Premier of KZN
Executive
Provincial Priorities
Budget
Sukuma Sakhe
News
Rail Transport in KwaZulu-Natal
Rural Development
KZN : A Prosperous Province

PREMIER Dr. ZWELI LAWRENCE MKHIZE

Profile

MEC for Health (1994 - 2004)
MEC for Finance and Economic Development (2004 - 2009)
Leader of Government Business in KwaZulu-Natal (2004 - 2009)
Chairperson of the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal
Member of the ANC National Executive Committee
Chairperson of the ANC's National Education, Health, Science and Technology sub-committee
Chairperson: 2010 World Cup Political Oversight Committee (2006 - 2010)
Chancellor Of University of KwaZulu-Natal (2009 - Current)
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal (2009 - Current)

Academic Qualifications

Graduated in 1982 with an MBChB degree from the University of Natal (now University of KwaZulu-Natal)

Public Servants' Pledge To You

The Government is continuously creating an enabling environment to ensure delivery of services in an effective way. We will be guided by Batho Pele principles demonstrating accountability and transparency.

We will also ensure that:

All civil servants wear name badges/ pins to be easily identifiable to the public at all times
We treat the public with respect, interacting with patience and courtesy with those who seek services in government offices. Batho Pele principles are:

1. Consultation
2. Setting service standards
3. Increasing access
4. Ensuring courtesy
5. Providing information
6. Openness and transparency
7. Redress
8. Value for money
9. Encouraging innovation and rewarding excellence
10. Service delivery impact
11. Leadership and strategic direction

The Government is partnering with you to promote a culture of ubuntu and accountability using the Citizens' Charter, and thus enhance behavioral change. YOU have responsibility in fighting social ills to help renew the fibre of society, for instance, by helping vulnerable people. YOU could prevent crimes and teenage pregnancies. Obey road safety rules and promote safe sexual conduct and a healthy lifestyle. Read and know about your rights. Be a responsible citizen and do not take away anybody's rights.

Members of the Provincial Executive Council

Transport, Community Safety and Liaison - MEC Mr Thembinkosi Willies Mchunu

Career / Positions / Memberships / Other Activities

Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature
Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature
Deputy Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature
Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Executive Committee (ANC) and Provincial Working Committee of the ANC (1994 to date)
KwaZulu-Natal ANC Deputy Chairperson
KwaZulu-Natal Chairperson SACP
Member, Central Executive Committee, SACP
Regional Convener and the first Chairperson of the Northern Natal Region of the ANC
Trade Unionist with COSATU affiliates
SANCO KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Working Committee Member
Chairperson of Nkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital Board
Founder and Chairperson of Isiphelelo Trust, a benevolent initiative
Chairperson of Cato Manor Development Association Board of Directors

Contact Details
Physical Address: 172 Burger Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
Postal Address: Private Bag X9043, Pietermaritzburg, 3200
Contact Person: Thobekile Nzimande
Tel: +27 (0)33 342 2626
Fax: +27 (0)33 342 8824
E-mail: thobekile.nzimande@kzntransport.gov.za
Website: http://www.kzncomsafety.gov.za or
http://www.kzntransport.gov.za

Economic Development & Tourism - MEC Mr Michael Mabuyakhulu

Academic Profile

Honours Degree in Management
Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, Advanced Business Programme
Conducted research on labour matters

Career / Positions / Memberships / Other Activities

Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature
MEC Local Government, Housing and Traditional Affairs
MEC Finance and Economic Affairs
MEC Public Works
MEC Economic Development and Tourism
Member of the National Executive Committee of the Metal and Allied Workers Union of South Africa
Regional Secretary of Numsa in Northern KwaZulu-Natal
Convenor of the ANC Caucus within the Economic Development and Tourism Portfolio Committee of the Legislature

Contact Details
Physical Address: Durban: 9th Floor The Marine
Building, 22 Dorothy Nyembe Street, Durban, 4001
Physical Address: Pietermaritzburg: 1st Floor Heritage
House, 270 Jabu Ndlovu Street, Pietermaritzburg,
3201
Postal Address: Private Bag X001, Bishopgate, 4008
Contact Person: Ntsiko Mathambo
Tel: +27 (0)31 310 5300 or +27 (0)33 264 2500
Fax: +27 (0)31 310 5416
E-mail: mecpa@kznded.gov.za
Website: http://www.kznded.gov.za

Finance - MEC Mrs Catharina Magdalena Cronje

Academic Profile

BA University Education Diploma
BA LLB

Career / Positions / Memberships / Other Activities

Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature
MEC for Education (Longest standing in the Province)
Teacher
Freelance Journalist
Attorney
ANC Deputy Chief Whip
ANC Chief Whip
Founder member of the first ANC branch in Pietermaritzburg Central after the ANC was unbanned
Served on various public portfolio committees in Parliament, including Education, Conservation, Environmental Affairs, Finance and Public Accounts

