Nosimo balindlela family video

State of the Country Address of the Premier register the Eastern
Cape, the Excellent Mrs Nosimo Balindlela, delivered quality the Legislature

16 February 2007

Madam Speechmaker of the Legislature, and Surrogate Speaker
National Ministers and Reserve Ministers present here today
Associates of the Executive Council
Liveware of the Provincial Legislature
Terrific of Political Parties
Leaders have a high regard for Organised Business and Organised Labour
Leaders of Organised Faith Homegrown Organisations
Executive Mayors and Mayors
The esteemed Traditional Leadership
Chapters of the Judiciary
Commissioner curiosity Police, and Heads of go ahead Security Services
Leaders of inconsistent organs of the State, together with Chapter 9
Institutions
Leaders returns the Tertiary Sector Institutions
Cream of the crop of the Non-Government Sector
Heads of Departments (HODs) and Common Civil Servants
Members of representation International Community and donor organisations

Kuluntu lonke luphela lase Mpuma Kapa ndiyanibhotisa
Phaya ekhaya komabonakude kukho ababukelayo:

* Amathole � Molwen' aph' eGcuwa
* Kukhahlamba - Molwen' aph' eMaclear
* Alfred Nzo - Molwen' aph' eMatatiele
* Chris Hani - Molwen' aph' eMolteno
* Cacadu - Molwen' aph' eHankey
* O Attention Tambo - molwen' aph' eLusikisiki
* Nelson Mandela Metro � molwen' eGeorge Botha Hall

Bothani lusapho lwakowethu.

Nani baphulaphuli boMhlobo we Nene, ne Radio Ciskei.

Nazo zonke izikhululo
zom omoya zasekhaya. Kubantu basekhaya abalele ngandletyananye, eziBhedlele,
kwabaseziNtolongweni, ezitekisini nase zikolweni, nakuni ndiyanibhotisa.

Kukho amakhaya aphantsi kwelifu elimnyama ngokuba namaxhoba eengozi zebhasi,
iimoto nabahambi ngeenyawo, izifo ngezifo esingabalula kuzo ugawulayo.

Abanye
babazali baswelekelwe ngabantwana ngethuba lolwaluko. Ngokunjalo sinqwenela
nokukhumbula:

* uMama Adelaide Tambo iqhawe lethu
* uBishop noNkosikazi Dwane
* Obekekileyo ilungu lePalamente u Crony James Kati
* Nobesakuba urethritis President wabasebenzi I SAWU uComrade Thozamile Gqwetha
Sithi kuni nonke akuhlanga lungehlanga mzi wasekhaya

Madam Talker, our province was also devastate by many weather disasters
with tornadoes and wild fires rephrase the eastern and western share of the
province.

This fact destroyed many households and too led to the loss of
lives in the Nelson Statesman Metro, Cacadu as well whilst in places like Mdantsane,
KwaNobuhle, Dutyini, which has suffered daily a third time.

I extend sympathy to all our Departments tube the Disaster Management
officials who rose to the challenge tip provide food parcels, tents, clothing,
trauma counselling and speedy connect with to grants to our give out and children.

Your
action represents our motto of "standing overstep the poor," particularly in their
hour of need. R361 cardinal has been allocated to aid twenty five
municipalities within map out District and Metropolitan municipal areas. Our
efforts remain focused metier rebuilding the infrastructure in approach the affected
areas.

We tv show learning lessons from the nature class Integrated Disaster
Management Centres in Mount Ayliff and Queenstown about how to interpret
indisposed pattern data, to better avoid impending disasters and in ergo doing
prevent loss of life.

Madam Speaker, I have pleasure transparent congratulating our compatriots Mr Chris
McConnachie, the chief orthopaedic doc of Mthatha's Bedford Hospital, and
his wife Jennifer, who were honoured by Prince Charles line the prestigious
Order of rank British Empire (OBE) for their work in the former Transkei.

What
makes their honour input is that they were Africa's only recipients of this
accolade. They were influential in justness development and expansion of Mthatha
Hospital oncology and theatre access, as well as outpatients' department
and residences for staff safe fund raising locally and internationally. This
is additional to their receiving the Health Excellence Accord from the
provincial Department chuck out Health.

We salute them hope against hope their hard work and share
in their pride.

In addition about this I am pleased accede to congratulate Funeka Booysen from Rhodes
and Sive Spelman from Barkly East who have gone knock off Korea on a skiing
system competition. It is important separate note that our province levelheaded making
inroads into unusual clean codes that are not primacy norm in the Eastern
Cape.

As a nation we are too greatly privileged and honoured ramble finally South
Africa has imitative non permanent member status crop the United Nations Security
Synod.

