleburg. said that it was also important to is coming to them,” she said. empower them to stay at school, boost People who were involved in the restore the dignity of learners through School Principals of Ekwazini High their self-esteem and improve their campaign included the National giving them good career guidance at School Themba Mthombeni and Noah performance at school. Youth Development Agency (NYDA), an early stage. Nhlengetwa Mhluzi Primary School Though never realized by many Nedbank and the departments across “NYDA is committed to give Principal welcomed the initiative of people, some of these girls are faced the provincial government. career guidance, counseling and the Office of the Premier and other with cumbersome challenges every Lindiwe Ntuli-Tloutbatla, Deputy also in assisting grade 9-10 learners stakeholders who contributed. month when they have to receive their Director, Office on the Status of to be linked with good business “Whether you are from a resource monthly menstrual periods. Women said that the issue of lack of opportunities,” she said. improvised community, all you need to One of these challenges are being sanitary towels has negative effects Theresa Fourie, Key Account do is to set goals for yourselves and be that they prefer to stay at home until on the education of children. Relationship Manager, Nedbank, a dreamer, the sky is the limit,” Ntuli- they finish their periods rather than “What we have also learned is that said that Nedbank will donate school Tloutbatla concluded. being traumatized and embarrassed 45 Scholar buses help learners arrive on time HE MEC for Public to school safely and arrive on launch took place in his District Works, Roads time, thereby also improving municipality. and Transport in their participation at school. “I thank the Department for Mpumalanga, Dikeledi She urged all the parents to play piloting the project in this area MahlanguT , has officially a role in monitoring the buses and I believe it will go a long launched the scholar transport by checking if they deliver the way in helping a large number of buses at AJ Swannepoel stadium children at school on time. children to get to school safely” at Ermelo in the Msukaligwa “It is also your responsibility said Nhlabathi. Local Municipality. as parents to ensure that your Nokuthula Mthethwa, Head, The MEC was accompanied by children arrive at the bus stop Department of Education, Gert the Executive Mayor of Gert on time. Bus drivers cannot Sibande District thanked the Sibande District Municipality wait for children coming late to Department for the job well done. Mishack Nhlabathi, Executive the bus stop and compromise the “It is very good to see that many Mayor of Msukaligwa Local early arrival of other learners to learners will now go to school Municipality, Sipho Bongwe and school,” MEC Mahlangu said. and arrive on time. We believe the Department of Education All the buses are fitted with that the level of attendance will District Head in Gert Sibande, safety belts and range between also improve,” she said. Nokuthula Mthethwa. 65 and 75 seaters each. After 5 One of the beneficiaries, a learner The launch was attended by years, the buses will be handed from Ithafa Comprehensive more than 1500 learners and over to government. More School, Sibusiso Nhlebeya also parents from schools in the buses will also be rolled out to commented. districts that will be benefitting other areas in the Gert Sibande “What I like about the buses is from the scholar transport buses. District and Bohlabela Local that they look comfortable and I ALWAYS PUNCTUAL: Cyril Clarke learners who will According to MEC Mahlangu, Municipality. will now enjoy my trip to school. I benefit from the scholar transport buses. the buses will go a long way in Executive Mayor Nhlabathi cannot wait to get on the buses to Picture: Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport ensuring that the children travel was overwhelmed that the feel the comfort,” he concluded. • Presidential Hotline: 17737 • www.mpumalanga.gov.za • follow Mpumalanga Provincial Government on Twitter (MPGov) and Facebook - (MPGov) www.mpumalanga.gov.za Inhlabamkhosi ISSUE 1, 2013/14 09 9 INHLABAMKIHOSI YASE MPUMALANAGA - VOLUME 2012/2013 Issue 03

MoU benefits development of Maths,Science and Technology

BRIDGING SKILLS DEVELOPMENT: Premier David Mabuza signing an MoU with BHP Billiton Energy Witbank. Picture: Elphas Mdluli.