Contact Details
Physical Address: 2nd Floor Natalia Building,
330 Langalibalele Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
Postal Address: PO Box 3613, Pietermaritzburg,
3200
Contact Person: Esther Naidoo
Tel: +27 (0)33 846 6997
Fax: +27 (0)33 846 6801/2
E-mail: esther.naidoo@kzntreasury.gov.za
Website: http://www.kzntreasury.gov.za

Social Development : MEC Mrs Weziwe Gcotyewa Thusi

Academic Profile

Chief Professional Nurse - Equivalent of a Matron
Diplomas in General Nursing Science, Midwifery and Psychiatric Nursing Care
Certificate in Reproductive Health

Career / Positions / Memberships / Other Activities

Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature
MEC for Arts, Culture and Tourism (2006-2009)
Chairperson of the KZN Parliamentary Women's Caucus
Member of the Provincial Executive Committee and Provincial Working Committee of the ANC Women's League in KwaZulu-Natal
Provincial convener of the KZN Chapter of the Progressive Women's Movement of South Africa
Secretary of Umlazi Health Forum
Chairperson of the Standing Committee on the Quality of Life, Status of Women, Children, Youth and People with Disabilities
Chairperson of the Health Portfolio Committee
Worked in different hospitals in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal

Contact Details
Physical Address: 208 Hoosen Haffejee Street, Pietermaritzburg,
3201
Postal Address: Private Bag X9144, Pietermaritzburg,
3200
Contact Person: Nokubonga Khoza
Tel: +27 (0)33 341 9605
Fax: +27 (0)33 341 9610/6
E-mail: nokubonga.khoza@kznsocdev.gov.za
Website: http://www.kznsocdev.gov.za

Agriculture, Rural Development & Environmental Affairs : MEC Dr Bonginkosi Meshack Radebe

Academic Profile

Honourary Doctorate in Social Science

Career / Positions / Memberships / Other Activities

Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature
MEC for Social Welfare and Population Development in KwaZulu-Natal (now known as Social Development)
Provincial Executive Committee Member of ANC
Chief Whip and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee of Public Works
Mediator on conflict situations in Burundi, Rwanda, Northern Ireland and Sri Lanka
Chairperson: Public Works Portfolio Committee
Chairperson: Executive and Finance Committee of the Interim Local Council of the Outer West Local Council
Executive Committee Member of Kwanaloga
Member of the Hillcrest Hospital Board
Co-Chairperson: Provincial Peace Committee
Mayor of the then Durban Outer West Region

Contact Details
Physical Address: No.1 Cedara, Executive Building,
Cedara College, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
Postal Address: Private Bag X9059, Pietermaritzburg,
KZN, South Africa, 3200
Contact Person: Thuleleni Cele
Tel: +27 (0)33 343 8241
Fax: +27 (0)33 343 8255
E-mail: thuleleni.cele@kzndae.gov.za
Website: http://www.kzndae.gov.za

Education - MEC Mr Edward Senzo Mchunu

ACADEMIC PROFILE

Secondary Teachers Diploma
BA Degree UNISA
Masters programme on Political Transformation

CAREER / POSITIONS / MEMBERSHIPS / OTHER ACTIVITIES

Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature
MEC Provincial Executive Committee Member of ANC
Teachers at St Augustine High school at Nqutu and at Impande High School, Eshowe
Chairperson of the Agriculture Portfolio Committee
Chairperson of the Social Development Portfolio Committee
Chairperson of the Education Portfolio Committee
Provincial Secretary of the ANC in KZNtill stepping down in 2009
Provincial Secretary of the ANC in KZNwhich was a two-year term that ended in 1996
Deputy Secretary of the ANC inKZN
Regional Secretary of the ANC, Northern KZN region
Provincial Secretary of the ANC in KZN

CONTACT DETAILS
Physical Address: Anton Muziwakhe Lembede House, 247 Burger Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
Postal Address: Private Bag X9137, Pietermaritzburg, 3200
Contact Person: Nonopha Maponya
Tel: +27 (0)33 355 2414
Fax: +27 (0)33 394 0893
E-mail: Nonopha.maponya@kzndoe.gov.za
Website: http://www.kzneducation.gov.za

Health : MEC Dr (BRIG GEN) Sibongiseni Maxwell Dhlomo

Academic Profile

MBChB, University of Natal
Bachelor of Arts (UNISA)
Diplomas in Tropical Medicine & Hygiene, HIV Management & Palliative Medicine
Masters in Public Health
Studying MBA - Strategic Management (specialisation)

Career / Positions / Memberships / Other Activities

Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature
Deputy City Manager; Health and Social Services, eThekwini Metro Municipality
Member of Southern African Medical Association (SAMA), College of Medicine in SA, International AIDS Society
Mayor of Newcastle Municipality
Member of Umkhonto Wesizwe- Held various executive positions in the ANC
Brigadier General in the SANDF Reserves
Practised medicine at King Edward Hospital & Madadeni Medical Centre in Newcastle
Served as an academic at UKZN lecturing in Public Health and advising the Vice-Chancellor
Former Regional Treasurer Emalahleni Region (ANC)
Regional Chairperson of eThekwini Region (ANC)

