ATC070829: Report on NCOP “Limpopo Visit”

NCOP Economic and Business Development

National Council of Provinces

___________________

REPORT: REPORT BACK VISIT TO LIMPOPO: 27-29 AUGUST 2007

 

 

“Masijule ngengxoxo Mzansi”(Let’s deepen the debate, South Africa)

 

 

 

REPORT BACK VISIT TO LIMPOPO

27-29 AUGUST 2007

 

 

1. INTRODUCTION

 

The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) visited Limpopo Province from 27 to 29 August 2007 to meet with relevant Government departments and representatives of public forums to assess progress made on challenges raised during the Taking Parliament to the People programme in the province in 2005. The report back visit also afforded community members a further opportunity to address political leaders on issues of concern to them.

 

As in the initial visit in 2005, the follow up programme focused on crucial socio-economic issues relating to education, health, social development, agriculture and local government. Delegations of Members of the NCOP and the Limpopo Provincial Legislature conducted site visits to schools, health centres, farms and projects of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) on 27 and 28 August 2007 to obtain primary information on the progress made since the 2005 visit. The overall leader of the NCOP delegation to Limpopo Province was the Hon. Ms P M Hollander, MP. 

 

The report-back visit programme in the Limpopo Province was located within the theme “Masijule ngengxoxo Mzansi” (Let’s Deepen the Debate, South Africa). This theme acknowledged the importance of constant and meaningful dialogue, together with the people, to find lasting solutions to challenges facing the nation.

 

The structure of this report follows the sequence of the daily proceedings of the programme with regard to the oversight visits and meetings in the order they were held on each day.

 

2. FOLLOW-UP VISITS TO SCHOOLS

 

2.1 Background

 

Delegations of Members of the NCOP and the Limpopo Provincial Legislature conducted follow-up visits to the four schools that were visited in 2005, namely, Hans Merensky High School, Mavumbha Combined School, Yingisani School and Letaba Special School.

 

The delegations led by the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, the Hon. Ms P M Hollander (MP), the Hon. Ms Madlala-Magubane (MP) and the Hon. Mr T Setona (MP), respectively[1], met with the school principals, members of the School Governing Bodies (SGBs), representatives from the provincial department of education, ward councillors and educators at the schools. At Mavhumba Primary School, the principals from neighbouring schools were in attendance.

 

While some progress was made since the 2005 visit, there were still many outstanding issues that needed to be addressed.

 

2.2 Challenges identified in 2005

 

The following challenges or needs were identified at the schools visited during the 2005 visit of the NCOP:

 

2.2.1     Letaba Special School

      

• Need for urgent attention to the woodwork on the roof;
• Need to replace the roofs of the walkways;
• The Information Technology (IT)T server in the computer room was too small to handle the volume;
• A recreation hall was needed to promote drama, music and indoor sport;
• Upgrading of the sport field.

 

2.2.2. Yingisani School

 

• Classroom shortages;
• Lack of hostel accommodation
• Need for an administration block; a well equipped library and adequate computers;
• Vandalisation at school and security threats;
• Inaccessible gravel road during rainy periods;
• A need for a diagnostic and audiology block.

 

2.2.3. Hans Merensky High School

 

• Educators appointed on contract;
• Need to maintain infrastructure;
• Insufficient running water.

 

2.2.4. Mavumbha Primary School[2]

 

The principal of the school identified the following challenges:

 

• The culture of non-payment of school fees by parents;
• The high rate of unemployed parents and the high poverty levels prevalent in the area;
• The large percentage of parents receiving grants;
• The lack of discipline from learners;
• The high prevalence of weapons and drugs in the school;  
• Many learners cannot afford a uniform;
• Late-coming by learners;
• A number of learners have special needs;
• Burglary and theft;
• HIV/AIDS;
• Lack of security fencing;
• The large number of illiterate parents who are unable to attend parents meetings;
• Workbooks for the Foundation Phase learners are outstanding;

 

The school also had to upgrade the following facilities:

 

• Administration block;
• Sports ground and related facilities;
• Original security fence;
• Computer Centre;
• Library;
• Laboratory;
• A borehole;
• Environmental toilets.

 

According to the representative from the Department of Education, the following priorities needed attention in 2007:

 

• Security fencing;
• Borehole for water;
• Pit latrines as a temporary measure.

 

2.3 Progress

 

2.3.1 Letaba Special School and Yingisani School

 

There was not much progress identified in the two schools. The only reported progress was a supply of eight mobile classrooms at Yingisani School.