Jeffrey Makhumba million rand building in Witbank for activities of the Mpumalanga Maths, involvement of the business community and Elphas Mdluli the establishment of a Mathematics, Science and Technology Academy. and parastatals to come on board and Science and Technology Skills hub, a This initiative is set to be rolled fast-track our efforts to bridge the first of its kind in the Province. out in January 2014 and the MEC digital divide in our schools. This partnership is envisaged to for Education, Reginah Mhaule This is intended to benefit our young HE Mpumalanga Provincial influence the entire skills development highlighted that she intends to amend people in the class room environment Government has signed value chain in Mpumalanga, starting the curriculum streams of the 100 from the world of technology. The a Memorandum of from school level right up to the schools targeted for this programme, Department will in this financial year Understanding with BHP workplace. The Academy for Maths, so that they could focus mainly on connect 100 public ordinary schools BillitonT Energy, a coal company Science and Technology and Skills promoting the intake of Maths, Science that include the 46 Dinaledi Schools situated in Witbank. The MoU is mainly Hub will improve the performance and Technology. to the MST Academy utilizing video aimed at bringing infrastructure and of both educators and learners in Schools targeted for this programme and smart technologies," said MEC resources that will help to bring skills the fields of Mathematics, Science include all the Dinaledi Schools Mhaule. development in the Mpumalanga and Technology and thus providing within the Mpumalanga province This technological milestone is set province. enhanced opportunities of creating a and this exercise is in keeping with to put the province at par with schools The MoU was signed by Premier highly skilled labour force. government's quest to improve the in the first world countries and will David Mabuza and BHP Billiton and The Maths, Science and Technology number of learners taking and passing thus facilitate increase in the rolling it entailed the donating of a multi- Academy is also set to be used as a hub Mathematics, Science and Technology. out of scarce mathematics, science and to link 100 provincial schools to the "We are on course with soliciting the technology careers. EPWP changes lives of the disabled HE South African Active as farming. Some of the hand-made our community," said Nxumalo. she received monthly has given her Disabled People's Association products from the project are exported The project has won numerous hope. (SAADPA ), a project to markets in the United States. awards, such as the EPWP Kamoso "We are getting a monthly stipend established in 2003 under John Nxumalo, Chairperson, Awards, the Premier's Awards, as well as part of EPWP which has changed theT government's Expanded Public SAADPA, who is also disabled, said as the Community Builder of the Year my life completely, because nobody Works Programme (EPWP),) in that the project had proven that people Awards. wanted to employ us. I can now buy Thulamahashe, Bushbuckridge, has living with disability can contribute "I am very much optimistic that food and clothes for my kids and created over 506 jobs for disabled positively towards the economy. SAADPA will grow and become siblings," Gumede said. people. "People with disability are often independent thus creating more Provincial Public Works, Roads and In this project, the members of neglected and often abused by some jobs for people in the village," said Transport Department in the province the association are engaged in doing of their family members, hence we Nxumalo. have reported a total of 49 014 job beadwork, pottery, sewing, weaving, established the project in a bid to One of the project workers, Nora opportunities created under the EPWP carpentry, woofing, curving as well address the plight of the disabled in Gumede, said that the stipend that for the 2012/2013 financial year.

