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FREE WWW.MPUMALANGAinhlabamkhosi .GOV.ZA Provincial Governemt MpumalangaGov Issue 3 Vol 2019/20

Mpumalanga, Sverdlovsk to implement the foreign, economic and humanitarian relations agreement

he Mpumalanga Provincial Government Premier of the Province. from a far distance just by the presentation you have and the Government of Sverdlovsk Region “In our Province there is nothing that we do not delivered unto us. There are a number of similarities (Russian Federation) have signed the produce, we are experts in machinery, Information between these two provinces and we are prepared implementation plan for the agreement and technology, pharmaceutical and chemical , labour for any form of collaboration between the two Ton international and foreign economic relations in resources, construction, we take the second place with provinces.,” MEC Shongwe commented. trade, economic, scientific, technical cultural and gas and oil in the federation, we are also the best in “Our priority in our Provincial government is humanitarian areas. manufacturing solutions for maternity, and even now education, health, economic development, arts and The Russian delegation led by the Minister of we are ready to face the challenge of the Corona virus culture. We also boast with our world-class parks International and Foreign Affairs, Hon Vasiliy Kozlov pandemic,” he said. and reserves, astonishing botanical gardens, rivers was hosted by the MEC for Agriculture, Rural “We have 60 universities and 200 000 students and lakes in the province. The Kruger National Development, Land and Environmental Affairs, Mr. studying in our region, the future lies within our Park is a jewel in ’s tourism crown, this Vusi Shongwe, who represented the Mpumalanga children, whatever we do now, we do it for our also includes Potholes, God’s Window, and Maputo Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane. children. I can also continue to say that we are also Corridor that is bordering the Mpumalanga Province, MEC Shongwe said the two countries shared a rich in areas of social, cultural activities and tourism. Swaziland and Maputo,” he added. common goal and believes that they will cooperate in We will also be soon arranging a conference devoted “We will send a delegation of technocrats from terms of implementing their plans. He also indicated to issues of women and people with disabilities, the Mpumalanga government to visit Russia’s that the visit by the delegation is a continuation of we would like to also collaborate in those areas,” he Sverdlovsk region in July 2020 to continue with previous agreements that were signed by the Deputy added. engagements pertaining to implementations,” MEC President Mr Premier when he was a ” Now we have a good understanding of your region Shongwe concluded. 2 INHLABAMKHOSI Issue 3 Vol 2019/20

First Fortune 40 Group graduates griculture MEC Vusi Shongwe says their theoretical and practical training. The Fortune 40 programme is aimed at a new approach will be followed A process to recruit new F40 beneficiaries has encouraging previously disadvantaged youth when recruiting and considering new already started in ernest in the month of February, into the field of agriculture, to make them beneficiaries of the Fortune 40 Young to form part of the programme for the next 3 years. sustainable farmers in poultry, aqua-culture, AFarmer Incubation Programme. He was speaking “This time the recruitment will be a different one, vegetable production, livestock farming and during the graduatiuon of 150 young incubates and we must be strict and prioritize people who tractor mechanic. The graduating group has been who received AGRI-SETA accredited certificates in already show some level of passion for agriculture, applauded for their patience and perseverance on Friday, January 31st after they were not those interested in stipends”, said Shongwe. while the programme was being implemented, part of the programme since it was launched in He called on the group to go out and play a part in which had its own challenges as it was started from September 2015. Over they years, they completed creating employment for others. scratch.

26 new vets deployed in all state vet offices he Department has officially welcomed a and Fisheries. used and applied when dealing with animal health group of 26 fresh Veterinarians who were Acting head of Department Mr Lucky Monareng issues”, he said. part of the 2019 class at University of officially welcomed the animal doctors, saying they The CCS Programme aims at promoting accessibility Pretoria’s Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute. join the Department at a time when their services are of veterinary services particularly in under-served and TThe Vets, who converged for a two-day induction desperately needed due to outbreaks of diseases. This, resource-poor areas. The Vets will render community on January 2nd and 3rd before hitting the ground at a time when measures to curb the spread of Foot service, closely monitoring any possible outbreak of running, hail from various provinces but they chose and Mouth Disease are still in place. Mr Monareng diseases of economic importance, including attending Mpumalanga for their 2020 year-long Compulsory called on the new Vets to feel free and be innovative, to pets. They have since been placed in all State Vet Community Service (CCS) programme, coordinated because they “are bringing with fresh ideas because offices all over the municipalities, with an aim to boost by the national Department of Agriculture, Forestry they are familiar with all the latest technologies being the scares-skills field of veterinary services.