 

2.3.2 Hans Merensky High School

 

• Educators who were previously on contract have been appointed permanently.
• Infrastructural challenges that were raised in the initial visit had been attended to.
• The problem of lack of potable water was partially dealt with by the Department of Water Affairs who provided boreholes to the school.
• The principal expressed his gratitude towards the Department of Education for the resource material and support he received when implementing the New Curriculum.

 

2.3.3 Mavumbha Primary School

 

The Principal noted the following progress:

 

• Delivery of 400 desks for learners, 30 chairs and 23 tables for educators.
• Visit by a representative from the provincial department of education.
• Stationery always arrives in time each year.
• No shortage of classrooms.
• The school has enough water – request for a borehole to handle possible future shortages.
• Norms and Standards money has been allocated to the school annually for the past two years– the school received R60 000.00 in 2006 and R 230 000.00 for 2007.
• Textbooks are supplied in time.

 

2.4 Outstanding issues

 

2.4.1 Letaba Special School and Yingisani School

 

In briefing the NCOP, the representative of the Department of Education, the Senior Manager: Psychological Service and Guidance indicated that the Department was unable to address the challenges identified above because the department had other priorities. She indicated that the department was busy addressing the question of classes under trees. As a result, the department was left with no funds for the 2006/2007 financial year to address other challenges. She further indicated that the department had sourced quotations for the renovations or to implement the needs identified by the NCOP in 2005 on 03 August 2007 with the intention of addressing the needs during the 2006/2007 financial year.

 

The NCOP was very concerned by the fact that the department did not attempt to address any of the challenges that were identified. The NCOP indicated that the lack of funds could not be raised as an excuse since the department had a rollover in the 2006/2007 financial year.

 

The NCOP was further disturbed by the fact that the department only began to source quotations for the renovations on 03 August 2007. The NCOP viewed this as an attempt to cover up the neglected responsibilities and viewed this as an indication of the department not taking the NCOP or the resolutions of the NCOP seriously.

 

The delegation also noted that the advice by the department to Letaba Special School that it should use its subsidy to upgrade the server was not feasible, since the school was unable to properly feed its children using the same subsidy.

 

With regard to Yingisani School, the NCOP observed the lack of diagnostic and audiology blocks as a cause of serious concern. These blocks form an integral part of the school.

 

The NCOP also noted that the Ward Councillor and the management were not interacting with each other hence the school was not included in the Integrated Development Planning (IDP) of the municipality.

 

The lack of constant monitoring by relevant departmental offices including the Provincial Legislature was also noted.

 

The NCOP further noted with concern that the Department of Education was deploying educators without sign language skills to this special school. This in essence negatively affects the teaching and learning in the school, since educators without sign language expertise would take a much longer time to learn basic sign language, which would enable them to interact with the learners.

 

2.4.2 Hans Merensky High School

 

• Although the Department of Water Affairs has provided boreholes to the school, the water still needs to be purified.
• The school still needs the Department of Education’s support in maintaining the school buildings.

 

2.5 New Challenges

 

A number of new challenges were highlighted during the presentation:

 

2.5.1 Letaba Special School

 

• The school needs a physiotherapist.
• The block used by elderly people in the school was supposed to be used by the school as its hostel block since the school was running short of rooms for accommodation. This was due to the increased enrolment each year.
• The Aftercare Centre in the school premises was hampering the development of the school. The Aftercare Centre was affecting the school budget tremendously since the school was paying for its electricity, water and renovation.

 

2.5.2 Yingisani School

 

• The school buildings are not insured and the school does not have a title deed.
• Any attempts to interact with the Department of Education, Department of Public Works and the municipality are reportedly unsuccessful.

 

2.5.3  Hans Merensky

 

Implementing African languages as part of the curriculum. This move is supported by the management of the school. However, parents have expressed serious concerns. The Provincial Department of Education had seconded educators to the school to teach these specialized languages without having notified the school or its senior officials.

 

Salaries of persons being promoted. Several concerns were raised that the salary packages being offered to staff after they have been promoted did not complement the additional work that they would be doing. The department official present agreed that by Wednesday, 29 September 2007 a report would be made available that sets out the status of the current salary structure for members of staff that have been promoted.

 

Infrastructural problems. An increase in the number of students has placed tremendous strain on the school’s current infrastructure and resources. The school has requested that the Department of Education assists with the maintenance of the school buildings. Additional female lavatories are required.

