Projects handed over to Groblershoop Communities
The MEC for Roads and Public Works, Dawid Rooi handed over houses to 10 beneficiaries in Groblershoop. The MEC also launched various projects, these projects which are to be implemented during the 2013/2014 financial year include amongst others, the building of 800 houses, a police station, school and 3 business sites.
In his speech the MEC made it clear that the mandate of government is to render services to the people and for a long time not much has been happening in Groblershoop. He further emphasised the importance of cooperative governance in the approach of service delivery.
The 80 year old Maria Delie could not withhold her joy upon receiving the keys to her house.
“I am so grateful that the government has given me a house, for many years I have been living in a shack” said the 71 year old Maria Bostander from Grootdrink.
Meeting with Audit Committee
The Audit Committee of the Siyanda District Municipality met with the Senior and Middle Management of the Municipality.
The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the audit report for the 3rd quarter.
The internal audit unit conducted as per usual, an audit of the internal controls that exist within the Municipality. It was imperative that management attend the meeting as the results have a direct impact on the running of departments.
Mr Ogu, Chairperson of the Audit Committee thanked the management for availing themselves during the audit process.
New Reporting Structure at the District Municipality
The District Municipality, in relation to its new mandate of rendering support to category B municipalities, has developed a new reporting structure in order to ensure better monitoring of municipalities.
The reporting structure came as a result of the fact that there was no clear link between the District, Municipalities and sector departments. The need for a reporting line was identified by the Mayoral Committee and decision was taken that the administration should design a structure where reporting and monitoring can take place.
It was agreed that the agenda of the Standing Committees should focus on the support that has been given to category B municipalities; the recommendations of these committees should in turn inform the agenda of the Mayoral Committee. The Technical and Political IGR forums must also speak to one another and forms the platform where government departments can communicate with stakeholders including municipalities.
Siyanda District Municipality changes its name to ZF Mgcawu District Municipality
The Siyanda District is changing its name to ZF Mgcawu District. This process that started in 2010 was proclaimed by the Northern Cape MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs, Mr MK Mmoiemang.
Siyanda District has for years been known as the ‘green Kalahari’, by those living in its borders as well as those outside. The name "Siyanda" is an African Name and simply means- ‘we are growing’. It is just aptly so that Siyanda is now growing to honour one of its children who were not only a freedom fighter who dedicated his life to the fight against the apartheid system, but served his people and communities until his passing in July 2001.
The Name change process started in 2010 until its advertisement in the Provincial Government Gazette, 22 October 2012, notice 14 of 2012.The Siyanda Council then decided that the name change will be implemented on 01 July 2013.
ZF Mgcawu might be difficult for the untrained tongue to pronounce, but will soon become very easy to do, especially if one knows the person behind the name. Mr Zwelentlanga Fatman Mgcawu was commonly known as Fatman born and bred in Pabalello. He was a man with many talents, such as his tertiary education from the University of Cape Town where he obtained a qualification in drama and Acting. He was a passionate actor and comedian and sought to train the youth to impact their skills and aid in opening opportunities for them. Not only was he an avid politician and active in church, but he was also the 1st black Mayor of the 1st democratic election in 1996.
ZF Mgcawu served his community through poverty alleviation projects and was also involved in the development of the Upington Airport. Recently Brug Street in Upington has also been changed to ZF Mgcawu Street
Whilst many will have to get use to the name change, a district named after a man who can only be described as a family and community man, is truly a district that can place their family and communities first. It is a district where one can truly say that they are no longer growing, but that they have become a full grown district with a breadth of potential and opportunities and a place where all are inclusive.