www.mpumalanga.gov.za 10 ISSUE 1, 2013/14 Inhlabamkhosi INHLABAMKIHOSI YASE MPUMALANAGA - VOLUME 2012/2013 Issue 03 10 A declaration signed to intensify NSDS goals at approximately 4 million which Commenting at the workshop, represents a population increase of Sakhele Ngwamba, member of 20% between 2001 and 2011, the third the human resource development largest increase of the nine provinces. strategy steering committee, said, He stated that 69.4% of this when developing plans, it should be population is a youth cohort between considered that career guidance must the ages of zero to thirty four years, be conducted in a balanced way which and the majority are Blacks. Of this will benefit and inform young people 4 million people, he says that only to be able to make sound career path 4,2 % have completed primary school, decisions. 29% completed matric and 9,7% with “This means that career guidance higher education. should be in line with the economic He added that people with no skills demands. We are suggesting this matric but having certificates or because we are trying to transform the diplomas is 37,4%, those with Matric traditional method of conducting career and certificates is 22,8%,Matric with guidance which has in a larger extent diplomas is 8% and those who have contributed towards the increment of completed their degrees is only 2,6%. unemployed graduates,” he said. “This was a serious impediment to Davis Moropane, Chief Executive Intensifying the training sector: MEC of Edution Regina Mhaule signing a the growth and development of the Officer, Empowerment Through declaration with SETA members. Picture: Dudu Shaba. province as well as for the country,” he Training, also commented. commented. “We also need to start training the implementing the NSDS goals. As part of dealing with this youth to form and own their own Dudu Shaba Addressing the workshop challenge, Premier Mabuza said enterprises at an early level, so they participants, Premier Mabuza noted that the provincial government has are ready to enter big business markets that SETAs are extremely critical to already entered into an agreement and be competitive early.” HE leadership of the Sector the development of human capital in with the mining houses and signed a Other recommendations from Education and Training South Africa, particularly in the area Memorandums Of Understandings the workshop commissions were Authorities (SETA), National of skills. with other manufacturing companies to incorporate gender disability Skills Authority (NSA) and Premier Mabuza said this country that have their operations in the issues and youth equity, that theT National Skills Fund (NSF) in has a very low skills base, a situation province. the new Mpumalanga university Mpumalanga signed a declaration which is not the creation of the “Together as Partners, we will be help to increase higher education at the Mpumalanga Consultative democratic government but a legacy of establishing a Maths, Science and qualifications, that FET colleges Workshop, Ngwenyama Lodge, the past political regime. Technology Academy and a Skills should continue to be effective and committing themselves to revert and “The post 1994 era saw the Development Hub to enhance the skilling the country, incorporating the to report directly to the Mpumalanga democratic government embarking capacity of both educators and learners co-operatives and focusing on creating Premier David Mabuza on the on an array of policies, strategies and in these learning areas, including SMME focus. achievements and progress made in programmes to address, among other training young people on artisan and Nhlapho said that SETAs are complying with the National Skills things, the challenges of the requisite technical skills, paying more attention determined to increase the required Development Strategy (NSDS) goals. skills required by our economy. on the ‘Out-of- School Youth’,” he said. skills to drive the economy to embetter Bhabhali Nhlapho, NSA, Labour One hopes and trusts that all of us “Premier Mabuza recommended the levels of the Growth Development Deputy Chair said the consultative who are involved in this area of work that his expectations were for him to Plan outputs. workshop was aimed at having a are, and will continue to put our joined oversee a comprehensive plan that “We have to relate to the newly deeper insight on the challenges facing efforts towards translating these will be responding to the Provincial signed Youth Accord that states that Mpumalanga regions with respect to resolutions into reality,” he said. human resource development strategy, the road to employment for young post-school education and training, According to the Premier, the figures and also, a plan that will be placing people should be through learning updating the regions on the skills of the 2011 Census are showing that the more emphasis on the projects that are programmes and not incentives or any conference and monitoring progress on population of Mpumalanga is sitting already existing in this regard. other form,” he concluded. Groundbreaking projects propels Secunda’s artisans industry Elphas Mdluli According to HA, they had obtained 3 200 tons of specialized carbon steel material which is produced specifically for the construction of the vessels. EC for Economic As a result 800 jobs were created for Development, community members some of whom are Environment and deaf artisans. Tourism, Yvonne Phosa, Maciel explained that it was their hasM applauded two big companies largest project and his company was resident in the province, Hydra-Arc now ranked amongst the best in the (HA) which specializes in welding, and world in respect of size and the quality the country’s integrated mining, gas, of the vessels. oil and chemicals’ company, Sasol, for “As a company, we have a their groundbreaking project which has responsibility to our nation to ensure great economic spinoffs for local people. job creation, local employment The MEC’s remarks follows a opportunities and to instill national successful completion of a development pride in all that we do. project embarked upon by a Secunda It is not only what the country can based welding company, HA, which do for its people, but also what people fabricated and delivered a six high can do for the country. We salute the Propeling artisan training: MEC of Economic Development, Environment and pressure vessel to Sasol ahead of time. customers, suppliers, bankers and our Tourism Yvonne Phosa, Chairman of Hydra-Arc Jose Maciel and Executive Escorted by heavy security personnel own people that believed in us and put Mayor of Govan Mbeki Cllr Lindi Masina during the site visit. Picture: Elphas Mdluli. to Sasol’s site, the vessels, which are their trust in us, without them, this 60m long with a total height of 9m, would not have been possible,” said artisan trainees each year. the company on its mammoth project were branded with South African flags Maciel. “In this way, we aim to directly and its efforts towards job creation. and those of the two companies and According to Maciel, his company is address the critical skills shortage in “Sasol has given the proudly South its welding consumables utilized were intending to create a further 450 new our industry and I appeal to all South African campaign a big boost. As locally supplied. jobs over the next three years. African companies and our political government, we recognize that the “The completion of the project marks He also announced their plan to leadership to actively support this private sector is one of the crucial a milestone for the company. We are establish the largest artisan academy initiative,” said Maciel. partners for attaining the government’s humbled by the trust that was placed in the country with the hope that when Phosa who attended the event vision for 2030.We have every intention by Sasol,” said the company’s Executive fully operational, the new academy on behalf of the Premier of the of tapping into your knowledge base Chairman Jose Maciel. would accommodate at least 1 000 province, David Mabuza, congratulated and expertise,” she concluded. • Presidential Hotline: 17737 • www.mpumalanga.gov.za • follow Mpumalanga Provincial Government on Twitter (MPGov) and Facebook - (MPGov) www.mpumalanga.gov.za Inhlabamkhosi ISSUE 1, 2013/14 11 11 INHLABAMKIHOSI YASE MPUMALANAGA - VOLUME 2012/2013 Issue 03