 

Termination of the services of temporarily appointed educators. The principal and members of his staff raised serious concerns about the fact that several of members of staff would be unemployed by 1 September 2007.

 

2.6 Recommendations

 

The NCOP made the following recommendations:

 

2.6.1 Letaba Special School

 

• The Department of Education, including the Head of Department, and the Department of Public Works be summoned immediately after the visit to provide a report since the representative of the Department of Education was unable to adequately respond to most of the questions posed to her.;
• The Department of Education should appoint physiotherapists.

 

2.6.2 Yingisani School

 

• The Department of Education and the School Management must consult the Department of Public Works with regard to the title deed status of the school.;
• The school should interact with the municipality with regards to potential fire  threats, upgrading of access road and water. The Councillor should report back to the NCOP within two weeks.;
• The Ward Councillor and the management of the school must have a meeting subsequent to the NCOP meeting to decide on how they will deal with the issues raised.;
• The Department of Education should start appointing physiotherapists to needy schools.

 

2.6.3 Hans Merensky High School

 

• It was unacceptable that 90 % of the School Governing Body (SGB) consisted of white parents. Recommendations were made that the election of the SGB should be well publicised in order to enable maximum exposure to black parents.  Efforts should be made to transform the current SGB status that depicts a 90 percent white majority to that of a group that represents the demographics of South Africa.

 

3. FOLLOW-UP VISITS TO HEALTH CENTRES

 

Delegations of Members of the NCOP and the Limpopo Provincial Legislature visited the following health centres or clinics to observe progress made in the delivery of health services since the 2005 visit:

 

1. Grace Mgodeni Health Centre.
2. Nkowankowa Health Centre.
3. Mokgapeng Clinic.

 

The Hon. Ms Madlala-Magubane (MP), the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, Hon. Ms P.M. Hollander (MP) and Mr T Setona respectively, led these delegations.

 

3.1 Grace Mugodeni Health Centre

 

3.1.1 Challenges

 

The officials at the Grace Mgodeni Health Centre identified the following challenges during the NCOPs initial visit in 2005:

 

• High staff turnover.
• Lack of transport for urgent transfers to neighbouring hospitals.
• Insufficient provision of water to the centre.
• Lack of resources such as telephones and faxes.
• Lack of a security fence around the health centre.
• Dilapidated infrastructure.
• Insufficient office space.

 

3.1.2 Progress made

 

3.1.2.1 Successes

 

The report received from the officials at the health centre indicated that there has been minimal progress due to budgetary constraints. The following successes and challenges were reported:

 

• High staff turnover

 

This was addressed by filling the vacancies, but because of other developments in the centre like the opening of the Human Immmunodefiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficency Syndrome (AIDS) clinic, a vacancy has been created because one nurse had to be deployed from the centre to be responsible for HIV and AIDS patients.

 

• Lack of transport for urgent transfers to neighbouring hospitals

 

This has been addressed by decentralising the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Although this has not assisted because the EMS takes some time to reach the centre, which may cause some problems when dealing with emergencies.

 

 

• Insufficient provision of water to the centre

 

A borehole is in place and this eliminates the problem as it is functioning very well.

 

• Lack of resources such as telephone and faxes

 

The clinic has a photocopier, fax machine and telephone, which at times does not work. The clinic was however supplied with a cellular phone for emergency calls, Another option was given to those who have contracts to utilise their phones and later claim from the department.

 

3.1.2.2 Outstanding issues

 

• Lack of security fencing around the health centre

 

No progress has been made regarding this matter because of budgetary constraints.

 

• Dilapidated infrastructure and insufficient office space

 

Nothing has been done because of budgetary constraints.

 

3.1.3 New Challenges

 

The delegation was informed of the following new challenges the centre is facing:

 

• Human resources

 

The centre has submitted inputs to the Provincial Department for staff establishment but thus far, there has been no progress.. The proposal is still with the provincial department.

 

• Human Immunodefiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficency Syndrome (AIDS), Tuberculosis (TB), Multidrug resistant (MDR) and Mortality

 

On the issue of HIV and AIDS and TB defaulters, they have an auxiliary nurse who checks on TB patients and defaulters by issuing a list of those on treatment and their status. No MDR and mortality patients were reported.

