The Department of Education and Sport Development received the largest chunk of Bokone Bophirima’s provincial 2018/2019 budget. MEC for Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development (FEED), Wendy Nelson, tabled the budget on Thursday before the North West Provincial Legislature.

R16.183 billion – which translates to 39% of the total provincial budget – was allocated to the department for the financial year starting on 1 April.
The budget allocation is the clearest sign that education remains a key priority for the provincial government to use as an instrument to develop future generations and improve their lives.

MEC Nelson said education would continue to receive the largest portion of the budget in the province.
“The Department of Education and Sport Development has received the largest portion of the budget and it will continue to receive the largest portion of the budget. This is because it is an investment into our future and investment into our children. The budget will cover running of operations, grants and infrastructure. To address the backlog in infrastructure, R1billion has been allocated to improve the conditions in which our learners are studying under. Schools will also be consolidated so that we do not have many schools servicing the same grades in one area,” she said.

Education and Sport Development MEC, Sello Lehari, said the department deserves the biggest budget because it has got the largest number of employees.

“We welcome the announcement and we will use the money wisely. It is important to remember that we have the largest department and we are tasked with a huge responsibility of educating the nation,” Lehari said.

The Department of Health received the second largest portion of the Provincial Budget at R11.154 billion for 2018/19, R11.934 billion and R12.884 billion in 2019/20 and 2020/21 financial years respectively.

The 2018/19 allocation includes the funding of R1.315 billion for the comprehensive HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis (TB) Grant of which R167.729 million is allocated to a new component of the Community Outreach Services Grant. National Tertiary Services Grant is allocated R283.055 million and Health Facility Revitalisation Grant is allocated R585.886 million.

In line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the budget allocation is expected to strengthen the effectiveness of the health system by increasing life expectancy and thereby decreasing mortality rates.

“We strive to equip our medical institutions across the province to reduce shortages of medicines and medical supplies. To this end, an amount of R3.047 billion has been allocated over the 2018 MTEF with R1.350 billion allocated in 2018/19 Financial Year,” said Nelson.

The allocation for the Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development (READ) amounted to R1.440 billion for 2018/19, increasing to R1.531 billion in 2019/20 and R1.645 billion in 2020/21 financial year.

The Department of Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs (CATA) was been allocated a budget of R732.049 million for the 2018/19 financial year, increasing to R812.245 million in the outer year of the MTEF period. This allocation will amongst others, assist this department to preserve the rich history of this province and by so doing creating the tourism market.

MEC Nelson said community and road safety remains one of the provincial government’s paramount priorities.

“The Department of Community Safety and Transport Management receives an allocation of R6.815 billion over the MTEF period. An amount of R2.163 billion is allocated for 2018/19, R2.263 billion for 2019/20 and R2.388 billion for 2020/21,” she said.

The Department of Local Government and Human Settlements was allocated R7.767 billion over the MTEF, largely funded by the Human Settlement Development Grant. An amount of R2.477 billion is allocated for 2018/19, growing to R2.570 billion in 2019/20 and R2.719 billion in 2020/21.

“In pursuit of the province’s Five Concretes, this department’s allocation will contribute to the Rebranding, Repositioning and Renewal of Bokone Bophirima through the provision of houses. The allocation will also improve access to basic services such as water and sanitation,” said Nelson.

The Department of Public Works and Roads received R3.021 billion in 2018/19 increasing to R3.326 billion in 2020/21 financial year. Of this allocation, an amount of R960.604 million is earmarked as a conditional grant for provincial road maintenance.

Departmental budget announcements will follow soon after this provincial budget announcement.

Source: http://www.semphetenews.co.za

Bokone Bophirima Premier, Supra Mahumapelo, said he was disappointed that Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, made conclusions about the controversial Mediosa mobile clinic contract without even discussing the matter with him.

The Premier was reacting to Motsoaledi’s visit to Madibogo to one of the mobile clinics provided by Mediosa, where the Minister made calls in the media for Head of Department of Health, Dr Thabo Lekalakala to be fired. In his widely publicized media interviews, Motsoaledi also said the mobile clinic services provided by Mediosa were not needed in Bokone Bophirima.

In a statement issued by Office of the Premier following Motsoaledi’s utterances, Mahumapelo said: “Unfortunately the Minister came to the province without the courtesy to inform us as part of Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act. Had the Minister cared to talk to us, we will have not stopped him from doing whatever he wants to, but we would have appraised him on progress we are making on this matter”.