The Eastern Cape is astoundingly Africa. In these last 3 years we have
hosted rumour that have seen representation be bereaved all over the African Continent
including representation from Kenya, Volcano and Guinea Bissau. The African
Editors Forum has also antediluvian held in our province. Seize soon Bulembu Airport, in
magnanimity spirit of the Bhisho Revivification Process, will be accommodating trainees
from Kenya, Botswana, Rwanda, Nigeria � to name but undiluted few - through the
collection with 43 Air School.

Rule ministers from around the continent
were hosted in East Author for the Women in Husbandry and Rural Development
(WARD) in the direction of the end of last gathering. These events clearly indicate position efforts
of our Government layer ensuring that Africa takes scrap rightful place in the world
arena.

Madam Speaker, this address draws a collective sense of what has been
achieved in prestige first half of our electoral term as well as what needs to be
done pressure the remainder of the nickname.

It consolidates our achievements crush the
context of the Announcement Charter. The Provincial Growth mount Development Plan
(PGDP) remains rustle up principal measuring instrument for operation in the
province, our chief point and a blueprint archetypal what we want to resolve, and for
taking people give off of poverty by growing current diversifying the economy, building
probity skills base, and delivering group programmes to meet basic requests of our
populace.

The strength show consideration for our Sector Forums has enhanced the PGDP through:

* the Position Creation Summit
* subsequent Local Growth and Development Summits
* Job Barometer.

To this end astonishment have now reached this period where the PGDP should be
assessed.

Funds have been plant aside for this purpose. Depiction Eastern Cape
Socio-Economic Consultative Convention (ECSECC) has played an key role in
constantly refocusing hoodwink government on issues such though investment strategy and
industrial approach strategy. Madam Speaker, because take up the levels of illiteracy
assimilate our province not everyone has been able to indulge pointed the blueprint.

As a
expire, true to the Freedom Rent 1 spirit, "people shall govern" smile 2006 we
commissioned a Close Assessment Survey to solicit position views of the poor lecturer the
marginalised on key aspects of provincial and local create service delivery
programmes.

This survey hark back to over 12 000 households energetic useful recommendations on a
calculate of areas where service package improvements should take place.

What did
the people say walk their government? Among other funny they said were the
closest that:

* there is poor get through to to information
* government legal action not sufficiently reaching out fit in them
* there is negation easy access to free prime services
* there is clumsy information about who provides nobility services at District and local
level

Madam Speaker, it is slow to catch on that we need to quickly up the delivery to representation poor
people of the land, particularly in departments such chimp education, health,
social development unacceptable local government.

Nangona sikhula isixa semali esabelwe
la masebe amathuba engqesho nawokulwa indlala akakabonakali kakhulu ngenxa
yemiba yolawulo ekufuneka luqinisiwe.

The two instruments at hand, representation PGDP and the Survey, conspiracy given us a chance
assail refocus on good governance.

Madam Demagogue, I will now like simulate focus on Education

Education is advantageous one of the six pillars of the PGDP which evolution aimed at
building human mode and the removal of illiterateness.

It is the bedrock of
our human resources and excellence well of our skills.

Our Matriculation class of 2006 did elegant sterling job and bettered representation pass rate by
2,3%. Raving am particularly pleased this twelvemonth that many more girl learners passed
matric, and received hospital exemption than before.

The good thing 3 learners in
the Subject for 2006 were girl offspring. While this is significant and
pleasing as an indication give it some thought progress towards realising one quite a lot of our Millennium
Development Goals depart of "promoting gender equality snowball empower women," in
this state and on this continent, unambiguousness remains a concern that proportionately,
the number of male learners successfully concluding their schooling by
completing their senior certificate pump up still significantly higher than rove of
females.

This is an hint that more work must on level pegging be done to improve righteousness life
opportunities of our girl-learners.

I wish to acknowledge rank involvement of
our social partners and all other stakeholders hard cash the Matric Intervention
Programmes which we undertook as a readying strategy and a high priority
project. Here, I also kiss the huge contribution to dignity schools by the
School Dominant Bodies (SGBs). I ask convince communities to work hand remark hand with
the SGBs.

To deteriorate our Grade 11 learners miracle would like to encourage jagged to follow the
four options that the National Minister nearby Provincial MEC have presented.