 

• Youth Centre

 

A youth centre was established in 1996 by PPSA and after 2004, it was taken over by the Department of Health.  The objectives and challenges of this entity were partially outlined.  The youth centre services 26 high schools and 36 primary schools.  They conduct awareness programmes with the learners and have some volunteers who are peer educators.  They offer programmes on contraception, anatomy, HIV and AIDS and Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

 

3.1.4 Recommendations

 

The following recommendations were made by the NCOP:

 

• That the senior departmental officials who wrote the report, appear before the delegation on Tuesday, 28 September 2007, at 17:00 to give an account on issues that the District Manager, as the Supervisor-in-charge, could not respond to during the interaction. The District Manager should make the necessary arrangements for the meeting.
• On the issue of the Youth Centre, it was recommended that the clinic make a detailed presentation before the Portfolio Committee on Health in the Legislature and the Select Committee on Social Services in the NCOP. In the presentation, the objectives and the impact of their services to the community should be outlined in detail.
• That they utilise Umsobomvu Youth Fund, the SETAs and Youth Commission to access funds to further develop the Youth Centre.

 

3.2 Nkowankowa Health Centre

 

3.2.1 Challenges

 

The officials at the Nkowankowa Health Centre identified the following challenges during the NCOP’s initial visit in 2005:

 

• Insufficient water.
• In transit theft of ordered medication.
• Overcrowding in the reception area.
• Unavailability of a social worker.

 

3.2.2 Progress made

 

All the issues that were raised in 2005 were attended to:

 

• Insufficient water – the borehole is now available and functioning very well. The water from the borehole is tested for human consumption by the Municipal Environmental Health Inspectorate. It is utilised for supplementary purposes if there is no supply of water from the municipality.
• In transit theft of ordered medication – all the challenges regarding this issue have been addressed. Various mechanisms have been put in place. New forms have been developed by the medical doctor, which indicate the types of  medicines patients need. A dedicated staff member has been delegated to the dispensary; security measures at the gate have been improved and the management of the centre holds monthly meetings with the pharmacist for assistance.
• Overcrowding at reception – the cause of the overcrowding was that the four consultation rooms in the reception area included the consultation rooms for the doctor and the social worker. They have both been removed and the situation has since normalised.
• Unavailability of a social worker – a social worker is now available.

 

3.2.3 New Challenges

 

The delegation was also informed of the following new challenges the centre is facing:

 

• Increased number of patients queuing for attention – the current room for this service is too small. The health centre management intends upgrading the building and separating the TB patients from the other chronic patients in order to avoid infections. Correspondence has been written to the Department of Health and Social Development head office in this regard, but it was noted by the representative official (Senior Manager: Primary Health Care) that they have not received correspondence on this issue.
• The issue of not rendering a 24-hour service to the community – the delegation was informed that the centre previously rendered this service, but after the incident where nurses were held at gun point this service was stopped. It was raised that staff members are also harassed during the evenings.
• No sufficient storage for files – the current room which is utilised is too small; some of the files are kept in the corridor.
• The fence around the health centre is problematic.

 

Observations by the delegation:

 

• With regard to the removal of medical waste, it is removed once a week and transported to Gauteng (Johannesburg) to be placed in the incinerator. The delegation enquired why there is no incinerator at the health centre, as this poses a health risk for medical waste to be stored before collection.
• The delegation was especially concerned with the fact that placentas are placed in a placenta pit indefinitely, with no clear plan of action on how and when these placentas will be disposed of, as this could possibly contaminate the underground water supply, for example, the borehole.
• The delegation noted that the health centre does not operate on a 24-hour basis, due to conflicting reports, such as:

 

• The sister in charge reported that there is insufficient staff to operate on a 24-hour basis;
• The ward councillor was of the opinion that there is reluctance/defiance from the staff to work the nightshift due to the ’gun hold-up’ incident which occurred at the clinic and the harassment of nurses on nightshift by elements within the community.

 

Commitments made by the Department, the Provincial Portfolio and the Government Communication Information System (GCIS)

 

1.                Provincial Department of Health

 

• The department stated that they will provide a mobile container for the storage of files.
• The upgrading of health centres and clinics in the province has been prioritised.

 

2.                Provincial Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development

           

• The Provincial Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development undertook to revisit the health centre in two weeks to ascertain whether issues raised have been adequately addressed.

 

3.                Government Communication Information Systems (GCIS)

 

• GCIS made an undertaking to consult with the Community Development Workers (CDW) and conduct Road Shows to inform members of the surrounding communities that the health centre will be providing services on a 24-hour basis.