Contact Details
Physical Address: 1st Floor Natalia Building, 330
Langalibalele Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
Postal Address: Private Bag X9051, Pietermaritzburg,
3200
Contact Person: Zamokuhle Zondi
Tel: +27 (0) 33 395 3028
Fax: +27 (0)33 394 0597
E-mail: zamokuhle.zondi@kznhealth.gov.za
Website: http://www.kznhealth.gov.za

Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs - MEC Ms Nomusa Dube, MPL

Academic Profile

Diploma in Public Management: Durban University of Technology
Diploma in Management & Leadership: University of KwaZulu-Natal
Diploma in Training & Development: University of KwaZulu-Natal
Master's Degree in Public Administration-University of KwaZulu-Natal (current)

Career / Positions / Membership / Other Activities

Mayor of the North Central Local Council
Speaker of the eThekwini Municipality
Ambassador to the Czech Republic
Chief Whip of the ANC in the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial legislature
Deputy Provincial Secretary of the ANC KwaZulu-Natal
Chairperson of Durban Unicity Committee
Member of Greater Durban Metropolitan Negotiating Forum
Member of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature
Chairperson of the Durban Tourism Board of Directors & the National Training
Board of Local Government Bodies
Member of the Board of Directors of the Tourism KwaZulu-Natal
Member of the Senate of the University Council of KwaZulu-Natal
Chairperson of the Gender Working Group of African Union of Local Authorities
Member of the Curries Fountain Development Centre

Contact Details
Physical Address: 1st Floor, FNB House, Redlands
Estate, 1 George McFarlane Lane, Wembley, 3201
Postal Address: Private Bag X9155, Pietermaritzburg, 3200
Contact Person: Thina Mabaso
Tel: +27 (0)33 264 5500 or +27 (0)31 310 4500
Fax: +27 (0)33 392 0027
E-mail: thina.mabaso@kzncogta.gov.za
Website: http://www.kzncogta.gov.za

Arts, Culture, Sports & Recreation : MEC Mrs Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha

Academic profile

Diploma in Electrical Engineering;
Diploma in Project Management

Career / Positions / Memberships / Other activities

KZN Member of Provincial Legislature
Whip of the Finance Portfolio Committee in the National Assembly
Member of Parliament in the National Assembly 2007
ANC Provincial Executive Committee member
COSAS Provincial Executive Committee member
ANCYL National Executive Committee member
KZN Youth Commissioner
KZN Youth Council member
Founder of KZN Young Women's Forum

Contact Details
Physical Address: 1st Floor Heritage House, 22
Jabu Ndlovu Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201
Postal Address: Private Bag X9140, Pietermaritzburg,
3200
Contact Person: Nangamso Ndikandika
Tel: +27 (0)33 342 6300
Fax: +27 (0)33 342 6313
E-mail: ndikandikan@kzndac.gov.za
Websites: http://www.kzndac.gov.za or
http://www.kzndsr.gov.za

Human Settlements & Public Works : MEC Mr Ravi Pillay

Academic Profile

Matriculated in 1975 at Port Shepstone Secondary (Head Boy)
BA Llb at University of Durban Westville

Career / Positions / Memberships / Other Activities

He was a student activist in 1976
Joined the African National Congress in 1981
Office bearer positions in Marburg Port Shepstone Residents Association, Port Shepstone Tamil Association, Port Shepstone Football Association and Natal Indian Congress
Branch, regional and today, a provincial leader of the African National Congress
Port Shepstone Peace Committee and Chairperson of the Port Shepstone Negotiating Forum
First Speaker of the Hibiscus Coast Municipality before becoming the Speaker of the Ugu District Municipality.
In 2009 he was elected to the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature and appointed as Chief Whip until November 2011.
Member of the 1860 Legacy Foundation National Committee and the Monty Naicker Commemoration Committee

Contact Details
Physical Address: Ministers Cottage, 455A Jan
Smuts Highway, Mayville, 4001
Postal Address: Private Bag X 54336, Durban, 4000
Contact Person: Juri Thaver
Tel: +27 (0)31 261 8997
Fax: +27 (0)86 548 9918
E-mail: juri.thaver@kznworks.gov.za
Website: http://www.kznworks.gov.za or
http://www.kznhousing.gov.za

Opening of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature 2011

Provincial Government Priorities

The six priorities are:

Ensure Food Security and Rehabilitation of Emerging Farmers

Provide mentorship, capacity building for farmers
Strengthen agricultural sector to create jobs and maximize export potential

Intensive Campaign to Fight Crime

Support community conflict resolution mechanisms and promotion of effective policing, utilizing the existing structures and police volunteers
Intensify fight against fraud and corruption

Support Health Reforms

Expand HIV and AIDS programmes
Prioritizing fight against tuberculosis
Improve conditions of employment for health workers