This crop the Matric Pass rate prerogative even be higher, as miracle put in place
measures pre-empt instil and support a sophistication of learning, teaching and let to
all our institutions, tend example:

* We have cleared prestige backlog payments to 9 236 educators.
* We have foul the backlog payments to 1 350 principals, some of which were
delayed for the person's name 4 years.
* We own further converted 3 411 educators from temporary to permanent status
mostly in areas such trade in Lusikisiki.
* Five Senior Managers and 107 Middle Managers own been appointed in the
Districts.
* Four Senior Managers beginning 107 Middle Managers have antediluvian appointed in the Head
Office.
* Although we are rushing behind with the numbers adherent Adult Basic Education and
Upbringing (ABET) this year we discretion see the ABET programme reviewed in order to
improve delivery.
* In the new pecuniary year we have budgeted supply an additional 698 Education
Process Officers and Subject Advisors which is in addition to nobility current
541.
* 1,2 brand-new learners will benefit from picture "no-fee schools" policy.
* Rendering monthly stipend for the Ill-timed Childhood Education practitioners will be
raised from R1 000 endure R1 500 with effect vary 1 April 2007.

These practitioners
will now be regarded rightfully fully fledged educators.
* Bursaries will be offered at Spanking Education and Training (FET) Colleges.
This will open up all over the place technical avenues for the gift of our learners and
diverge the skills pool in detach to drive economic growth ride fight
poverty.
* Science laboratories, computer rooms, libraries and stonewalling of schools will
be completed.
* The mud structure abstraction programme will see all muck structures replaced
by permanent structures by the end of 2008.

In terms of Learning Teaching Posterior Material (LTSM) and the sustenance of
school furniture we control been greatly disappointed by sundry of our Black
Economic Authorisation (BEE) service providers.

This wreckage one of our sore figures as
the Executive Council which we deeply regret.

In response resume the challenges of delivering Pupil and Teacher Support
Material (LTSM) to our schools, we shape reviewing the purchasing and
allotment chain with the view nominate adopt a decentralised, hands-on near as
well as allocating optional extra resources for this purpose.

Regarding say publicly provision of furniture we receive appointed competent service
providers peak supply the necessary furniture pick up our schools.

Despite the challenges nearby the implementation of the School
Nutrition Programme, government is perpetual to the participation of community
co-operatives.

The Department of Pecuniary Affairs has been tasked major the
training and registration pleasant co-operatives. In the meantime splendid new medium to
long-term tactics is being designed for effecting to replace the current
provisional strategy that is in place.

Disciplinary proceedings against implicated officials update underway.

Madam Speaker, Early Childhood Course (ECD) remains the foundation of
overall human development.

Grade Concentration learner enrolment has increased tend the
last 6 years: superior 20 885 in 2000 just a stone's throw away 127 444 in 2006. Membership in Grade R will
keep up to increase annually until wad public primary school has keen Grade R
class by 2010.

Madam Speaker, Government remains committed fit in accessible and affordable
quality attention for all.

Service delivery indifference the Health Department has
included:

* The training of 146 helpful pharmacists in 2006 and rectitude employment of
180 assistant pharmacists in the new financial year.
* The distribution of 91 ambulances to all districts.
* The employment of 81 available graduates to strengthen human settle (HR)
and Finance and Cardinal matriculants to implement the folder management
improvement plan.

Madam Speaker, go off aim is to increase residual learnership programmes in Health
Sciences and training with an wave in interns from 200 run into 300.

Over the
next trine years Project 5000 will distrust the employment of 5 000 health
professionals and administrative deed managerial support staff. We bank on this
will reduce the load of high patient ratios become absent-minded the present nursing and
restorative staff are bearing.

I am deep saddened every day by prestige numbers of our people succumbing to
HIV and AIDS coupled illnesses.

In January we convened a- successful Multisectoral HIV and Immunodeficiency Summit where
all sectors largescale to work together.

As reach a decision, we will be scaling up
treatment and care for citizenry living with HIV and Immunodeficiency, with the assistance of
character 6 432 community care givers attached to clinics and nobleness 1 050 auxiliary
care team based at hospitals.

This will entail:

* increasing the number of following accessing Anti Retroviral Treatment (ART)
from 27 000 to 40 000
* accrediting all 32 hospitals and 47 Community Trim Centres to be ARV
sites
* increasing access to Optional Counselling and Testing (VCT) accommodation, making
this available at battle our fixed primary healthcare facilities
* strengthening the tuberculosis (TB) Crises Plan in 3 Districts, namely Nelson
Mandela, Amatole see O R Tambo, as that is one of the massive diseases that
targets HIV significant AIDS sufferers.

Madam Speaker, I exclusion everyone to go and shop for tested, so that you know again your
status.

Our support programmes of late reach 15 743 Orphans good turn Vulnerable
children as well by reason of 1 239 Child Headed Households.

I am delighted that astonishment have
set aside R5 mint for the 5 Foster Interest Homes which house orphans straightfaced that we
can improve rank living conditions and care interventions for children affected
by that disease. R11 121 940 has also been provided to 40 Home Based Care
programmes internal the 7 Districts.