 

3.2.4 Recommendations

 

The following recommendations were made by the NCOP:

 

• The removal of medical waste is a provincial challenge at health centres and clinics. The delegation recommended that this issue has to be addressed by the provincial Department of Health as a matter of urgency.
• The health centre, together with the department, should review the issue of obtaining a computer back-up system for the storage of information.
• The delegation also recommended that the health centre consider alternatives (such as fundraising and Public Private Partnerships) in raising funds for the purchase of equipment such as computers.

 

 

3.3 Mokgapeng Clinic

 

3.3.1 Challenges

 

The officials at the Mokgapeng Health Centre identified the following challenges during the NCOP’s initial visit in 2005:

 

• Insufficient water supply.
• Understaffing.
• Lack of transport for urgent patient transfer.
• No medical doctors assigned to the clinic.
• Lack of proper waste disposal.

 

3.3.2 Progress made

 

3.3.2.1 Successes

 

The report received from the officials at the health centre indicated that the following successes have been made:

     

• Insufficient water supply – This issue has been adequately addressed by the installation of a functional borehole.
• Understaffing – All vacant posts have been filled.
• Lack of transport for emergency patient transfer – Emergency medical services has improved due to the decentralisation of the ambulance service. The response time of ambulances is now between 20 to 40 minutes.

 

3.3.2.2 Outstanding issues

 

• No medical doctors assigned to the clinic – no progress has been made in this regard, but an agreement has been reached with the Dr CN Phatudi Hospital to allow hospital doctors to visit the clinic once a month.
• Lack of proper waste disposal – no progress has been made in this regard. The clinic currently relies on the service provider collecting medical waste at the Dr CN Phatudi hospital to collect the medical waste at the clinic as well. This waste is collected twice a week.

 

3.3.3 Recommendations

 

The following recommendations were made by the NCOP:

 

·        The Department of Health should look at the possibility of building an incinerator locally or upgrading current incinerators for the disposal of medical waste.   

·        The removal of medical waste is a provincial problem at health centres and clinics and that this issue has to be addressed by the Provincial Department of Health as a matter of urgency.

 

3.3.4 Conclusion

 

The delegation was pleased with the progress made at the clinic and thanked the clinic staff for the hard work and dedication in servicing the people of the community.

 

4. Visits to Farming Projects 

 

Delegations of Members of the NCOP and the Limpopo Provincial Legislature visited Nguvamuni Farming Trust, Mariveni Farmers Cooperative and Berlyn Citrus Project to observe and assess progress made in addressing challenges or needs that were raised in 2005.

 

The delegations led by the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, the Hon. Ms P.M. Hollander (MP) and the Speaker of the Limpopo Legislature, the Hon. Dr TS Farisani (MPL), and the Hon. Kgoshi Mokoena (MP) respectively, met with the management of the farms and the farming communities. At Nguvamuni Farming Trust, the chairperson of the trust, a woman, expressed her sincerest gratitude to the owner of the strategic partner, Bushveld Chicken Farm, for all the resources they had provided to get the Nguvamuni Project off the ground. She also remarked that members of the trust shared the view that the current Parliament is really a people’s parliament as it looked at the interest of the people at grassroots level and was dedicated to eradicate poverty.

 

4.1. Challenges identified during the NCOP visit to the farms in 2005:

 

The following challenges and needs were identified during the 2005 visit:

 

Nguvamuni Farming Trust

 

• There was a lack of involvement by the majority (80) of beneficiaries in the farming project. An opportunity to venture into poultry farming with a strategic partner could not be signed without the approval of the majority of the absent beneficiaries.  

 

Berlyn Citrus Project

 

• The farm had been under the ‘caretakership’ of the Provincial Department of Agriculture for the past ten years and was not productive due to the lack of financial capital after a substantial decrease in budget allocation.
• The farm was part of competing land claims by the Berlyn Community Property Association and the Babirwa ba Mangena community. These competing claims were identified as key obstacles to the development and functioning of the farm.

 

Mariveni Farmers Cooperative

 

Apart from the generic problems mentioned below that affected all the farms visited, no challenges specific to Mariveni Farm were reported during the 2005 visit. At the time, the farm was the most successful farming project of those visited, and it enjoyed a significant upward business growth trend.