The Premier said it was wrong for Motsoaledi to conclude that he – the Premier – would even think of protecting HOD Lekalakala. Mahumapelo announced over a week ago already that his office was instituting a forensic audit into alleged irregularities with the Mediosa contract, including that the health department made an advance payment of R30-million to the company before it started work in the province. The Minister also said he regarded the R30m upfront payment as fraud, a comment Mahumapelo said was too premature considering that an investigation is still underway. Other allegations are that Mediosa is a front company for the controversial, wealthy Gupta family.

On Friday an irritated Mahumapelo said: “Because he [Motsoaledi] chose the populist approach, we will rather speak to the President in this regard and the Head Office of the ANC, Luthuli House.”

During his visit to Madibogo – with a large media contingent tagging along – Motsoaledi said he was there in an effort to understand what is going on in the health services in the province.

“I saw pictures of Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) interrogating the Head of Department (HoD), Dr Thabo Lekalakala. We also received report from media that certain services can no longer be provided because there is no money. There are workers who are on strike because they cannot be paid bonuses due to lack of money,” he said.

Motsoaledi said he characterizes Medioa as an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card for the Gupta family to withdraw money from the health department. He added that if the Premier did not fire Lekalakala, he would force the matter through the courts.

“Our health system is in disastrous and overburden situation because of its tight budget. Our health facilities are congested because of the explosion of chronic diseases. The department needs to save each and every cent. We do not have any spare money to do what has been done here. So, whoever entered into this contract must find a way to terminate it.

“South Africa does not need these services because our own healthcare centres are offering them. Mediosa screens people and refer them back to state hospitals if they are sick. The private healthcare centres can charge much lesser than what Mediosa is charging the department,” Motsoaledi said.

On the sidelines of Motsoaledi’s visit, a small group of workers was protesting, saying Mediosa has not paid their salaries.

Source: http://www.semphetenews.co.za

Distress and anxiety has struck at e.tv and eNCA studios with some staff reportedly leaving the channels amid allegations of “constructed retrenchments”.

Employees at the studios have told The Star that eMedia Investments, which owns the channels, has been unfair to them by formulating retrenchments “fronted as reconstruction”.

“People are being exploited here. The team I’ve worked with for the past three years was told yesterday that they will not be needed by end of March but they are employed as permanent staff. The same was done at archives and IT departments. Reporters at eNCA are in distress. It’s a mess,” said an e.tv programme anchor.

The Star has also been told that some employees have already started packing while others have not reported for work since the new changes were communicated.

These new developments follow the sudden resignations of the head of current affairs Debbie Meyer and the news channel court reporter last month. It’s believed that Meyer’s exit was sealed as part of a retrenchment deal but she has publicly rejected this.

hese new developments follow the sudden resignations of the head of current affairs Debbie Meyer and the news channel court reporter last month. It’s believed that Meyer’s exit was sealed as part of a retrenchment deal but she has publicly rejected this.

Mark Rosin, chief operating officer of eMedia Investments, said that they were considering making changes that would benefit the business. “At times in the life cycle of a business, it is necessary to look at a company’s needs and requirements. eMedia Investments is currently considering its structure and making necessary changes to ensure it continues to be a profitable and strong business,” said Rosin.

However, he was cagey and did not want to explain how these changes would impact on staff or programming.

“This is an internal matter between the Company and employees and we will not discuss or debate it in the media. eMedia Investments is committed to ensuring that employees are treated fairly and respectfully during this process, which is of course difficult for everyone,” said Rosin.

By REGINALD KANYANE

North West Provincial Legislature was sombre during State of the Province Address (SOPA) debate on Tuesday. Opposition parties watched in disbelief as ANC members chopping each other.

Former North West MEC of Education and Sport Development department and MPL, Wendy Matsemela said the legislature must be dissolved because no ANC member deserves to be on that bench.

“There is no Thoma Mina amongst us. We welcome the pronouncement by Mahumapelo to combat corruption, crime and greed in the province. Now our people will know who killed Moss Phakwe and Wandile Bozwana. They will also know how the wild animals worth R100m were taken away under the pretext of BEE. “The people of North West will also know why incompetent Head of Departments were appointed,” Matsemela said.

“The people of North West will also know why incompetent Head of Departments were appointed,” Matsemela said.

She further said the people will know what are NEPO and Mediosa. Matsemela added that the people will know why R180m was paid to the consultants and why the state-owned entity, North West Development Corporation (NWDC) should procure security services.