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Festive Season road deaths reduced by over 20% in Mpumalanga

he increased cooperation among the due to these crashes, 51 of them were drivers while very hard during the holiday season saying they need stakeholders and law enforcement visibility 47 passengers and 46 pedestrians did not survive. to continue with the same vigour even beyond the are some of the reasons why Mpumalanga A reduction of 36, 99 % was made with regard to holiday season. She also praised all stakeholders, Province recorded reductions in fatalities, pedestrians’ deaths as compared to last year’s 73 including the media, for their participation in Tfatal crashes and serious injuries for the period 1 pedestrian fatalities. government’s road safety initiatives. December 2019 to 15 January 2020. The statistics have further revealed that 66 fatalities “You must continue to show no mercy to any errant This is according to the MEC for Community Safety, occurred in Nkangala District followed by Gert driver behaviour so that more lives are saved on the Security and Liaison, Ms. Gabisile Shabalala who Sibande District 35 and Ehlanzeni District with 43 road. We also appreciate the motorists who behaved was speaking after the tabling of the Festive Season respectively. The N4 toll road has seen 23 people well because was it not for them the situation could Arrive Alive Report by the Minister of Transport, losing their loves as compared to last year’s 27 road have been worse. We want every person to be become Mr. Fikile Mbalula in Pretoria recently. Mpumalanga deaths. active agents of road safety by not only using the road was also named the second best performing authority It is followed by various municipal roads which safely but by also reporting any bad driver behaviour,” in reducing in reducing road traffic fatalities for the collectively recorded 10 fatalities. R573 (Moloto) and Shabalala added. period under review. R38 roads have seen crashes claiming five lives each. On the other hand, the MEC believes that with harsher During the period, 144 people were killed in the Other problematic routes include R555, R536, R38, punishing of traffic offenders, a huge impact will be province as compared to 187 road deaths that were R546, R40, R38, N17, N2 and R23. made in government’s road safety efforts. She has recorded last year and this represents a reduction of Most of the fatalities were as a result of pedestrians therefore called on law enforcers at all levels to ensure 23%. There was a further reduction of 12, 23% in being hit by moving vehicles and this accounted that they spur no effort in bringing to book any person fatal crashes because for the period under review, 122 for 46 fatal injuries. 22 lives were also claimed found to be using the road in a reckless manner. fatal crashes took place as compared to last year’s as a consequence of head on collisions. Vehicles Meanwhile the MEC also indicated that the 139. overturning and side swipes collisions each led to 21 department will continue priority routes saying A further decrease of 36, 51% was made with regard deaths. that monitoring will be strengthened in such routes to serious injuries because only 487 people were MEC Shabalala said although there are reductions particularly during busy weekends and holiday affected while last year it was about 767 people who in fatalities and fatal crashes, the number of people seasons. were seriously injured as a result of road crashes. The who die on the road is still too high. She added that MEC Shabalala has further sent her heartfelt only increase was in slight injuries which went up one road death is one too many. The MEC mentioned condolences to all the families who have lost their from 961 to 1005 and this represents an upward trend that the increased law enforcement visibility has also loved during the Festive Season and she has also of 4,38%. contributed towards improving the situation. wished those who may still be in various hospitals Of the total number of people who have perished She thanked the law enforcement officers who worked across the province a speedy recovery.

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Men should be at the forefront of the war against gender based violence

en should be at the forefront of the emotional and psychological abuse,” the MEC said. that are geared towards empowering young people war against gender based violence by “Psychological abuse is even worse because it cannot should be implemented as young people often become among others instilling good values in be seen yet the scars are long lasting and victims victims or perpetrators of abuse in many relationships their children especially boys. Boys become affected in many negative ways sometimes that have gone wrong. Mshould be taught by their fathers to respect girls, without them even realizing.” She has thus called on community leaders including their mothers and all women. This is according to Therefore, adults should resolve their differences in traditional leadership to have specific programmes Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security an amicable manner and also seek professional help that will assist the youth. She has also called for more and Liaison, Ms. Gabisile Shabalala. where necessary,” Shabalala added. The MEC told empowerment of women with economic and job MEC Shabalala was speaking during the provincial community members that government was doing all opportunities so that they do not become vulnerable launch of 16 Days of Activism for no violence against in its might to eradicate the scourge. to abuse. women and children campaign at Mandela Village in However, she insisted that communities should Last year’s campaign is commemorated under the KwaMhlanga in November last year. work with the police in the fight against the scourge theme: “Enough is Enough – 365 Days to end Gender- “Men should instil good values in their own children because it is the responsibility of everyone and not Based violence and Femicide (GBVF).” The 16 Days such that these boys grow up respecting every person, government alone to bring an end to gender based Campaign is a United Nations campaign which takes young and old including all women they come across violence. place. even when they have grown up, “ Shabalala said. She said all crime suspects must be reported to The launch was supported by various government She went on to state that parents must refrain from the police so that perpetrators are brought to book. departments and state entities, Thembisile Hani quarrelling in front of their children because the Shabalala has further implored community members Local Municipality, non-governmental organizations minors become negatively affected and they will also not to withdraw abuse cases because that makes the (NGOs), community organizations such as Women not respect other people especially women. “The habit cycle not to end as penetrators go unpunished. Against Abuse and Men Against Abuse and traditional of belittling one another in front of children is also The MEC also mentioned that more programmes leadership in the area.

