Cllr. Kedibone Mogotsi, Speaker of the Sedibeng District Municipality; Cllr. Assistance Sithole Mshudulu, Executive Mayor, Emfuleni Local Municipality; Cllr. Busisiwe Modisakeng, Executive Mayor, Lesedi Local Municipality; Cllr. Timothy Nast, Executive Mayor, Midvaal Local Municipality; All Members of the Mayoral Committee, Sedibeng District Municipality; Cllr. Khulu Malindi, Chief Whip of the Governing party, Sedibeng District Municipality; All Speakers of our constituent Local Municipalities, Emfuleni, Lesedi and Midvaal; Chief Whips from our constituent Local Municipalities; All Members of the Mayoral Committees of our constituent Local Municipalities,  Emfuleni, Lesedi and Midvaal; All our fellow Councillors; The Regional and Provincial Leadership of the governing party present here; The Leadership of all the Parties represented in the Council, including representatives from the Organs of Civil Society; Members of Parliament, Members of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature present here; Members of my family, including my lovely and beautiful wife, father and mother, father and mother-in-law; Our Distinguished Guests; Members of the Media Fraternity; The People of Sedibeng

The theme of our 2010 State of the District Address, "Together with our communities - Final push towards a speedy service delivery", is informed by the need by our communities to see their aspirations met. This theme is also informed by the fact that this SoDA is the last one before local government elections in 2011. 

Our people in Sedibeng as a whole can no longer wait to see all the other townships and communities, enjoy the fruits of developments, both in terms of infrastructure and social spaces, whilst this is not the same with them.

Madam Speaker, the fact that our people are exposed to other parts of the province, where streets are tarred, street lighting is the order of the day, and community spaces are beautiful; present us with challenges as the District and our Local Municipalities together to raise our game.

Ladies and gentlemen, our theme this year, calls on us to place the communities in the centre stage of everything we do. The theme also goes on to determine the pace at which we must do everything for continued development of Sedibeng and our constituent Local Municipalities.

Madam Speaker, Fellow Councilors and the people of Sedibeng.

When we started this term of office in 2006, the political and administrative collective of the Sedibeng District Municipality we developed concrete plans to achieve the aspirations of the entire community of Sedibeng, with our people occupying the centre stage, for indeed "Together with our Communities - Final push to speedy Service Delivery".

These plans are clearly expressed in our GDS, as informed by the 2006 Local Government Elections Manifesto of the ruling party and later the National Elections 2009 manifesto.

We stand here before you, to report on how far we have gone as government, to reach the goals we have pledged ourselves to last year State of the District Address, when we said "Vaal 21: Achieving  a Prosperous Vaal by 2021 and beyond", guided by the plans alluded to above.

We will also take this opportunity to indicate to you our plans for the new financial year 2010/2011. We therefore hope you will take this opportunity, as the people of Sedibeng, to evaluate our performance, which will help to sharpen our focus in providing the speedy service delivery we have pledged ourselves to.

I stand here before you, 15 days before the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted on the South African soil, the first one of the African continent. How fitting therefore, that this year coincides with the 50th Anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre. It is not a mere coincidence, for indeed the blood of our forebears, fifty years ago, did not spill in vain.

This year also marks the 20th Anniversary of the release of former President Nelson Mandela from prison. His release led to the creation of this beautiful Nation, United in its Diversity, the South African Nation, which boasts the best Constitution in the whole world, signed into law on the hallowed grounds of Sedibeng District Municipality.

This year we will be commemorating the 55th anniversary of the Freedom Charter, adopted in Kliptown on the 26th June in 1955.

Madam Speaker, we have gone some way to realize the Charter's vision and many of the provisions reflected in the Constitution of the Republic.

Today, Madam Speaker marks the one year and two weeks in office of the fourth State President of South Africa, Honorable Jacob Zuma, who against very great odds successfully led this country through a treacherous period of global recession.

This year, we also mark the 19th Anniversary of the Nangalembe Massacre, which commemorates the wanton killing by vigilantes of community members at a night vigil in Zone 7 Sebokeng.

The year 2010, fellow Councillors, marks the 17th Anniversary of the senseless killing of our leader, Comrade Chris Hani.

Two weeks ago, the Ruling Party in the Province, the ANC, held it's Provincial Conference. At this conference, a leadership core was elected, to guide the organization for the next four years. We take this opportunity to wish the leadership of the ANC in the province good luck for their period in office, under the stellar leadership of Comrade Paul Mashatile.