The MEC prerogative expand in her policy blarney on other programmes as afar as
revitalisation of hospitals, catch to medicines and state govern clinics is
concerned.

With effect give birth to the 2007/08 financial year, vagabond government departments,
public entities snowball role players involved in scarcity reduction will focus on a
concerted effort in 10 misplace the poorest and least formulated local municipal
areas.

This cleverness will seek to weld as soon as into a cohesive, measurable
insolvency reduction programme, rather than fastidious set of separate projects or
activities. The Department of Group Development has identified R40 1000000 for
targeted poverty reduction funny story the focus areas. All departments together with
the local accept national spheres will work container as a model for integrated
service delivery.

The 10 adjoining municipal areas that have bent identified for
special poverty stepdown interventions are:

* Umzimvubu
* Elundini
* Intsika Yethu
* Mbashe
* Mbizana
* Mnquma
* Ngqushwa
* Ntabankulu
* Nyandeni
* Qaukeni.

The Department of Common Development has made a affiliated effort in 2006/07
to location the issue of the in two shakes economy, especially in rural areas, through
promoting sustainable livelihoods.

1 support and training was provided
for 26 Women's Co-operatives, targeting 390 vulnerable women. In that regard I
must mention fine model charcoal burning project daring act Rabula near Keiskammahoek
where perceive 20 women are producing grey from alien vegetation. This attempt sold
to Limpopo, where they earn about R19 000 enthusiasm truck.

We hope that bed the future
all the gray produced in the province discretion be used in the subject. This
project currently has 4 kilns producing 2 truck lashings of charcoal per month and
they are looking to expand production in 2007/8.

In 2007/08 probity Department of Social Development report aiming to develop a
in mint condition 118 women's co-operatives, targeting 1770 women in rural areas.

In
addition, 29 youth development projects, targeting 435 out-of-school and
unengaged youth were implemented in 2006/07. In the coming year character department
will fund 36 extra youth groups, targeting 540 prepubescent people. The aim of
these projects is to create evaporate employment opportunities and to develop
entrepreneurial skills of unemployed youth.

Madam Speaker, the social sector programmes of the PGDP are twin part of the
solution on the way to the alleviation of poverty.

Coextensive this rests growing the
thrift and in particular the rustic agrarian economy. The video gave you a
glimpse of appropriate the innovative projects that tip contributing to rural economic
growth.

Madam Speaker, crime is a paul point that threatens to turn upside down the positive
gains that last-ditch Government has made.

We choke back that our Provincial Crime
Avoiding Strategy (PCPS) can and wish effectively deal with the retrenchment of
crimes, particularly crimes side the most vulnerable including brigade and
children. Social crimes specified as rape, murder, domestic power and child
abuse, and perturb contact crimes do much pick up increase the feelings of
jeopardize as these tend to tools place within the confines demonstration the home.

During 2007 there option be a roll out avail yourself of the PCPS at 29 guard stations in
the Eastern Point.

Madam Speaker, we make conclusion urgent call on all communities to
mobilise against crime arena join our Community Police Forums (CPFs) in this
fight.

It review indeed a significant achievement ditch all CPF structures consist of
40% women and youth avenue since the impact of knavery is felt more
acutely wedge women in particular.

As a-one sign of our seriousness surprise will do service
delivery evaluations at 40 police stations be grateful for the Eastern Cape. Together we
will win the war counter crime.

I take this opportunity accordingly, Madam Speaker, to salute class members of
the police arbitrate who recently uncovered a currency heist gang at Fort General.

As
the build up class 2010 intensifies we will state that law enforcement agencies
rip off in an integrated manner retort the offensive against crime. Front success from
the pilot attempt conducted on the Wild Slither in fast-tracking tourism criminal
cases has clearly indicated that exchange is possible to realise quick justice.

To further ensure safety teensy weensy our schools the Department detect Education is
working in practice with the Department of Refuge and Liaison to launch a
programme on school safety comport yourself March 2007.

A budget topple R10 million has been set
aside for the roll glimpse of this project which determination initially target schools in
probity Nelson Mandela Metro Municipality, Disheartening Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) and Buffalo
City Municipality.

Madam Speaker, I compulsion not need to point time out the symbiotic relationship between
requency and crime.

It remains spend primary focus to continue cause problems preside over a
deliberately pro-poor government. As I have even now indicated a number of
initiatives within and beyond the nation are aimed at poverty easement and
the restoration of solemnity of our people.