Improving Education

Promote adult education
Improve quality of education
Embark on grassroots mobilization for children to return to classes
Ensure children are at school learning, teachers are at school, in class on time, teaching
Refurbish schools in need of teaching facilities such as laboratories, libraries, etc

Building the Economy to Create Decent Jobs

Fight unemployment and eradicate poverty
Promote small enterprise development and build a cooperative movement
Devise strategies to mitigate the impact of global economic downturn
Protect jobs and mitigate the negative impact of retrenchments

Good Governance and Nation Building

Improve accountability and accounting

2012 / 2013 Provincial Budget Highlights

The Office of the Premier
Budget allocation increases from R491.105 million in 2011/12 to R656.426 million in 2014/15. The Youth Ambassadors programme aims to develop youth who will conduct provincial household surveys to profile the needs of the communities. The youth ambassadors assist in the implementation of programmes, such as: Awareness campaigns on HIV and AIDS; Healthy lifestyle promotion; One Home, One Garden programme; Back to School initiative and Financial Literacy training. A total of 1 966 youth ambassadors are expected to be employed by the end of 2012/13.

Department of Education
The largest portion of the budget goes to Education which is set to increase from R33.227 billion in 2011/12 to R39.524 billion in 2014/15. The aim to promote quality basic education and a skilled and capable workforce includes: Improving the rate at which new, young and appropriately trained teachers enter the teaching profession; National School Nutrition Programme; the No-fee policy, which applies to 4 739 schools, means that the majority of learners have access to free education.

R7.560 billion will be spent over the 2012/13 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) on infrastructure projects to address backlogs in schools for the provision of classrooms, toilets, computer rooms, laboratories, media centres, water and electricity. The Department has registered an intention to enter into a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement for schools and offices.

Department of Health
The budget increases from R24.669 billion in 2011/12 to R30.545 billion in 2014/15. This is the second highest share of the provincial budget. Key priorities include: Increasing life expectancy at birth; decreasing the maternal and child mortality
rate; combating HIV/Aids, decreasing the burden of diseases from tuberculosis; and strengthening the health system's effectiveness. The infrastructure budget over the 2012/13 MTEF is R6.116 billion. Projects include:

Re-building the greater Edendale hospital complex
Design and construction of the Dr John Dube and Dr Pixley kaSeme district hospitals
Rehabilitation of the children's hospital in eThekwini
Upgrading of the accident and emergency unit at Addington
New casualty/trauma units at various district hospitals
Upgrading of various general and TB wards at district hospitals
Routine maintenance at health institutions
Construction of the Madadeni Psychiatric Hospital in Newcastle
Provincial Pharmaceutical Supply Depot

Department of Transport
The budget increases from R6.628 billion in 2011/12 to R8.724 billion in 2014/15. Road upgrade and construction programmes supporting the corridors of the primary and secondary development nodes will continue. Labour-intensive
construction methods will be used to create employment and preference given to local suppliers of goods and services. Local Vukuzakhe contractors will be used when possible to support the local economy. Priorities include constructing 855 kilometres of gravel road over the MTEF, rehabilitate 615 kilometres of surfaced roads; build 13 pedestrian bridges per annum; and transport 13 000 learners per annum to school. People will be employed in line with Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) principles, creating 5 570 000 person days of work per annum over the MTEF. The target for the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) was 32 000 work opportunities. KwaZulu-Natal achieved 55 036 in 2011, which is 18% of the national EPWP. We were the first province to exceed the target and receive the EPWP rebate.

Department of Human Settlements

The budget increases from R3.085 billion in 2011/12 to R3.641 billion in 2014/15. The Department will focus on the 17 municipalities with the highest prevalence of informal settlements in the Province, and will prioritise those located in areas that will give rise to the establishment of new settlements, new towns and new economic opportunities. Well-located and appropriate land will be found. Projects include:

The 25 000 unit Vulindlela rural housing development project, 2 908 units will be built in 2012/13, construction is anticipated to be completed by 2017.

Cornubia is based on the principles of sustainable development with higher densities, the integration of a wide range of income levels, employment and economic opportunities, provision of schools, clinics and other social facilities, viable non-motorised and public transportation and extensive open spaces.

Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs
and Rural Development
The budget increases from R2.482 billion in 2011/12 to R3.019 billion in 2014/15. The 2012/13 plans are to: Unlock the potential of agricultural land through the mechanisation programme, by ploughing and planting a further 15 000 hectares; Implement the second phase of the liming programme, 4 900 hectares of land to be limed ; Establish reliable irrigation production sites in the rural areas of Ugu, Sisonke, iLembe and uThungulu.

Rehabilitating existing, as well as construction of new irrigation schemes will improve crop production and address livestock challenges, i.e. low reproduction rate, high mortality rate, parasites, insufficient health, grazing management, stock theft and insufficient marketing infrastructure. Additional funding will be used to fence communal/traditional agricultural land to ensure that livestock does not gain access and destroy crops, and to reduce the risk of theft. The diptank rehabilitation programme will link into this programme.