As I mentioned earlier, this is the last SODA for this term of office of local government, which started in 2006  guided by our 2006 Local Government Manifesto, for which you voted overwhelmingly, where we committed ourselves to the following service delivery imperatives:

• People will have access to housing, land and education, and improved services in clinics and hospitals
• More people will have access to clean water and will be having electricity in their homes
• We will grow the economy and create more jobs, thus reducing poverty
• Government will promote the interest of children, persons living with disabilities, youth, women and the elderly.

These commitments were adopted by our Council in its meeting of the 31st May 2006, as a guiding light for the period 2006 - 2011. On the last lap leading to 2011, we dedicate ourselves to "Together with our Communities - Final push to speedy Service Delivery", and later translated into our GDS with the seven thrusts aligned to the national KPA.

Renewing our Communities: This is one of our Key Strategic Areas in our GDS wherein we have committed ourselves to renew our communities by provision of basic services, regeneration and property development to improve the quality of living for all.

Evaton Renewal Project: In this regard we in SDM and ELM pledged ourselves to work hand in hand with the provincial government to contribute towards ERP.

We place on record that Mafatsane Precinct Development in Evaton is nearing completion, with 90% of the work completed. This project will assist in providing much needed government services to the community of Evaton including the Youth Centre.

The Fire and Ambulance Station in Evaton, is about to be completed, and we look forward to its opening in the early months of the 2010/2011 financial year.

We have made available R15m (R7,5m in 2009/10 and R7,5m in 2010/11) from our own reserves and invested it into the Evaton Renewal Project where it will be used to implement the labour intensive project of paving five streets previously identified, plus an additional two.
The procurement process is underway and the finalisation of the appointment of the successful bidders will be done soon and the contractors will be on site by the beginning of July 2010.

The Eastern Precinct Project will also get off the ground through private public partnership investment process very soon. The private investor has been sought and the appointment will be finalised very soon.

The construction of Eagle Road, Evaton Road and Selbourne Road will be completed in the 2010/2011 financial year.

The new housing units in Sicelo Sicheka, Obed Nkosi, Lakeside Extension 1, Tshepong are being connected to the essential services like water, sanitation and electricity, including the allocation of the title deeds to our people. 
The issue of Mamello remains a challenge to all of us. Three phases are planned for the development of Mamello, which will comprise 450 housing units Type 1 and backyard rentals, 350 other units, and commercial sites.

For the people of Sharpeville the projects are at the stage of being executed because the contractor for Cemetery upgrading is finalising site establishment and the other two for the constitutional walk and the Exhibition Centre has just been appointed as well, and will be on site very soon.

Through the 20 Priority Township Projects (20 PTP) financed and sponsored by the GPG as well as our own initiatives as informed by the IDP linked service delivery programmes, the SDM and its Locals have decided to include other townships in the programme.

We are also proud to mention that under this programme we have tarred about twenty five interconnecting streets in the former black townships, and the programme is continuing.

Together with Emfuleni Local Municipality, we have completed the tarring of Ring Road and the additional 5km of roads and work is continuing in Zone 3, Zone 11 and Zone 13, which will soon be completed.

Our local municipalities continue with their programme closing pot holes, road gravelling and grading, resealing of roads, replacing damaged street names boards, replacing damaged road signs as well as road markings.

The SDM in conjunction with our Midvaal Local Municipality has successfully intervened to achieve the approval of the investment to the tune of R7billion,
into the Doornkuil/Savannah City Project for development of eighteen thousands units mixed housing project.

There will be creation of over 30 000 temporary jobs through the Doornkuil/Savannah project during the construction phase of the project and 40 000 permanent jobs after construction. The project will be implemented over a period of eight years.

We in Sedibeng District Municipality area can say without fear of contradictions that we are ahead of many districts in terms of level of services we are rendering to our people. In average the service levels for all municipal services are above ninety percent.

Reinventing the Economy: As part of our pledge in our 5 year IDP programme, Sedibeng District Municipality, undertook Reinvent the Economy by consolidating the existing sectors and exploring new ones.

A summit is scheduled for the month of June 2010, with a view to establish the Construction Forum.

This summit is in line with the new Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP 2) which seeks to encourage the establishment and growth of sectors. This will assist in the job creation and integrated economic development.