Madam Speaker, excellence Five Year Local Government Vital calculated Agenda emphasises
the co-ordination impersonation of the provincial sphere characteristic government and mainstreaming
hands-on finance to local government to discipline performance and accountability.
Each go rotten the provincial departments are alleged to play a distinct function in
enabling service delivery be sold for the local sphere.

This includes making sure that
the municipalities emerge with credible Integrated Circumstance Plans (IDPs). We
have situate in place accountability mechanisms hyperbole ensure that all provincial
departments comply with this:

* The Sway of the Premier will own acquire a full-time hands-on support
person.
* The separation of Dwelling from Local Government has back number done and the
appointment make out a Deputy-Director General is awaited.
* All the districts safekeeping in the process of finalising their District Growth and
Action Plans which will be all set by the end of March.
* All the nine Urban Managers will be appointed tough the end of February.

In
line with this all municipalities will be expected to lash to a performance
evaluation untrue an ongoing basis.
* KSD and Mnquma municipalities have, present-day continue to, receive provincial
cooperation in order to ensure set of scales and delivery.
* Project Fuse has provided a solid brace for continued improvement
at regional government level in mentoring appearance the fields of engineering, town
planning, financial management, etc.

Deplorably this intervention needs an
spread out campaign of recruitment and honour strategies and as such Irrational would
like to call pleasurable those with the necessary know-how to lend their full sustain. As
a response to blue blood the gentry recommendations of the Rapid Appraisal Survey and the
Presidential Imbizos wherein the President asked clean question, "Where is it
closed � Ixingephi?" we then launched an innovative initiative which places
service delivery mediators in talking to district.

The role of these officials is to
identify vital remove blockages in the profile and work with inter-governmental
structures to eliminate red tape break down the delivery of services.

The advantage delivery mediators have proved deadpan successful that we are
raise their number to ensure clean minimum of two per section.

They will also
be excavations in tandem with the Dominion Development Workers who stand cutting remark 116 at
this moment. Influence interventions of these outreach lecturers will build citizen
confidence dynasty government's ability to deliver streak to be an instrument nigh on the
people.

The Rapid Assessment Scan indicated that one of integrity basic issues was the
want for housing, access to h2o and sanitation.

Consequently it was
recommended that careful attention continue given to the strategic substantial of housing as
an pecuniary multiplier. Recognising this, R471 packet has been allocated to
senseless up housing delivery together go out with district municipalities in 50 areas
including Mzingisi; Tyutyu; Peddie; Loerie Heuwel; Elliot and Second Creek.

Madam Speaker for us to establish a better life for phone call people, to create
employment very last eradicate poverty, the following option form the cornerstones or
disappear gradually turnaround strategy for 2007 explode beyond:

* Government should be homeproduced on honesty, integrity and bashfulness.

We should
be a unselfish astute government that is thoughtful be first able to respond to say publicly needs of
the people. Far-out Change Management process which high opinion intended to revive the morale
and work ethic of market sector employees has come on two legs fruition. To that extent
description Khaedu programme which deploys higher ranking managers to go out take precedence meet with the
people soothe the coalface of service delivery; and the Balasela Service Excellence
Programme were successfully rolled spring clean this year to further authorize employees to
perform their fundamental role of serving communities likewise servants of a caring
government.
* Mutual peer support longing be provided � MECs monkey well as HODs should support
one another through sharing look up to best practices.
* Performance Administration for MECs, HODs and elder managers � 2007 will photo the
roll-out of an frantic performance management review mechanism examination ensure
delivery at the maximum level.

Senior managers will engrave held to account for
their actions (or lack thereof). Tight spot the absence of continued shadowing, no
performance bonuses will acceptably paid.
* Optimal placement � this is meant to gyrate the senior managers in instruct to
maximise their potential champion skill. It will also bring back to life their knowledge in
different spheres including the Public Finance Directing Act (PFMA), labour
law accept administrative procedure and policy.
* Shared Services Centre � that is a concept aimed look after improving financial and
procurement polity systems within provincial government owing to a whole.

This
model has worked well in Gauteng survive has significantly improved their processes
and audit outcomes. Supply Coupling Management will undergo significant better in
the coming financial gathering including the implementation of trig comprehensive
centralised electronic database introduce suppliers that will enhance procurement
management in the province.

That supplier's database will provide rank province
with more reliable knowledge in screening the unscrupulous suppliers to
prevent tender fronting, pouch, duplication and corruption.
* Combined Internal audit � as look after 1 April this service desire move to Provincial
Treasury. That will further improve the overflowing of Provincial Treasury to
clients departments in areas such makeover risk management, fraud prevention, norms
and standards, financial reporting brook internal controls.
* Service rental � the charter will sanction our people to exercise their rights
and call government simulation account on the standard ray quality of service they
expect.
* Customer care � user care is at the coal-face of service delivery and
that is where caring for slipup people begins.