Department of Social Development
The budget increases from R1.953 billion in 2011/12 to R2.401 billion in 2014/15. Plans include to:

Increase the number of older persons accessing community based care and support services from 13 493 to 23 505
Capacity building sessions on the Older Persons Act and abuse of older persons will be held with NPOs and government departments
Fill vacant posts and the accreditation of service providers for the effective implementation of the Child Justice Act, as well as capacity development on pre-sentence investigation reporting
Increase the staff dedicated to partial care services
Appoint data capturers dedicated to the facilitation of Early Childhood Development (ECD) and EPWP training
Undertake ECD awareness programmes; call for proposals from NGOs to render services for new programmes
Appoint additional staff at cluster and service offices and child care facilities

Department of Economic Development and Tourism

The Department's budget allocation increases from R1.578 billion in 2011/12 to R2.003 billion in 2014/15. The Department will;

Enhancing the competitiveness of the priority sectors of the economy in line with its industrial development strategy
Promote small business and social enterprises and facilitate economic empowerment programmes
Provide an consumer protection service and ensure effective and prudent business regulation in the Province
Regulate the liquor industry through the KZN Liquor Entity
Promote development of the airside and landside service provision at Dube TradePort
Expand air to road trucking operations to Johannesburg, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth
Commence a regional route network service with a regional carrier to identified commercial centres in the South African Development Community (SADC)
Develop the general aviation and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities
Expand the agri-zone by bringing more greenhouses into operation and developing a new packhouse

Department of Public Works
The budget increases from R1.268 billion in 2011/12 to R1.461 billion in 2014/15. This provides for the: payment of property rates; implementation of the Government Immoveable Asset Management Act, management of immovable assets and co-ordination of the KZN Integrated Greening Programme, including:

Tree-preneurs - growing and planting indigenous and edible plants
Waste-preneurs - collecting recyclable waste
Green-preneurs - trading bicycles, water tanks, solar energy devices
Reforestation projects - restoring community forest assets

Public Works has been given three years to boost its capacity by employing a full complement of engineers, quantity surveyors, architects and technicians.

Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA)
The budget increases from R1.156 billion in 2011/12 to R1.338 billion in 2014/15. The 2012/13 focus is to: ensure that municipal councillors are well equipped to play their oversight role; Implement Operation Clean Audit by reviewing the provincial plan of action, establish political oversight and technical steering committees, provide support to municipalities in developing audit response plans to address issues raised by the Auditor -General and provide support to address common audit short comings.

Consequent to the review of national infrastructure backlog eradication targets set for each sector for 2014, the Department will develop a comprehensive infrastructure plan, incorporating the sector and spatial plans. This will assist in planning for basic service delivery needs of households and for economic development needs in order to attract more investments in the Province.

COGTA and Water Utilities have earmarked R18-billion to rapidly increase bulk water supply and establish more water treatment plants and storage facilities.

Department of the Provincial Treasury
The budget increases from R510.024 million in 2011/12 to R625.123 million in 2014/15. Initiatives include to:

Develop the Pietermaritzburg and Ulundi airports
Deploying the Infrastructure Crack Team to various sector departments to increase the delivery capacity in respect of project management and implementation, Establish Contract Management systems
Establish Municipal Bid Appeals Tribunals
Conduct a BEE Verification exercise
Support municipalities through the Municipal Support Programme
Enhance Sound Cash Management
Identify and review of key financial controls
Conduct fraud risk reviews and assessments
Conduct Financial Literacy programmes

Department of Arts and Culture
The budget increases from R369.818 million in 2011/12 to R659.163 million in 2014/15.This allocation contains funding towards the phased-in provincial take over of public libraries and museums. Programmes are aimed at developing: artists, theatre, film and video, artists in school, craft and visual arts skills, and offering master classes by professional artists to community members. To encourage social cohesion and nation building, the Department will host: inter-generation and inter-cultural dialogues; multi-cultural programmes; and community festivals in all districts.

Department of Sport and Recreation
The budget increases from R358.333 million in 2011/12 to R420.696 million in 2014/15. The 2012/13 focus will:

Create an environment for sport and recreation starting with mass participation in communities and schools
Implement the Province's competitive sports strategy by investing in the development of identified athletes to ensure progress from broad based mass participation to provincial, national and international competitions
Work with tertiary institutions to ensure that disadvantaged athletes can access their programmes and enjoy the benefits of scientific testing, medical screening, competition, nutritional support and high performance training

Department of Community Safety and Liaison
The budget allocation is set to grow from R150.139 million in 2011/12 to R180.251 million in 2014/15. This provides for the:

Evaluation of police service delivery and compliance with national policy standards
Oversight of the establishment and functioning of Community Policing Forums at all police stations in the Province
Execution of social crime prevention programmes at provincial and local level
Implementation of the Volunteer Social Crime Prevention Programme

South African Local Government Association KZN Games 2011

SUKUMA SAKHE

Dr Zweli Mkhize together with members of his Cabinet met with the Ilembe community

LET US STAND UP AND BUILD

The origin of Masisukume Sakhe, which is the motto on the crest of the Provincial Government of KwaZulu-Natal, is taken from the Prophet Nehemiah 2:18, where he yearns to rebuild a city that has been destroyed.