In the Mayoral District wide Imbizo, I alluded to the fact that Makro will be investing to the tune of about R400million to our area developing Makro Warehouse and Builders' Warehouse in Bedworth-park. This project, at its construction phase, has created 567 jobs to our people.
It is expected that this warehouse will be opened in July 2010, and over 500 permanent jobs will be created for members of our communities on completion.

The Coca-cola South Africa has invested another R 400 million in Lesedi Local Municipality for the drawing of spring water from underground. This project is currently under construction.

With over 500 jobs created and the completion date set for October this year. More than 850 jobs will be created at the time. Local suppliers will be given first priority on the distribution of the products from this plant, thus providing a boost in the growth of our economy.

British American Tobacco has expanded its operations and this has resulted in the creation of more jobs in the District.
The installation of the pipeline for petrol from Durban, has started in earnest and has also created much needed employment in the District. 

It is as a result of this, that the project for the mass storage of petrol in Jameson Park will begin in earnest in the next financial year beginning in July 2010, which will also create jobs for our people.
 
Secunda in Mpumalanga province, has been in the news for having challenges with clean water in the past years, as a result, a project to provide this resource to Secunda from Vaal Dam is about to be finalised. It will also add on our mission for job creation in our area.

The marketing strategy of Sedibeng is in place, and as a result, billboards and signage will be completed throughout the District by June this year.

This will help the tourist for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, to access more than just stadiums and hotels.

The Informal Trading Strategy, which seeks to empower emerging traders, is now in place. This will in its application, drive the move to formalize trading spaces and unlock the push for more entrepreneurs, thus creating more jobs and alleviating poverty.

The Karan Beef Gas Project is on course, and they have invited emerging farmers to provide them with young calves as well as calling on disadvantaged communities' opportunities to buy and sell offal. This will assist in enhancing rural development.

Heineken has created 1000 casual jobs during construction, 250 permanent jobs as of brewing operations.
As part of its Corporate Social investment Heineken has funded the school for the Blind: SIBONILE with dormitories and Grinaker LTA built those dormitories free of charge. On 20 May 2010   Heineken donated a Mobile Clinic to Midvaal Local Municipality.

SMME Development and information dissemination remain our key priority in Sedibeng District. At present we are running Enterprise Development programme with BHP Billiton, under the supervision of Raizcorp where 10 SMME's are beneficiaries of this BBBEE programme.

At present Sedibeng District Municipality together with GTA and RASA i.e. Restaurant Association of South Africa are going to run "ADOPT A TARVERN" programme which is going to benefit our registered taverns' in our region.

Madam Speaker, this serves to show that while perception are created that Sedibeng District Municipality is not doing anything, like ducks on the surface of the pond, we create no ripples on top, while we are paddling furiously below the surface to ensure that "Together with our Communities-Final push to speedy Service Delivery" is not only a buzz word.

As part of the consolidation and the expansion of the metal, energy and construction sectors, working in partnership with GEDA we have established a Steel Forum. In addition a Service provider was appointed to develop the sector strategy.

Dear Residents of Sedibeng, this will see the growth of the steel/metal, energy, construction and related industries in the region which is aligned to Asgisa and the Apex priority related to industrial policy to create employment opportunities in our region.
Moreover, ladies and gentlemen, an incentive policy to further attract and retain industries in the region as a mechanism to fight poverty through creating and retaining employment opportunities was developed and is in the process of implementation with the Local Municipalities.

In responding to the call of empowering SMMEs in our region, the Sedibeng District Municipality has created an SMME database to improve the participation of SMMEs in our regional economy. In addition, an SMME Summit was held to engage with SMMEs so as to develop mechanisms to assist them to develop and grow.

The Sedibeng District Municipality and its Local Municipalities supply chain policies has been amended to accommodate cooperatives as well as ensure 30% bias to local cooperatives, contractors and corporates.

This will ensure that our communities and emerging contractors will benefit from the projects that will be undertaken by the Council.

We can conclude this section without fear of contradiction that our economy is generally doing well, except during the recession period when we experienced job losses. However, the unemployment rate has always been in decline and our tertiary sector of the economy is also growing very well as part of our endeavour to explore new sectors. 

Releasing our Human Potential : We have also committed ourselves to releasing human potential through accelerated investment in people and increased focus on the development of social capital.

President Jacob Zuma has led the charge in a serious attack on the scourge of HIV and Aids, by taking the test. In deeds and words,
he has cleared the path for all of us to follow. Together with my fellow Councilors, took the test this morning.