North West Provincial Legislature’s ANC Chief Whip, Raymond Elisha said: “I am perplexed by Mahumapelo’s pronouncement that investigations to fight corruption, crime and greed will include former Premiers, MECs and officials. Some people may look at this as a desperate attempt of a person going down seeking to take others with him.“

EFF Provincial leader, Betty Diale said they were ejected out of SOPA event at Marikana in Rustenburg after asking Mahumapelo if he will apologise on behalf of ANC-led government after it killed miners in Marikana back in 2012.

“We thought it was important for Mahumapelo to apologise since he is parading himself as a paragon of Reconciliation, Healing, Renewal (RHR) and rehabilitation. “Hosting SOPA event at Marikana was nothing, but electioneering. However, we want to assure you that the people will never forget the 12^thof August 2012.”

“Hosting SOPA event at Marikana was nothing, but electioneering. However, we want to assure you that the people will never forget the 12^thof August 2012.”

DA provincial leader, Joe McGluwa said Mahumapelo is a broken man. He said other provinces are conducting investigations over Gupta-linked companies’ involvement, while North West is watching.

Mahumpelo said the MPL members abuse the platform becaus they know that they are protected. He pronounced that investigations will start from 1994.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi will visit Madibogo village on Friday over Mediosa Mobile Clinic debacle. According to information, Motsoaledi has coonducted his own investigation on Mediosa contract.

The North West Health department has paid Gupta-linked company, Mediosa advanced payment of R30m. The Head of Department (HoD), Dr Thabo Lekalakala admitted during the Portfolio Committee meeting last week that they were also ferried to India by Mediosa.

“I think it was a mistake from my side to accept that trip. The trip was paid off by the Mediosa company and that was wrong. North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo and the MEC, Dr Magome Masike signed-off the trip.

“However, they were not aware that the trip was funded by Mediosa. I went to India and I was joined by my wife, my friend and his wife,” Lekalakala said.

He further said the department agreed to pay Mediosa R180m to provide services at rural areas where people cannot access clinics. However, the committee was informed that the department provide medicine to Mediosa to serve the communities.

Motsoaledi is also expected to address other health service delivery challenges facing the province.

The North West Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development chairperson, Madoda Sambatha and Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) Provincial Chairperson, Mahlakeng Mahlakeng launched a criminal case with the Hawks against Lekalakala.

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Some new faces brought in, a few moved from one portfolio to the other and some thanked and let go from the country’s Cabinet on Monday night.

This as South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, reshuffled Cabinet in what was largely an expectation when he took office to complete the remaining year of the five-year term after former President, Jacob Zuma, was recalled by the governing party and resigned.

“These changes are intended to ensure that national government is better equipped to implement the mandate of this administration and specifically the tasks identified in the State of the Nation Address,”

Ramaphosa said in a national address televised live.

“In making these changes, I have been conscious of the need to balance continuity and stability with the need for renewal, economic recovery and accelerated transformation,” he said.

The President said as indicated in his maiden State of the Nation Address (SONA), he has begun a review of the configuration, size and number of national ministries and departments.

He added that he would retain the existing ministries and departments until that review is completed.
Ramaphosa’s new appointments are as follows:

• Communications: Nomvula Mokonyane
• Energy: Jeff Radebe
• Higher Education and Training: Naledi Pandor
• Home Affairs: Malusi Gigaba
• Human Settlements: Nomaindia Mfeketo
• International Relations and Co-operation: Lindiwe Sisulu
• Mineral Resources: Gwede Mantashe
• Police: Bheki Cele
• Public Enterprises: Pravin Gordhan
• Public Service and Administration: Ayanda Dlodlo
• Public Works: Thulas Nxesi
• Rural Development and Land Reform: Maite Nkoana-Mashabane
• Science and Technology: Nkhensani Kubayi-Ngubane
• Social Development: Susan Shabangu
• Sport and Recreation: Tokozile Xasa
• State Security: Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba
• The Presidency: Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation: Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
• The Presidency: Women: Bathabile Dlamini
• Tourism: Derek Hanekom
• Transport: Blade Nzimande
• Water and Sanitation: Gugile Nkwinti

Ramaphosa added that he made the following changes on Deputy Ministers’ positions.

• Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries: Sfiso Buthelezi
• Communications: Pinky Kekana
• Finance: Mondli Gungubele
• Public Service and Administration: Dr Chana Pilane-Majeke
• Small Business Development: Cassel Mathale.

He said the positions of Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises and Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation will remain vacant.