In 2009 the Provincial Government started Operation Sukuma Sakhe, a programme aimed at solving community problems from the ground. Operation Sukuma Sakhe has a 'whole of Government approach' as its philosophical basis. The programme aims at integrating all government departments to focus on working together to visit the poorest, most deprived households in our province to bring health, welfare and other services to them. Sukuma Sakhe seeks to institute food security, fight disease, in particular HIV, AIDS and TB to empower women and youth, and to instill behavioural change amongst the citizens of the province. As examples the Department of Health plans to utilise Sukuma Sakhe to reduce teenage pregnancies, improve low risk pregnancies and reduce morbidity and mortality. The Department of Sport and Recreation will also play a vital role in Operation Sukuma Sakhe by mobilising youth energy against crime, drugs, teenage pregnancy and encourage youth to be disciplined.

The KZN Government humbly accepts that it cannot achieve these goals alone, but needs each community's hands in building this nation together. Therefore Sukuma Sakhe is a platform where issues can be discussed and resolved by partnering with the communities. Through Sukuma Sakhe interventions will systematically contribute to the economic growth, community development, job creation, strengthening of institutions and poverty alleviation of the province.

MEC for Finance, Ina Cronje said, "For too long, communities have been stuck in first gear. We are going to turn this skoro-skoro into a racing car. But we have to push together if we are to win the race against poverty, unemployment and all social ills of alcohol and drug abuse, teenage pregnancies and HIV/Aids. The government is moving service delivery for young people in this area into top gear. I am happy to engage with learners, teachers and communities about the issues that lie close to their hearts."

War rooms have been launched in a number of the province's wards in order to maintain a point of contact with communities. War rooms are platforms where officials from various government departments deal with a number of service delivery issues on the spot.

At a recent war room launch Dr Mkhize explained that the war room is a platform where communities can interact with government."If you want to know what progress is being made in your ward, go to the war room and the information will be
available there. If you are not happy, there are various ways for you to get in touch with us," said Dr Mkhize emphasising the need for communities to get involved in all government programmes.

"If hunger was a visible enemy, and you could see it enter your neighbor's house, people would perhaps call out for help, but this thing is invisible. This is why we need to have War Rooms in every ward so we can answer questions of children without birth certificates or people without ID documents," said Dr Mkhize.

Youth Ambassadors have been employed to assist in profiling households, which together with the integration of community caregivers is beginning to bear fruit as many individuals and families in distress are identified through the profiling process. Social workers working have also found it easier to prepare their case studies and make recommendations and interventions.

An example is apparent in an official visit to one year old Ayabonga Duma's house, who lost her mother a few weeks after birth. She now lives with her unemployed grandmother Dombi Duma. The anxious family was discovered through Operation Sukuma Sakhe, as the grandmother had no clue where to go to get support for the infant. The child will get a birth certificate and the grandmother will get foster care grant.

In another example a house was built in eThekwini Municipality for Evelinah Khanyile who was left homeless after her home was destroyed by severe storms. Mayor of eThekwini James Nxumalo thanked the community for showing love and support to Khanyile, saying that a united community takes care of everyone. "We thank everyone who participated in making sure that this house is built and that Gogo Khanyile has a home." In Zululand another recipient of a house, Gogo Lenah Mhlongo gave a detailed account of how her house was blown away by storms in the region in 2010. "The storm did not even last that long, but suddenly we were sitting outside, with the house gone," said Gogo Mhlongo. To date, 30 houses that were damaged by storms in 2010 and last year have been completed, with close to 200 nearing completion.

As part of the drive to popularise Operation Sukuma Sakhe, the government has partnered with well-known film and television star Leleti Khumalo. The Durban-born actress, who is known for her outstanding performances in Sarafina and
Yesterday, will co-ordinate and host Uzogcwala La!, a magazine television show, which will be filmed in townships around Durban and rural areas across the province.

"We are here to listen to you," Khumalo said. "We brought you all the government departments to give you answers. But by the same token, we would also like to encourage young people to stand up and do things for themselves and come up with solutions so that the government can meet us halfway."

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KZN Government

CHANGES IN THE PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.

2011-11-22

STATEMENT BY DR ZWELI MKHIZE PREMIER OF KWAZULU-NATAL - CHANGES IN THE PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 15 NOVEMBER 2011 I want to welcome members of the media who are with us this... continue reading ›

2011-11-22

KZN PROVINCIAL CLIMATE CHANGE ROADSHOW HELD AT JOZINI SPORTS GROUNDS As part of build up events to the upcoming COP 17, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government is hosting a series of roa... continue reading ›

CHANGING THE LIVES OF OUR PEOPLE

2011-11-12

TWELVE NATIONAL OUTCOMES The South African Government has agreed on 12 Outcomes as a key focus of work between now and 2014. The Government of KwaZulu-Natal is committed to developing implement... continue reading ›

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CHANGES IN THE PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.