The National Campaign for 15 million Voluntary Counseling and Testing is well under way. We in Sedibeng District Municipality have not been found wanting.

We will work with Provincial Health department to improve accesses to health services and improve the health status of our communities; we have started as part of the National Campaign on HIV, Counseling and Testing (HCT) on the 15 April 2010. 

All health facilities and NGO's have embarked on this massive campaign, and we will continue to pull all the resources and roll out HCT screening services until June 2011 and beyond.

By now it is an open secret that HIV&AIDS have emerged as the most critical challenges for poverty alleviation and human development.

As a district we have aligned ourselves with the National Ante-retroviral Roll-Out Plan (ARV); and the accessibility of ARV sites have increased from 6 during the last financial years to 9 in April this year.  We will continue with this ARV roll out plan in this financial year.

Already, the district has reached over 30 000 people, who now know their HIV-status. We urge everyone to also go for HIV-testing, check your high blood pressure, glucose level and haemoglobin (anemia).

It is also known and acknowledged that the country is experiencing increased maternal and child mortality rates, which does not help us in reaching the objectives of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), hence we will intensify the campaigns for prevention of mother to child HIV transmission.

We will continue to enroll more people onto the antiretroviral programme, which to date stands at more than 5 000 people in the District.

Let us continue to fight discrimination and stigma associated with HIV&AIDS. Hence we will make sure that we exercise our rights to speak loud about HIV&AIDS, carefully to choose our actions and change for the better. Thus the slogan, "VOICE, CHOICE, CHANGE".

To improve health of our children we will continue with immunization campaigns to ensure that Sedibeng maintains the prevent childhood illnesses and maintain children`s health. The recent immunization campaign which started on the 12 April 2010 has to- date seen 74 225 children between the ages of 0- 14 years constituting 92% of the 80 091 targeted group, was completed.

We will continue with the second phase; and have started on polio campaign and provision of Vitamin A to children on the 24th May 2010.

From July 2009 the District experienced outbreaks of infectious diseases including H1N1, Cholera, Measles and Malaria.  Of the 43 cases of H1N1 detected across the district last year, all were successfully treated without any loss of life.

We will continue strengthen our Outbreak Response Systems to ensure that our communities are protected from these infectious diseases. 

Having said all the above I must mention that our people in Sedibeng are taking the war against HIV/AIDS very serious such that we are experiencing decline in the levels of infection from about 35% yester  years and to 31%  from 2008, especially amongst the young people.

Youth Development : In the year 2007 the District identified the demand of our young people which included programmes that relates to the Economic Participation and Empowerment which also led to the establishment of the Youth Advisory Centre's in the District.

During 2009/10 financial year, a total number of 32 750 young people have to-date accessed various programmes from both the private sector and government programmes through Youth Advisory Centre walk - ins and outreach.

This includes a total number of 234 young people who have gained job placement within Government and Private Sector, whilst 297 have accessed bursaries from the District Municipality and other Sectors. In the light of the output realized through these centers, the District will further expand the Youth Centre services to the areas of Midvaal and Evaton.

Through the National Youth Service and the Global Youth Service programmes, programmes that seeks to bring about the Vibe towards our 2010 World Cup have so far been implemented and are making great progress.
 
These programmes include the distribution of our Country Flags and promotion of our National Symbols within our communities in the quest to bring about the readiness to host our foreign visitors.

The District will be executing an Inaugural Youth Leadership Award on the 4th June as a significant programme for the Youth Month. The programme will be implemented in partnership with various Local Private Sector Companies such as Arcellor Mittal Steel.

As part of our commitment to sports development we hosted a successful u-20 Four Nations Tournament at the Boipatong Stadium during the Human Rights Month.

In June 2010 there will be coaching clinics for 200 youngsters who will benefit from international expertise as part of our legacy from the 2010 World Cup Tournament hosted by our beloved country.

Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to pause and acknowledge within our midst, Mr Xolane Ntumtum, our pride and joy, raised in the streets of Sedibeng, to become the Deputy President of SAFA, following in the footsteps of greats such as the late Mr George Thabe and Dr Molefi Oliphant. Sedibeng has always provided stellar leadership to the football fraternity throughout the country and the world.

As part of the 2010 program, 10 Local coaches will also undergo training by international coaches during the same period, also as part of the legacy of the World Cup.

