NORTH West premier Supra Mahumapelo said that plans are underway for the appointment a new chief executive officer at Mmabana Foundation.

Mahumapelo said his office was in talks with culture, art and traditional affairs department (CATA) MEC, Ontlametse Mochware to speed up the process.

“We want the Mmabana Foundation to have a CEO and that process is underway. The Mmabana Foundation plays a pivotal role in art and culture. We are planning to have extended programmes for school children. They need to engage in various activities after school.

“The provincial government invested heavily on culture and forms part of our economic drive. Young children learn and develop through their early experiences and relationships. As children get older they begin to develop a sense of who they are and where they belong. So, culture is imperative and North West province preserves that,” he said.

The premier added:   “We will also make sure that we acquire unused schools to make sure that the children get those activities at their door steps. Art, culture and tourism complement each other and that’s what our province specialises with. We also have agriculture at the apex of our triangle.”

Mmabana Foundation experienced challenges a month ago when its employees downed tools and embarked on a strike.

Workers demanded that the institution management should commit in writing that it will address their grievances like the review of their salaries and being treated with respect.

NEHAWU provincial organiser, Cassper Nanto said the union has since reached an agreement with Mmabana Foundation management on the issues raised.

He said they welcomed the move to appoint a permanent CEO at the organisation.

“We heard those rumours, but if it is true, we welcome the move. We have engaged with Mmabana Foundation and reached an agreement. The organisation agreed to give employees 7.6% salary increase from April 1, 2016 until 2017. We also agreed that all those who are acting on positions will receive acting allowance. We are also engaged with the Mmabana Foundation management to make the institution accredited,” Nanto said.

Provincial coordinator for workers, Portia Phadi said they welcomed the decision on the appointment of a new chief executive who would take charge of the institution.

-TDN

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