 

Challenges raised by the farming Community during the hearings

 

• Slow pace of land reform, especially restitution.
• Lack of post-settlement support, especially with regard to farming skills and business planning.
• Lack of employment opportunities for young people in municipalities due to extensive work experience required in their advertisements. 
• Lack of funds due to slow pace in the implementation of both Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP)[3] and Micro Agricultural Financial Institute of South Africa (MAFISA)[4].
• Lack of access of emerging farmers to agricultural produce markets.
• Exploitation of workers by business people who refused to allow them to join trade unions.
• Job losses due to the relocation of industries and factories.

 

4.2. Progress made

 

4.2.1. Successes

 

Since the NCOP’s visit in 2005, considerable progress has been made in addressing the challenges that were raised regarding the Nguvamuni Farming Trust and some of the generic issues raised by the farming community. However, little progress was made regarding the issues raised on the Berlyn Farm.

 

The following are measures of the progress that has been achieved:

 

Nguvamuni Farming Trust

 

·        Internal conflict between members of the trust: Since 2005, Minister Thoko Didiza intervened to resolve the dispute between the trustees. She called for the de-registration of trustees. This assisted in resolving the internal conflict within the trust and the number of trustees was reduced from 91 to six.

·        The farm has since ventured into poultry farming under secure markets. Environmentally controlled poultry houses have been constructed and the farmers are reported to be in the first cycle of production.

 

Progress on issues raised by the farming community

 

The Limpopo Department of Agriculture[5] has undertaken several measures to address the issues raised by the farming community in 2005.

 

With regard to the slow pace of land reform, the department has seconded 20 officials to increase capacity in the Land Commission. Currently, there is also a plan in process to second some of the interns to the Land Commission.

 

Other agencies such as the Limpopo Economic Development Enterprise (LIMDEV) and Limpopo Business Support Agency (LIBSA) are now used, apart from Land Bank, for MAFISA loan disbursement, which will increase efficiency and better service. MAFISA has however been suspended in October 2006 due to suspected fraudulent activities within the Land Bank office in the province. As a result, it has affected the provision of these loans to intended beneficiaries.

 

Access of emerging farmers to markets for agricultural produce is being broadened through Fresh Produce Pack-House Facilities. However, the department notes that small-scale farming and consolidation of small pieces of commodities in the province is a logistical nightmare. It is proving costly and erratic as farmers do not have Supply Agreements with the buyers. Within the cooperative initiative, there is an emphasis on joint marketing of their products as well as abattoirs and pack houses.

 

To address job losses due to the relocation of industries and factories, the department reports that Trade Investment Limpopo (TIL LEDET), through its implementing agent, LIMDEV, has developed incentive packages to attract investors.

 

4.3. Outstanding issues

 

The following are challenges that remain to be addressed:

 

 

Nguvamuni Farming Trust

 

·        Poor water supply: The chairperson of the Trust mentioned that due to heavy rainfalls in 2000, the walls of the then existent dam burst. Several letters were written to the Departments of Agriculture and Water Affairs to request assistance in terms of erecting a new dam. Seven years later, no progress had been made in erecting the new dam. The senior office bearers that formed part of the delegation had reached a resolution that a request will be communicated to the MEC for Water Affairs.

 

Mariveni Farmers Cooperative

 

·        The challenges that were raised during the NCOP visit in 2005 were not dealt with due to pressing issues emanating from the disagreement between management and farmers. These new issues are dealt with below as part of new challenges.

 

        Berlyn Citrus Farm

 

Not much progress has been made on issues that were raised in 2005 regarding the Berlyn Farm. The process of claiming the farm has not been completed and is delaying the proper functioning of development. The Department of Agriculture has however requested the Regional Land Claims Commission to prioritise the claim in order to determine the rightful owners of the property.

 

Challenges raised by the farming community

 

4.4. New challenges

 

Various new challenges and issues were raised, which include the following:

 

Nguvamuni Farming Trust

 

·        Lack of skilled labour: Due to the fact that the trust was still fairly new, the employees and members lacked skilled labour. The Department of Agriculture has training centres referred to as centres of excellence. These centres provide training for the workers involved in the farming projects. Furthermore, one of the conditions of the agreement between Bushvalley farmers and the trust is that farmers will provide training to the employees of the trust.

 

·        The need for equipment: Employees of the trust were of the view that they needed specialised trucks to transport the chickens from the poultry houses to the farms.

 

·        Water supply: The issue of water supply to the farm still poses a problem. The department representative mentioned that a service provider was appointed to carry out research on water resource development.