2011-11-22

UNSCRUPULOUS CONS ATTEMPT TO CASH IN ON

2011-10-06

MEDIA STATEMENT To: All News Editors 06 October 2011 UNSCRUPULOUS CONS ATTEMPT TO CASH IN ON THE HYPE TO GO GREEN IN THE COUNTRY AND THE IMMINENT CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE IN THE PROVINC... continue reading ›

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Rail Transport in KwaZulu-Natal

The Department of Transport of KwaZulu-Natal and The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) have entered into a Memorandum of Agreement to co-operate on the improvement, development and investment in the passenger rail system of the Province. A Rail Steering Committee is to be established for the Province, for the alignment of transport planning, transport integration and the joint development/implementation of rail projects. Premier Dr Mkhize who is championing this initiative said, "Importantly, our long-term strategy recognises the important role that rail transport, both freight and passenger, should play in the province's development. This will ensure greater mobility and modernisation of our rail transport".

A number of major initiatives and projects will form the basis of cooperation in KwaZulu-Natal and these include:

The North - South Rail Corridor Modernisation in eThekwini
The North - South Rail corridor has been identified and declared as the backbone of the transport system in eThekwini Municipality. This corridor has been prioritised for complete modernisation with capacity enhancements by PRASA over the next three to four years to coincide with the anticipated delivery of the new rolling stock in 2015/16 and the re-signaling of the KwaZulu-Natal network. The first new trains will be deployed on the North - South rail corridor while all infrastructure, operational, depot and station facilities will be upgraded over the next three years.

The Corridor Vision includes:

Dedicated passenger rail corridor (excluding freight movements)
Improve service punctuality to at least 98% right time arrivals at all times (incremental improvement over short term, medium term, long term to world class standards)
Zero train cancelations
Extended hours of service - demand/ customer responsive/ public transport system requirements
Improved travel times
Provide capacity to ultimately move up to 60 000 passengers per hour in peak periods
Improved customer experience
Modal integration - co-operation with planning authorities and private operators
Full system accessibility (universal access and station access)
Improved security and uncompromised safety
Transit oriented development/densification
Green corridor (environmental friendly and energy efficient building materials/methods)
Improved business sustainability

The North - South rail corridor includes the current rail connectivity and capacity enhancement project to the Bridge City development, consisting of a new 3,5km rail link and intermodal station within the mixed land use development of Bridge City, north of Durban.

The Bridge City rail link will be completed by the middle of 2013 with the rail link and taxi/intermodal facility catering for 18 000 passengers in the peak hour and up to 90 000 passengers per day. The project includes extensive involvement of local contractors with job creation opportunities of over 800 construction jobs created over the life of the project.

Intercity rail transport between Durban and Pietermaritzburg
A new business express service between Pietermaritzburg and Durban is to be launched. Coaches have been upgraded to provide comfortable business class express rail services between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, which will include dedicated service staff, security and mobile computer connectivity.

Infrastructure Modernisation and Engineering Works Signaling Programme
An infrastructure modernisation plans include the acceleration and funding of re-signaling of the Durban rail network. The re-signaling project will improve train performance, create increased capacity and improve the safe operations of trains. The project also includes the construction of a new central train control centre to control and monitor all trains on the network.

Extension of rolling stock maintenance and refurbishment facilities in KwaZulu-Natal
In order to increase the availability of trains in KwaZulu-Natal, a very specific intervention to create additional facilities for the upgrade and maintenance of trains has been launched. PRASA ensured the creation of an additional general overhaul contractor, Commuter Transport Engineering (CTE), in Pietermaritzburg to accelerate the refurbishment programme, creating an additional 200 permanent jobs. A further 200 jobs have also been created with Transwerk through additional orders placed for the modernisation of coaches. Further opportunities to establish component suppliers in the region for revitalising the local rail supply industry are being investigated.

A station upgrade/development programme is underway to ensure that operational buildings, facilities and stations are well maintained, upgraded and clean. A total of over 50 stations are involved in the programme with a construction and job creation value of R140 m over the next 18 months.

Future Rail Developments
One of the priority rail development projects in KwaZulu-Natal involves the King Shaka Airport Rail link, together with the investigation of potential northern linkages required in this area. A feasibility study will be conducted during 2012 to establish the most feasible rail linkages, including the possibility of introducing light rail technology, to serve the King Shaka, Cornubia development area, the North Coast hotel belt and other planned large scale developments. Due to large scale developments in areas like Dube Trade Port, Umhlanga and Ballito, the north has rapidly developed as a major commercial and retail hub, firmly establishing itself as a major investment area. As development continues in this area, a northwards investment direction is evident with estimates indicating public transport trip generation of over 80 000 trips in the peak along this corridor. The role, strategies and plans for passenger rail in KwaZulu-Natal should support the improvement of reliability, quality and safety of rail services as mode of choice for working class commuters, and to provide an alternative to the private motor vehicle and expensive private public transport in the region.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

KwaZulu-Natal's fantastic range of striking and beautiful landscapes moves from mountains, to woodland, to rolling grasslands and to coastal dunes and forests. The total land area is 9.1 million ha and apart from providing much opportunity for leisure activities, is rich in agricultural potential. The diverse bio-climatic regions allow for virtually any crop to be grown somewhere, which makes the province of KwaZulu-Natal "a world in one". The province also enjoys the advantages of having relatively high rainfall, moderate to subtropical temperatures, access to markets, export facilities and a growing economy.