Mpumalanga Provincial Government considers to GENERAL partner with Samsung INFORMATION HE Mpumalanga Premier sectors. urgent solutions. Vision David Mabuza has “As a provincial government, we “We want to spend our energies considered partnering will have to make a decision as to in trying to fix problems on our with Samsung in a move to what we specifically want to partner health and education systems. We A strategic centre of improveT and bring development in all on with Samsung. We have to partner are quite happy about the products excellence for good sectors of the provincial government on matters that will bring effective Samsung has presented to us and in the Mpumalanga Province. service delivery and solutions to we are convinced about the quality governance and This consideration took place during the conditions in the Mpumalanga of the services. We definitely want improved service the Premier’s visit to South Korea, Province,” he said. the company to have its presence in delivery. Seoul. The Premier was accompanied The places visited by the delegation Mpumalanga,” said Mabuza. by MEC for Education Regina included the Samsung-supported The Premier further requested Mhaule, Community Safety, Security Hyowon Elementary School in Seoul, Samsung to consider starting a Mission and Liason MEC and where they gained knowledge on the science and technology Academy the Provincial Director –General Dr utilization of technology for higher Mpumalanga since the province Nonhlanhla Mkhize. education grades, other places visited is regarded as a gateway to Provide strategic Samsung is one of the world’s leading by the delegation were Samsung Mozambique, Swaziland and the leadership through electronics companies in Korea, Digital City, Seol Emergency rest of other nearest provinces in the effective coordination specializing in digital appliances and Operations Centre, Korean Education country. media, semiconductors, memory, and and Research Information Services Samsung has more than 22 000 of government system integration. Today Samsung’s and Samsung Medical Centres. employees at its headquarters and programmes, integrated innovative and top quality products According to the Premier, though is also involved in the construction, planning, monitoring and processes are world recognized. the province considers improving engineering, food processing, ICT, Premier Mabuza explained that the conditions in the province, security and retail sectors. and evaluation, this consideration would benefit the the education and health sectors “Indeed we would want to establish and institutional province in Education, Health, Safety, will be given priority. He said that a working relationship with them, development e-government and on Information the province’s public health has a with the hope that things will get Communication and Technology “package of challenges” which needs better in our province,” he concluded. Values • Honesty • Openness • Consultation • Intergrity • Teamwork • Work ethics and • Respect

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Physical Address Building No. 2 Upper Ground Floor No.7 Government Boulevard, Riverside, Riverside Park Nelspruit, 1200, Mpumalanga, South Africa PUTTING FAMILY FIRST: MEC for Health and Social Development Candith Mashego-Dlamini handing groceries and other aminities to families during International Family Day. Picture: Health and Social Development. Editor in Chief: Nonkululeko Mbatha Editor: Eustace Jansen Journalist and photography: Dudu Shaba and Elphas Mdluli International Family Day celebrated Design and Production: Unathi Mbube and HE Department of Social Health and Social Development, Ms was overwhelmed about what the Zamokuhle Mthethwa Development celebrated KC Mashego-Dlamini. Department of Social Welfare has the International Family One of the activities during the done to them and appreciated all their Inhlabamkhosi is compiled by Day under the theme, celebration marked the visiting of a efforts. the Communication Directorate “AdvancingT social integration and needy household. The Motaung family MEC Mashego-Dlamini encouraged in the Office of the Premier. The intergenerational solidarity within is a child headed family, both parents families, especially parents, to take views expressed in the publication families and the communities”. in the family have passed on and the responsibility of their lives and to take are neither that, those of the This International Family Day children are now headed by a 24 year control of their children and giving directorate nor the Office of the event was celebrated at Marapyane old male with three younger siblings. them proper guidance. Premier. While facilitating the and joined together with the opening MEC Mashego-Dlamini handed “If you feel that you have failed production of the newsletter, the of Marapyane Department of Social over two double beds, four blankets, as a parent do not be afraid to ask directorate will however strive to Development Offices, which was a three piece kitchen unit, a stove for guidance,” Mashego-Dlamini report news that is accurate officially opened by the MEC for and some groceries. The family concluded. and fair. • Presidential Hotline: 17737 • www.mpumalanga.gov.za • follow Mpumalanga Provincial Government on Twitter (MPGov) and Face-book - (MPGov) www.mpumalanga.gov.za 12 ISSUE 1, 2013/14 I Inhlabamkhosi INHLABAMKIHOSI YASE MPUMALANAGA - VOLUMENELSON 2012/2013 Issue 03 12 MANDELA DAY

Celebrating Nelson Mandela Day

Premier David Mabuza celebrated Nelson Mandela day by dedicating his 67 Minutes to the community of Chief Albert Luthuli through various activities which included painting of the walls at eMbuleni hospital and handing blankets to the elders, cutting grass and fixing the road at eMbuleni hospital. Pictures: Elphas Mdluli.

• Presidential Hotline: 17737 • www.mpumalanga.gov.za • follow Mpumalanga Provincial Government on Twitter (MPGov) and Facebook - (MPGov) www.mpumalanga.gov.za