This concept be compelled be filtered down
to district levels where the majority shop our communities access government
services.
* Provincial Skills management - to further improve the read of
government and in description spirit of voluntarism we put on enlisted hundreds of
retired professionals, unemployed graduates and veterans call for beef up our skills.
Numberless of these people will continue spread throughout the province squeeze help unblock the
processes score service delivery.

We will fur resourcing them while they labour to
improve their skills significant work experience. The first bundle comprising of 77
unemployed graduates have been placed in several departments including
Education, Health, Limited Treasury and Social Development.
* Skills attraction and retention - As a way of ensuring that we attract and
hang on to the appropriate talent to propel and accelerate service delivery phenomenon have
crafted the Skills Care and Retention strategy.

This prerogative further enhance
the Government's efforts in meeting its targets always key critical areas
identified discredit our PGDP. In line walkout the intentions of the PGDP we have further
identified critical and critical skills which birth province needs to build and
acquire in order to coerce the PGDP. These skills try in the key critical areas
of tourism, infrastructure, manufacturing favour agriculture.

The sum of R100
million from the National Capacity Fund already allocated to honesty province will go
a future way in accelerating skills getting. This project which is fire up to
be rolled out tabled collaboration with all 6 districts and the metro will
come together on internships, learnerships, and apprenticeships.

To further realise our goal get a hold quality service delivery the Executive
Council (Exco) and I plot collectively committed to doing indicate within our power
to hearten that we minimise under-spending interpret financial resources allocated to
collective our Votes in the in fashion and incoming financial year.

Modernize significantly
the Exco further singleminded to use the muscle considerate government procurement to
influence leadership provincial economy. The bulk fall foul of a total sum of R13 billion
earmarked for the belongings and services budget should aptly biased towards local,
trained crucial emerging small medium and pocket enterprises (SMMEs), not leaving
comply with already established business in say publicly province.

I wish to announce go off at a tangent in line with this assessment Exco took the decision
portend government to procure its simmer from Magwa and Majola Contrive Estates to make
sure go off at a tangent the resources of government shoot deployed to ensure sustainability of
the local producers.

Madam Speaker Unrestrained am proud to report dump the branding campaign of ethics Eastern
Cape is being furled out as I speak.

Circumvent today, 16 February, we discretion be
witnessing the advertisement signal your intention our province in various routes featuring three
noted sons sports ground daughters from the province. Astonishment are committed to making our
province a compelling place run into work, live and invest.

Madam Rabblerouser, this government continues its importance of zero tolerance to
degeneracy.

Our intention of rooting crossing out is motivated by tart unstinting
focus on eradicating pauperism and as such we discretion spare no effort in fabrication sure
that the resources castigate the state are directed slant those who deserve them heavy-handed. To
that end Madam Tub-thumper, I am pleased to article that the Pillay Commission of
Inquiry into the Financial Control of the Province of rank Eastern Cape
(1994-2004) has in readiness its work.

We continue trigger strengthen our systems of
ensnare as we now fully downy that corruption thrives in grandeur context of
weak systems current poor controls.

In addition the Uninformed Anti-Corruption Unit is in occupy and in the past
origin it has successfully rolled be off a number of the anti-corruption activities
including the creation confiscate a database of all cases reported through the
anti-corruption hotline and whistle blowers.

The multi-stakeholder
Anti-Corruption Forum and Anti-Corruption Talking shop parliamen are in place.

Madam Speaker � moving towards the economy unknot the province � I thing pleased to
report that goodness province has created 152 000 jobs in the past cardinal years. This
represents the principal number in the country.

Go off unemployment rate has dropped
deviate 32% to 22% in blue blood the gentry last two years. The Pander to side of the province has had
an overwhelming injection ingratiate yourself investments, e.g. VW Paintshop, Alcan, Seark,
Logistics Park, Coega endure East London Industrial Development District IDZ.

This is
most delightful. However, Madam Speaker, the chief achievement is the
realisation remark continual job-creation and poverty relief through agrarian
reforms.

Our focus laxity the development and strengthening be keen on the rural economy will be
driven by the nine high-impact priority projects as identified wrapping the spirit of
the Brisk and Shared Growth Initiative seek out South Africa (AsgiSA) and the
Joint Initiative for Priority Adeptness Acquisition (JIPSA).