Our 2010 Strategy is working very well that we have been able to attract to our district two national teams to base their base camps in our area. Sedibeng will be home to Switzerland and Ivory Coast who have chosen our beautiful district as their base for the World Cup. I call on all our communities to welcome them with open arms
Our state of readiness for 2010 FIFA World Cup is in an advanced stage such that on Saturday the 22nd May 2010 we handed over George Thabe and VUT Stadia to the LOC for handing over to Ivory Coast and Switzerland respectively.

Our tourism product owners will benefit a lot from the international tourists coming with the two teams to our area.

Going further with our 2010 FIFA World Cup, SDM will together with the Gauteng Department of Education involve 32 primary schools in our region. These schools will be given full sets of playing kits and soccer boots. Through this program we will have laid a proper foundation towards the revival of Wednesday Leagues in our schools. This programme will run from the 11th June to 11th July, with live soccer matches involving the identified schools.

Public Viewing Areas : We have in total 17 Public Viewing Areas (PVA's) across the width of the Sedibeng area which are supported and managed by government.  Two of these PVA's will be "Primary" PVA's which implies that they are bigger venues.

The Primary PVA's will be situated at Saul Tsotetsi Sport Centre in Sebokeng Zone 14, and the other one will be at Constitutional Square in the Vereeniging CBD. These PVA's will have Plasma Screens, stage and sound for live entertainment.

The rest of these PVA's will be placed throughout the District to cater for the geographical spread. Most of state owned facilities such as community halls will be used as venues. The venues will have a satellite dish, a multipurpose PA systems, roll down screens, projectors and music for entertainment. We hope you will find the time to enjoy the Sedibeng World Cup Experience with us.
These facilities are spread from Noordvaal, all the way through to cover Bophelong, Boipatong, Evaton and other places right up to Midvaal and Lesedi. These secondary PVA's will be supported with activities such as 5 a-side soccer matches. 

Let me also congratulate Shooting Stars Football Club from Lesedi for being the Gauteng SAB Regional Leagues Champions and thus gained promotion to the Vodacom League. Our stadia will not be turned into white elephants.

In terms of the National Heritage Resources Act No.25 of 1999 graves and other public objects and places of commemoration form an important part of South Africa's heritage and must be conserved for future generations and for sustainability.

The burial site of the victim of Boipatong Massacre of 1992 falls within this category. These graves are tangible and symbolic reminders of individual, family and community histories of bereavement.

The Old Sharpeville Police Station has now been converted into a Craft Hub which has more than 10 young people who are involved in Craft work and selling it to the tourists and community that are visiting the Precinct.

At Sedibeng Primary Public Viewing Areas, the artists that will be performing will be coming from Sedibeng region only which also enhances the development of artists.

Sedibeng is running a project called the Puisano Jazz Programme. They hold auditions to identify developmental jazz band and Sedibeng Band, Upbeat Jazz Band obtained first position in the whole of Gauteng.

During the Provincial Carnival, the Sedibeng troupe also obtain position one on the best Carnival Club, Best Choreography and Best Music in the whole of Gauteng

Madam Speaker and Fellow Councillors, it is clear that indeed, more people have accessed housing and land. Education was not lagging behind, we have registered 1 858 learners in Grade R for this current year in Sedibeng, and 2 906 learners are registered in Grade1.

The disparity in the numbers between Grade R and Grade 1 is disturbing, in the light of government investment in Early Childhood Development. I call on our communities to use these opportunities provided.

Our matriculation results, have as a District, seen a steady increase of more than 12% above the national average.

I am sure that our colleagues in the Education Department are looking at ways and means to up their rates. I call on all the parents and learners of Sedibeng to take up the educational challenge.

There is no doubt that we are at the forefront of providing access to education in our District. As part of our commitment to the hard working learners of Sedibeng District,
we have made provision for bursaries to the tune of R 1,015,000 in the 2009/10 financial year and R600,000 in the 2010/11 financial year alone to deserving students. "Together with our communities-Final push to speedy Service Delivery"

The Disaster Management department, in promoting an integrated and co-ordinate approach to Disaster Management in the Sedibeng municipal area, the following was realized during the 09/10 financial year:

In ensuring timely emergency response to the Sedibeng community, the Emergency Communication Centre (10177 centre) was revamped in such a manner that it can also be converted into an operational centre in the event of any emergency in the region.