 

·        Supply and demand of produce:  The Department of Agriculture carried out several market related studies to ascertain the existing market for chickens. They have also assisted the trustees in marketing their produce. The trust is also involved in the farming of tomatoes, chillies, cabbages and mangoes. However they do not have the necessary resources to grow the products on a large scale. The department had also carried out several feasible studies.

 

·        Electricity: Several applications were made to the Greater Tzaneen Municipality for the connection of electricity. However, no progress has been made thus far.

 

·        Death of cattle on the purchase of the farm: Members of the trust claimed that on the purchase of the farm, there were cattle. However, due to a lack of water and the funds to purchase fodder for the cattle, they had died. This was attributed to poor management.

 

·        Revitalizing project: The Department of Agriculture had undertaken to assist in revitalising the farm.

 

·        Funding: The Tzaneen Municipality had obtained funding from the European Union. Some of the funds were used to assist the Nguvamuni Farming Trust. The Trust had inherited debt from the previous owners.

 

·        Conflict between the trustees: The strategic partner (Bushvalley Chicken Farm) is assisting the trust with the transfer of skills and resources.

 

·        Chickens belonging to the farmers: Serious concerns were raised as to the fact that the Trust was only paid R7, 50 per chicken sold. They went on to elaborate that they were not the owners of the chickens.

 

Mariveni Farmers Cooperative

 

Both the management and farmers were allowed to state their case before the delegation with a hope of resolving the dispute amicably. The following were some of the burning issues that were raised by the concerned group:

 

·        Restructuring

 

The department advised the farmers to move out of the current management model to a strategic investor model where the partner will share risks. However an agreement was reached between the Department and the Development Bank of Southern Africa that it will be in the best interests of the farmers to retain the current model.  Some of the farmers were unhappy with this model as they felt that it will only benefit the strategic partner (Du Roi Precision Farming and Mesema PTY- LTD). It is alleged that the concerned group disrupted the farming activities, which led the management to seek a court interdict that will prevent them from accessing the farm.

 

As part of the turn around strategy, the monthly stipend that was given to the farmers was stopped and this contributed to the disagreement with the management and farmers.

 

·        Misappropriation of funds

 

The concerned group made the following allegations with regard to the above:

 

-        The current management, through the chairperson, accepted funds from the European Union on behalf of farmers without their knowledge.

-        The strategic partner has influence with regard to signing powers and withdraws money without the consent of the farmers who are part of the cooperation.

 

·        Pending cases

 

The delegation agreed that it would not be proper for them to engage with this issue as it is sub judice.

 

 

 

·        Tender Process

 

 The tender process did not yield the desired outcome; the current strategic partner should share the risks as per the department’s proposal. This led to the retention of the current strategic partner.

 

Berlyn Citrus Farm

 

The following concerns were raised by the Berlyn Farm people:

 

·        People were employed by the Agriculture and Rural Development Corporation (ARDC) since 1995 and were retrenched on 31 March 2007.

·        The differences in pension money raised a lot of concerns, some received R18, 000 and others received R15, 000 but all their salaries were the same.

·        The workers requested the new management to allow them to farm the litchis in order to boost their livelihood.

·        Members of Parliament should help them because they cannot feed or raise a family with R15, 000.

·        There was no support from the Department of Agriculture.

·        The process of claiming the farm is delaying the proper functioning of development. 

·        There is no budget for this project.

 

Contributions by the representatives from the ARDC, Department of Agriculture and the Land Claims Commission

 

Presentation by Mr. Ngoasheng- Manager, ARDC

• ’Decision 80 of 2006’ that all Agricultural and Rural Development Corporation (ARDC) projects be incorporated within the Provincial Department of Agriculture.
• Berlyn was also affected by the decision and therefore the Department came with four options to the Community, which reads as follows:

 

1. Take the package for retirement.
2. To be retrenched.
3. To be incorporated into other departments such as public works and transport.
4. To get their pensions.

 

• The department was further instructed to classify the Berlyn project members into different age groups, offering all those that are 50 and above an early retirement, not retrenchment.
• The intention of the department with regard to the Berlyn Project was to get an investor to form a partnership with the project members. Now that the land claim of the project has been challenged, it has become nearly impossible to find an investor.
• The Department of Agriculture has tried placing those members under the age of 50 within other projects of different Provincial Departments. The challenge is that these departments will first accommodate their own excess staff and only employ outside workers on a part-time basis.
• The cooperation between the Provincial Departments did not bear any positive results, and retrenchments were unavoidable.
• The ARDC then embarked on a road show on 31st March 2007 to inform them that 509 employees at a cost of 11, 5 million were retrenched.
• At Berlyn, 48 people were retrenched at a cost of R450, 000.
• The ARDC acknowledged that some pension money might still be outstanding.