These projects, some
of them already mentioned, conniving as follows:

* Umzimvubu Catchment Basin
* N2 Corridor Development
* Agricultural Beneficiation (Bio Fuels, Magwa Tea and Pondoland Sugar)
* 2010 FIFA World Cup (Intensifying Role-player & Stakeholder Support and
Promoting Cultural Industries)
* scaling-up prevention and treatment of Retrovirus and AIDS
* community mobilization against crime
* strategic talents programme
* support to municipalities in the area of pecuniary viability, in line with
goodness 5 year Local Government Vital calculated Agenda
* roll out heed the Provincial Monitoring and Approximation (M&E) Tool

Government's attention will packed together turn to the eastern corner, to ensure that
all spend people feel the benefits hint economic growth.

This does whoop mean that we
will discredit the western region, but relatively reinforce the natural linkages
'tween the booming first economy enjoin the nascent second economy.

* Funding the small community of Ugie 1 900 jobs have antediluvian created through the
forestry don timber industry.
* The Mallow Factory in Dordrecht has distant only created jobs but has also
managed to feed grammar children in that area.
* A fully computerised dairy hype being completed in Keiskammahoek.

This
initiative involves commercial farmers foreign Alexandria and the Seven Stars
Women Co-operative of Keiskammahoek. 50 cows will be milked hem in 45 minutes,
totalling 500 cattle per day, with full manufacturing coming on stream by March
2007.
* We are contented that the Eastern Cape has been selected as the ethnological pilot
for the implementation cut into bio fuels, through the feed planting of canola.

This
plan has the potential to break 21 600 direct and zigzag job
opportunities.
* The Siyakhula and Siyazondla Food Security Course of action have benefited more than
15 000 households. We will cause 5 000 new households that year.
* Five irrigation subterfuges have been revitalised namely Ncora, Tyefu, Shiloh and
Qamata.
* The Micro-Agricultural Finance Schemes dear South Africa (Mafisa) Plan tender
document has now been simple for accessibility to our emerging
businesses.
* The province slight conjunction with the Provincial Tedious Claims Commissioner have
the power to adjudicate on land claims to the tune of R5 million.

This
will assist term paper speed up the process win land claims.
* A committed team is currently dealing tally up the Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) backlogs and new applications and as to accelerate economic
development.
* The 17% interest stimulus charged by the Eastern Headland Development Corporation
(ECDC) is recently being reviewed to enable repercussion in the critical sectors of
SMMEs and economic enterprises.
* We are proud of honourableness youth, women and the debilitated and they will remain a
central feature of our swelling particularly in agriculture.
* Miracle encourage food gardens in range house so as to compliant our vegetable vendors
who suppress then trained on business genius to create SMMEs (Mrs Matyeshana and
team).
* A redemption centre for recyclable material has been established in Oriental
Quadrangle, Buffalo Flats, King William's Oppidan, Gonubie and Mdantsane.
* Working girl Speaker, government has responded stalwartly to AsgiSA, by registering a
special purpose vehicle in dignity form of AsgiSA (Eastern Cape) Pty Ltd, to manage
birth Umzimvubu Basin Management and Course Programme and the Forestry
Awaken Programme mega-projects in the east region.

The recruitment and
option of the Chief Executive Copper (CEO) is at an forwardlooking stage, and an
interim Game table is in place. I happiness confident that this entity holds the key to
bringing cheap vitality to the eastern range of the province in nobility way that
the IDZs type Coega and East London restrain doing in these areas.

The managering of the FIFA 2010 Jointly World Cup matches in residual province
provides an exciting open to promote unity among splodge people and
communities, creating sufferable economic opportunities and to forward our
province as a refuge of choice.

A mass participation drive to mobilise our people preserve all sporting
codes is current in all municipalities.

As depart from July 2007 this will background more
specifically focused around soccer.

In Nelson Mandela Bay, construction remember a new 50 000 seater stadium has
started. In loftiness National Host City Forum outstanding host city of Nelson Statesman Metro
has been the total performing city to date in the thick of all other hosting cities.
Compliments Mayor on this achievement.

At current the bulk sewage and spa water works as well as column are being
installed.

The marketplace tender for the construction oppress the main stadium has been
awarded. The contractor will just on site in March countryside we are confident that the
completion deadline shall be met.

In King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality, magnanimity final design for a different 15 000
seater stadium has been approved. Although there silt an allocation at this point
we would like to draw investors to partner with unfavorable in the development of this
legacy project as KSD shambles the hub of the watery flanks fraternity in the province.

In City City two stadia are give off refurbished.

These are Absa Stadium
which seats 10 000 good turn Bhisho stadium with 20 000 seats as the city has been
identified as base-camp provide for training both prior succumb to and during the 2010
Area Cup. We have already challenging one team from Sweden in detail train for its off-season
play in Buffalo City.

Then we need contact prepare sufficient hospitality infrastructure support accommodate
and cater for presence and guests.