The 2010 Disaster Management Plan has been updated in an effort to combat any eventualities that might arise during this significant FIFA event. The plan provides guidelines and a plan of action for the management of incidents that can be classified as a disaster or may progress into a disaster that may emanate during the 2010 FIFA world Cup tournament activities in the Sedibeng region.

In ensuring provision of emergency relief to the affected communities of Sedibeng during emergencies, items such as Blankets, food parcels and temporary shelter, and clothing were provided to the affected communities:

The country at large experienced severe flooding incidents during the month of January in 2010 due to heavy pouring rains. The Sedibeng region was no exception. In order to effectively deal with the situation, a Joint Operation Centre was  established to manage and control all the happenings.
Reintegrating our Region: We have also committed ourselves to reintegrate the region with the rest of the Gauteng Province as well as the Northern Free State, through improving connectivity and transport links.

The field survey to audit and quantify the SDM road signage system is complete. The results of the survey are informing us that the signs are old and dates back to 1982 and 1975, and there are a lot of "illegal" signs where their fonts' sizes and placement of text are all non-compliant to the GDRT policy direction.

We are in the process of finalizing the appointment of the service provider to undertake the production and installation of this road signage.  The main contractor and the local subcontractor for the Tourism signs project are scheduled to be on site by the beginning of June 2010.

The project developing the Integrated Transport Plan is 95% complete - with only Operating License Strategy outstanding, which will be completed shortly, and the integration of the ITP with the Provincial Integrated Network Design Project.

The ITP seeks to achieve amongst others, enhanced social upliftment, economic growth and improved quality of life of all our people through provision of integrated, safe, reliable, frequent, affordable, accessible, and convenient public transport services, facilities and road infrastructure.

Reviving our Environment : We also committed ourselves to revive a sustainable environment by increasing the focus on improving air, water and soil quality and also moving from a producer and receiver of waste to a green city.

Regional Sewer Works: The project is undertaken in two parallel activities, viz short and long term solutions. The short terms refers to addressing the frequent infrastructure failures that lead to raw sewer spillages by replacing numerous pump stations with a super pump station. The long term refers to increasing the capacity of the Sebokeng Works by building a new 150 mega-liters sewer plant. The overall cost is R3.0bn.

Clean Fires Programme: We are continuing to implement the DEAT's "Clean Fires" Programme in the Sedibeng region to improve air quality in residential areas.

The 2010 programme has been developed and presented to the Central Energy Fund for support in implementation. The 2010 plan is to rollout to 15 000 households and 5 000 people through the CEF funding, and the Request for Proposals has been advertised by CEF.

The Greening Project : The SDM has successfully secured funding from Indaloyetho. The DWEA has allocated R40.0m for the implementation of a Clean and Green Program. The SDM will continue to support the implementation of the Indaloyetho project in Emfuleni LM. This project will create 283 employment opportunities by the end of June this year.

Biodiversity Strategy: The SDM has been accepted as a member of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) membership. SDM is also part of the Urban Task Team on Biodiversity/Grasslands that is chaired by the SA National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). One of the key projects of the Urban Task Team on Biodiversity/Grassland is the rehabilitation of the Sharpeville Dam.

Air Quality : The Department of Water and Environmental Affairs has completed the Air Quality Management Plan for the Vaal Priority Area, and the SDM will be adopting the plan as the SDM Air Quality Management Plan - a report in this regard has been developed and submitted for Council's adoption.

As at January 2010, the SDM has assumed the status of being the Air Quality Authority.

This devolution of function from DEAT to Local Government is as required by the Air Quality Management Act. The SDM is currently busy with developing systems and procedures for the effective and compliant execution of the Air Quality Authority function.

100 Days Service Delivery Programme

In pursuit of our theme, "Together with our Communities-Final push to speedy Service Delivery", Sedibeng District Municipality, together with its constituent Local Municipalities, Emfuleni, Lesedi and Midvaal, developed a hundred days programme within which various community development projects will have started acting in unison with our communities.

This programme is in line with the Sedibeng Turn-Around Strategy which was approved by the Gauteng Provincial government. This programme has identified those projects within our District, which the communities have determined as critical. A cut-off date to have construction works running for all the projects mentioned here under has been set for the 29th July, this year.

In order to ensure that "Kuyasheshwa - Speedy service Delivery to our Communities", I have had the occasion to visit all these projects in the past few days, and they are enjoying the attention of the Political Steering Committee on a weekly basis going forward.
I do hereby place on public record these projects and their current status. 