South Africa is also getting a Deputy President after a week without one, and it’s none other than Ramaphosa’s deputy in the African National Congress (ANC), David Mabuza.

“Pending the completion of their swearing-in as Members of the National Assembly, I intend to further appoint David Mabuza as the Deputy President of the Republic and Dr Zweli Mkhize as Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. Nhlanhla Nene will be Minister of Finance, while Reginah Mhaule will be Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation,” said Ramaphosa.

He retained the following ministers in their positions: Lindiwe Zulu in Small Business Development, Senzeni Zokwana in Agriculture, Ebrahim Patel in Economic Development, Rob Davies in Trade and Industry, Aaron Motsoaledi in Health, Michael Masutha in Justice and Correctional Services and Mildred Oliphant in Labour.

The new Ministers and Deputy Ministers will be sworn in in Cape Town on Tuesday and those who are unavailable on the day would be sworn in sometime this week, Ramaphosa said.

Source: http://www.semphetenews.co.za

The ANC national executive committee meets on Sunday in what has been dubbed a “housekeeping” exercise that is expected to pave way for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s pending Cabinet reshuffle.

A Luthuli House insider with access to the agenda says the sitting will focus on deploying senior party leaders to subcommittees and provinces, as well as to finalise resolutions made during the party’s national conference in December.

The subcommittees have the power to summon ministers and give instructions on crucial policy matters, and the types of people elected into these committees would give an indication of Ramaphosa’s appetite for change.

City Press has learnt that Ramaphosa may restrict the expected Cabinet changes to the three key departments – finance, public enterprises and mineral resources – which means that the remainder of the changes could happen after the next year’s general elections.

While the focused change in these important portfolios may bode well for business confidence, questions still remain about whether keeping the majority of former president Jacob Zuma’s ministers would erode the key election message that the ANC is getting rid of corrupt people in its ranks.

Since taking over from Zuma earlier this month, Ramaphosa has played his cards close to his chest – much to the frustration of Cabinet ministers whose futures hang in the balance, as well as to those outside government who are keen to take up new posts.

Some national executive committee members have grown frustrated over the wait, saying that the reshuffle is vital if the promise of renewing the organisation is to be fulfilled.

The silence has created anxiety among government officials who are politically attached because new ministers often bring their own teams with them.

“There is obviously dead wood that has to go, but a wholesale reshuffle might not be advisable,” said a government official working under one of the Zuma-aligned ministers.

The imminent Cabinet reshuffle was expected to have happened immediately after this week’s budget speech by Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba, who has embarked on a public relations campaign to shore up his credibility as he features high on the list of those the opposition wants Ramaphosa to remove.

Zuma’s main benefactors, the Gupta family, have been accused of capturing ministers for their own commercial benefit, and those ministers who were seen to have done the Guptas’ bidding, including Gigaba, are obvious targets.

This week, those close to Gigaba denied that he was “a Gupta stooge”. On the controversial family’s influence in Eskom and Denel, Gigaba’s allies blamed Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown, his successor in the portfolio, saying that Gigaba “cannot be held accountable for things that people do after he had left”.

The committee meeting ends on Monday.

Source: http://www.citypress.co.za

By REGINALD KANYANE

Motsweding FM veteran presenter, Mme Keleabetswe Bella Komane (84) passed away in the early hours of Saturday.

Komane worked for SABC since 1962 during the establishment of Radio Setswana. She was presenting educational and children programs.

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Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has withdrawn the president’s appeal against a judgment of the North Gauteng High Court that NPA boss Shaun Abrahams should vacate his position.

This is the clearest indication yet that Ramaphosa plans to fire Abrahams and appoint a new head of the prosecuting authority.

Former president Jacob Zuma previously appealed the ruling by a full Bench of judges of the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria that found he was conflicted to appoint the National Director of Public Prosecutions. The case is scheduled to be heard on Wednesday. Abrahams is still appealing the matter.

In a letter delivered to the registrar of the Constitutional Court on Friday afternoon, the state attorney informed the court of Ramaphosa’s decision.

“With the current regime change and after consultation with the current President of the Republic of South Africa, we are instructed to inform this court, that the first respondent (Ramaphosa) is no longer prosecuting its appeal and therefore will not be present to argue the matter on 28 February 2018.

“To the extent that the former President (Zuma) may want to pursue argument on matters affecting him personally, he may do so through his legal representatives,” the letter reads.

It is unclear whether the state will continue to fund Zuma’s legal representation if he chooses to make personal representations.

This is a developing story. More to follow.

Source: http://www.news24.com