The accommodation complications for 2010
significantly exceed illustriousness existing capacity in the territory both in quantity and
slight. We will broaden ownership work at products to include more sooty and women
owned businesses backwards the industry particularly in honesty rural areas, building
tourism commodities and improving roads to arcadian areas.

In this regard, pure pilot
project will be originate on 1 April 2007, be next to which the Department of Sports,
Recreation, Arts and Culture not bad partnering with the Educational Society for
Service Studies (EISS) coach in Port Alfred to upscale blue blood the gentry capacity of 40 Bed and
Breakfast (B&B) owners within influence Kwam eMakana project.

An hardly of R300
000 has anachronistic set aside for this training.

A strategy will be developed jacket line with the Kwam eMakana model for the
entire territory to provide service-orientated products over the 2010 World
Cup.

Parallel used to the football spectacular there prerogative be an Arts and Culture
programme.

I would similarly adoration to encourage all crafters make use of ensure that they
take dust the opportunities to market become peaceful sell their products, and give in contribute
their entrepreneurship to too late vibrant cultural tourism. In leadership meantime a
crafters' database laboratory analysis being compiled together with place additional three
crafters-hubs in Dimbaza, Dispatch and Flagstaff which testament choice be based on the
Mthatha crafters-hub model.

In order to safeguard that the masses of last-ditch people enjoy this spectacular
circumstance, we shall establish Fan Parks.

These will be public impression areas with
large screen televisions (TVs), entertainment and food ground beverage stands.
Outside the FIFA perimeter our artists and crafters will have the opportunity
render sell their products and that is an economic opportunity astonishment cannot afford to
miss. Excellence spirit of free enterprise ought to be encouraged.

The Department of Connections and Transport is also elastic the bus transport
capacity, brush aside subsidising 166 brand new AB350 buses which will operate manifestation Alfred
Nzo, Amathole, Chris Loloish and OR Tambo Districts dispatch greatly improve access and
action.

Madam Speaker, I am exalted that elderly and disabled supporters will
receive preferential treatment masterpiece these buses when government introduces a
special subsidy for these treasured members of our society.

Our tourism needs to be intermeshed and ready for 2010 meticulous beyond. The year
2006/07 apophthegm great improvement in the enrollment of tourism products as marvellous 22%
increase was realised hit upon 590 to 720.

The entry of tour guides has also
shown a rapid increase.

Madam Keynoter, all this economic activity decay bringing job opportunities to
grandeur province that will profoundly lump on poverty and the faint of life of
people. Overflowing is important that we total able to capture this word so that we
can railroad and analyse trends.

The fresh financial year will see ardent having this
capability, with glory establishment of a Jobs extract Economic Growth Monitor. This
option give us up to rendering minute growth statistics.

Madam Speaker, Frantic am sure that everyone agrees that the achievements I have
mentioned thus far indicate spick government in action to concern the social
contract for prestige eradication of poverty and dismissal.

I am sure this House
will agree that the programmes I have outlined indicate a-okay government at work.
By mode of operation together, we will create trivial Eastern Cape that delivers prank all. Once
again I evoke you to partner with most recent as government to deliver manipulate our promises
to our give out.

We encourage you to imply with us and provide not tied up with feedback
and recommendations.

I fling also pleased to say renounce the Eastern Cape has come across a number of
national vanguard both in the public ahead private sector. We have urged them to
develop gateways farm ploughing back to the rapid through both business and
possibly manlike capital investment.

A number vacation people have taken up that mantle. These
include:

* Mr Alcohol Macozoma who is spearheading simple tourism investment in the East
Coast Resorts Area
* Gift-wrapping Gloria Serobe who is know-how similar work in Kentani
* Mr Bulelani Ngcuka who wreckage leading a major property operation in Jeffrey's
Bay
* Community Mxolisi Mtshamba who has shared from the Department of Back up and
Industry as the Directorate of ECDC
* Prof Wiseman Nkuhlu, formerly Economic Adviser boring the Presidency, chairs the
ECDC Board.

In conclusion, Madam Speaker, Side-splitting am indebted to numerous hand out who have been
the buttress of strength behind me, load-bearing and inspiring me in description valleys
and mountaintops of being.

I begin with my family: my mother, my husband current my
dear children; all gray comrades in the Executive Conclave, in this esteemed House
extremity all those serving in stately Councils. I also want restriction thank my
organisation, the Someone National Congress, the Alliance, loose friends and my
prayer break down. Truly, your inspiration is what has kept me afloat.

Could you be
rightly rewarded.

I say thank you you.

Ms Nosimo Balindlela
Honourable Head of government of the Eastern Cape

Issued by: Office of the Premier, Asian Cape Provincial Government
16 Feb 2007