Upgrading of the Phelandaba Cemetery: The Phelandaba Cemetery will be upgraded. The details designs are finalized and construction has begun. The Contractor set up on the site on the 22 April 2010 and is expected to finish on the 22 October 2010.

The Community Liaison and Safety Officer from the community were appointed. Project Steering Committee was also established to address any community concerns.

The Cost for the project is R15 697.060. The project will see the employment of hundreds of community members.

Upgrading of Constitution Walk : The constitution walk which, provides a linkage between the heritage site and the sports precincts passing through the Sharpeville Hall will undergo major revamping. The nature and extent of the works comprises the creation of a paved walkway with landscaping, trees and artworks. The cost for the project is R17. 812.283.00.
 
Mieta Molete's House : Mieta Molete is one of the victims of Boipatong Massacre. She was paralyzed as a result of the attacks on that night. The Council has committed funding for the renovations on the house so that she can be able to move freely as she is wheelchair bound. Contractors have been appointed, and will begin work on the 1st of June. They are expected to complete the work at the end of July this year.
 
Sharpeville Exhibition Centre : Service provider has been appointed, and will begin work at the end of May and work will begin on the 1st of June and is scheduled to complete within six months. The project cost is R9.581.791.00
 
 Vuka Cemetery : There are 23 graves that have to be laid with tombstones and about 10 to be installed with slabs and to be fixed with minor repair work. The work will begin at the beginning of next month.
 
 Evaton Sidewalks Paving Project: The procurement process is underway and the contractors will be appointed to undertake eight projects which will benefit our emerging contractors in the area.
Sharpeville Hall : A service provider has been appointed and will be on site on the 1st of June. The project is expected to be complete in six months.

Madam Speaker and Fellow Councilors, in all these projects above, preference will be given to deserving and capable contractors from these communities, local community members will be preferred to provide labour, and as a result, many jobs will be created.

We have set very stringent timelines; we call on the communities to be our eyes and ears to ensure that these projects are completed within the said timeframe.

Municipality Budget

Madam Speaker, a resident, Mr. Max Modiya of Sharpeville asked a few days ago,
"We hear that the Council is bankrupt, and will collapse any day now, what happened to the money? It is as a result of people arrogating unto themselves to speak on behalf of the Council that these perception are created. However, I will take this opportunity to provide an answer.

Mr Modiya, I hereby take this opportunity to inform you that during this financial year, the Council currently has R177million invested and have budgeted to close the year on a surplus. This surplus amount will be disclosed in our financial statements in August 2010 during the closure in reporting our financial status to the Auditor-General.
 
Over the past four years, the Council has spent R 928 million, and the amount budgeted for this year 2010/11 alone is R 488,7million, which more than half of what was spent in the past four years.
This means that we have enough money this year to carry out the projects that are built into the IDP and the Sedibeng Turn -Around Strategy. In addition, Emfuleni Local Municipality will be spending an additional R 353 million for their IDP, to ensure that" Together with our Communities-Final push to speedy service Delivery" is achieved. "Tlotlo le wele Makgoabane ele ka Nnete"

Mr Modiya, in the last four years, the Auditor General has after strict examination of our finances, has given Sedibeng District Municipality an Unqualified Audit opinion. This means that we have spent every penny accordingly, we did not pay a player when we needed a painter, nor did we pay a baker instead of a builder.

We have been honored with the award of "Ambassador of Clean Audits" by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs. 
This means that we will be called upon to assist other Municipalities to show them how it is done.

In conclusion, I call on all our communities, to examine the many projects we are going to carry out in terms of our IDP, which will be made available at public libraries and Municipal offices throughout the District. Together, we must take stock at how these projects are carried out. We must provide each other with feedback where we believe that things are not going according to plan.

We must take responsibility for the development of our District, because it is the only one we have. It is the only place we all call home, the beautiful District of Sedibeng.

Together with our communities, we have gone through a challenging year, I take this opportunity to acknowledge members of our communities, who played a critical role in bringing our home together. Reverend Gift Moerane, went out of his way to bring the community of Sharpeville and the Municipality as a facilitator, to map out the 50th Anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre earlier this year.

As part of our appreciation as Sedibeng District Municipality, I hereby confer this token of our appreciation to Rev Gift Moerane.

Pele ya Pele

Voorspoed

I Thank You