This Province can produce sufficient agricultural products for own consumption and export. However, South Africa remains a net importer of many agricultural products. This sector, which once was a major creator of jobs has, consistently shown decline. Bold steps are needed to turn it around.

The important role of agriculture in food security and poverty alleviation cannot be over-emphasized. The economic performance of rural areas is lagging that of urban areas in many parts of the world and the need for rural development in
KwaZulu-Natal is no exception. Sustained rural development and the empowerment of the rural population is a prerequisite for the growth and reconstruction of the province.

A key focus is to build self-sufficiency in agricultural production, to support land reform programmes while creating access to local and international markets for large commercial and small-scale farmers, including agricultural co-operatives. In particular new export markets for fresh agricultural products have been opened by the commissioning of the Dube TradePort which creates many opportunities.

Some investors, both local and foreign, have indicated their willingness to partner with government and farmers in a variety of agricultural ventures. These projects will be catalysts for effective agricultural development, firmly based on business principles, offer possibilities for job creation, economic diversification, private sector investment and export opportunities. These Special projects include:

Chicory production under irrigation in partnership with Nestle in Weenen
Beef and dairy production, such as Besters (15 000 ha), Dawn Valley, Makhoba (800 cows in milk) and the Midlands Ultra High Treatment of milk initiative
Dry bean and pulse/lentil production in Jikijela and Tugela Estates; Masibambisane Agricultural Project and Inkandla Smart Centre Dev Project.
Fresh vegetable and fruit production in the Midlands Vegetable Cluster (Craigieburn, Muden and Weenen) and Makhathini Irrigation Scheme (15 000 ha under irrigation)
AgriParks and cut flower production in Msunduzi, eThekwini, Ugu and iLembe

KWAZULU-NATAL - A PROSPEROUS PROVINCE

VISION
By 2030, the PROVINCE OF KWAZULU-NATAL should have maximized its position as a GATEWAY to South and Southern Africa, as well as its human and natural resources so creating a safe, healthy and sustainable living environment.

Abject poverty, inequality, unemployment and current disease burden should be history, basic services must have reached all its people, domestic and foreign investors are attracted by world class infrastructure and a skilled labour force.

The people shall have options on where and how they opt to live, work and play, where the principle of putting people first and where leadership, partnership and prosperity in action has become a normal way of life.

The overall objective of the 2011 KZN Provincial Growth and Development Strategy is to produce an up-to-date and comprehensive strategy, which is widely respected and owned amongst the public and private sector partners in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond. The PGDS bolsters the Province's commitment to achieving the vision of KwaZulu-Natal as a "Prosperous Province with a healthy, secure and skilled population, acting as a gateway to Africa and the World". The PGDS aims to build this gateway by growing the economy for the development and the improvement of the quality of life of all people living in the Province. Whilst the Provincial Government of KZN is leading this process, its success depends on strong compacts with labour, civil society and business. The 2011 KZN PGDS is designed to facilitate sustainable economic growth, reduce growing inequality and promote environmental sustainability. Its seven goals are:

Job creation
Human resource development
Human and community development
Strategic infrastructure
Response to climate change
Governance and policy
Spatial equity

The PGDS is driven by a combination of external and internal changes that influences the way in which societies moulds itself. KwaZulu-Natal's development strategy over the next 20 years must therefore carefully select the economic and development drivers which will enhance the benefits of growing integration into Africa and the global economy. Trade and tourism will remain the lead instruments of this integration process, but many new areas of opportunity must also be fully explored and developed. As a major manufacturing hub, KZN business has new opportunities for export into Africa. Already some of the leading sectors in the local economy, such as the automotive, aluminium smelting and sugar industries, are highly integrated into the global economy, and need to stay globally competitive.

Many further opportunities for new global integration are developing for the commercial sector, information and communication technology sector, and many sectors related to human and community development.

KwaZulu-Natal needs to invest in new renewable energy sources, and to attract investment that applies green principles and employs 'green' technologies. This also has major implications for the province in that food security, as well as sustainable resource management will have an ever-increasing role to play, and the province needs to position itself to take advantage of the opportunities presented by moving towards a green economy.

This new context provides challenges but more importantly new opportunities. Africa, as an emerging and growing economic block, and as a voice for development and greater global equity, is set to rise. KwaZulu-Natal, as a leading province of South Africa, must rise too. That is one of the key challenges of the new Kwa-Zulu-Natal Growth and Development Strategy.

KZN Government

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