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Matsulu paves the way to address unemployment

he community of Matsulu will now enjoy rehabilitation of the road layer works, surfacing, anticipated project started in September 2019 and is the benefits of service delivery through the storm water control including new culverts, subsoil expected to be completed in April 2020. construction of the new road. The D2978 drainage, v-drains, kerbs, walkways, road signs and One of the workers on the project is the 29 year old, road connects Matsulu A and Matsulu B at road markings. The project will be implemented Mr Mduduzi Mathebula from Matsulu. He started TEhlanzeni district in the City of Mbombela. This is using labour intensive methods in a bid to maximise working on the project in September 2019 as a one of the projects that showcases progress made in job opportunities. According to the Project Manager, labourer. He said that he is now able to take care of the delivery of transport infrastructure in the province. Mr Bheki Shabangu, the construction of the 2.14 km his family since he started working on the project. “It The Department invested at least R24 million towards stretch road has already started with at least 32 local feels good to have a job and earn a salary every month the construction of this road. people employed on the project and it also provided and my life is changed now,” he explained. The scope of the road include amongst others, the local SMMEs an opportunity to participate. The much

Sikhulile curcuit brings new hope for Msogwaba community he Provincial Government has a vision to As an implementing agent, the Department has teaching roll out service delivery to ensure that all now completed the construction of Sikhulile This state-of-the-art circuit office is equipped with citizens in the province get closer or in Circuit Office at Msogwaba in Ehlanzeni District. 10 offices, 6 administration rooms, 4 store rooms, touch with government. In the previous The Department has done an exceptional job in 6 toilets, boardroom and kitchen. The project Tyears; government offices were centralised in one delivering the state-of-the-art structure. This has commenced in November 2018 and was completed place; making it difficult for other areas to access been done to ensure that communities’ access in December 2019. The structure was built at a tune services from various offices. It is all in the past now information and get assisted easily thus expanding of approximately R9 million. In an effort to combat since the Department has built various offices in service delivery. It will also help to improve unemployment, the project created more than 45 the province to bring closer service delivery to the educational access and help schools in the local work opportunities for local people and SMMEs people. circuit to achieve excellence in learning and through sub-contracting.

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Government takes a stance in prioratising education one are the days where learners used to underway. The school which is over 40 years old, has existing structures, alterations, construction of 6 be crammed in one classroom because old structures and accommodates about 781 learners. classrooms, 2 grade R centres and 10 toilets. The there was not enough space available. The Hence the construction of the school will address project commenced in July 2019 and is projected to Government has made an apex priority challenges such as overcrowding due to the influx of be completed in September 2020. The implementation Gin education. Through the Department of Public children from neighbouring communities, including of the project will be done at a cost of approximately Works, Roads and Transport as a custodian of Public Matsulu, Kamagugu and Kanyamazane coming to R9 million. The project has already contributed Infrastructure the province today boost high standard urban schools. According to the Project Manager, significantly towards the local economy. In the of Education Infrastructure. Ms Pinky Makhongele, the Department is working process, the project created more than 40 jobs The Department has since constructed number of tirelessly to ensure that the project is delivered on opportunities for local people and SMMEs through schools that includes the construction of Klipspringer time. sub-contracting. Primary School in the City of Mbombela which is The scope of work includes the demolition of

Glimpse of hope as Msholozi gets a new school

sholozi, a new settlement near White River in Mbombela, is to get a new school as a construction of a new Mprimary school got under way in 2019/20 financial year. This settlement has shown rapid growth/ expansion since its inception, thus necessitating investment in social infrastructure such as schools, health facilities and other social amenities. The construction of Boschrand primary school was scheduled to begin in August 2019 but got delayed due to stakeholders’ engagements. The new school will be constructed at a cost of R51.7 Million and like many such projects, it is expected to create much needed job opportunities for the local people, provide training and help stimulate economic activity through subcontracting to local business people. The projected is scheduled to be completed by November 2020.

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