 

Presentation by Mr. CM Erasmus-Department on Agriculture

 

The departmental budget for the year 2007 did not include poverty alleviation. The Department of Agriculture does not own the land – the Department of Land Affairs owns this land. Mr. Erasmus stated further that he was not responsible for poverty alleviation. Another officer, who was not present, is charged with this programme.

 

2.6. Presentation by Mr. Shilote-Land Claims Commission

 

Mr. Shilote indicated that the Land Claims Commission received a land claims from Berlyn Farm three years ago. The claim was processed, but when the Minister of Land Affairs was in the process of issuing a certificate to complete this, a counterclaim was filed by the Babirwa ba Mangena community. He said the dispute was referred to the Land Claims Court. However, they discovered that the counterclaim does not comply with the requirements stipulated in the Act. Due to that, the commission envisaged withdrawing a court case and dismissed a counterclaim made to them. The commission further indicated that their matter of Berlyn may still drag on for sometime, since the Babirwa ba Mangena community may still lodge an appeal against their decision to dismiss their claim.

 

Observations by the NCOP:

 

• The NCOP delegation was concerned with the fact that the Department of Agriculture was unable to continue with the running of the litchis project since the ARDC was incorporated to it.
• The delegation also sought clarity on how many people did not receive their pension payout, and raised the issue of timeframes for this process.
• The delegation wanted further clarity on whether the counter claim would not delay the Berlyn process.

 

Response by Mr. Ngoasheng from ARDC

 

·        The request to continue with the project should be forwarded to the Department of Agriculture.

·        All the severance packages were paid out, and no complaints were received.

·        The pensions might be outstanding from trustees.

·        Currently, the ARDC is talking to these schemes on the outstanding pension pay out.

·        ARDC will further request a list of people alleged to have not received their pension payout.

 

      Recommendations

 

Nguvamuni

 

The delegation was concerned that the dam has not been erected. The delegation resolved that the department should submit a report by 10 a.m onWednesday, 29 August  2007 and show cause as to why the dam has not been erected.

 

Mariveni

 

Upon arrival, the delegation noticed that some of the members of the cooperative were barred from entering the premises by the management. The delegation felt that it would be imperative to deal with this issue as a matter of urgency as it affects the operations.

 

The NCOP made the following recommendation:

 

·        The Task Team consisting of ten members from each affected groups, that of; a representative from the department, representatives from the municipality and the mayor’s office should be established. It was agreed that all the documentation, specifically the one pertaining to the cession agreement, should be made available to the parliamentary legal advisers. The parliamentary legal advisers would then check the legalities of these agreements and advise the relevant committees accordingly. The names of the members of the task team should be submitted to the NCOP not later than Wednesday, 29 August 2007. The terms of reference are as follows:

 

·        The task team must identify the problem areas and address them as a matter

       of urgency.

·        A progress report should be submitted to the NCOP fortnightly.

·        The relevant Portfolio Committee and the Select Committee will monitor this

 process.

 

Berlyn Citrus Farm

 

The delegation recommended that:

 

·        A meeting between the Department of Agriculture and farm workers should be scheduled and all the outstanding matters on pension, differences in payouts, SARS deductions and other relevant issues be dealt with.

 

·        The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture should schedule a meeting with the stakeholders and try to resolve the litchis project   

 

5. FOLLOW-UP VISITS TO THE EXPANDED PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME (EPWP) PROJECTS

 

The NCOP conducted site visits to the following EPWP projects to observe progress made since the 2005 visit:

 

• Petanenge Project.
• Lefara Road Project.
• Modjadji Access Road.

 

5.1 Petanenge Project

 

5.1.1 Challenges identified in 2005

 

During the initial visit, the Petenenge Road Project was constructed and was allocated R2, 9m through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) for the surrounding areas. Though the road was reported completed, the following concerns were raised:

 

• Toilets were constructed without water and the learners and educators of Malwandla Primary School were using the nearby bush for ablutions.
• During the construction of the Petanenge and Lefara Projects, the communities did not benefit as no jobs were created because machinery was extensively used in the construction.
• There was no budget allocated for the maintenance of the constructed roads, and as a result, these roads were of poor quality.
• It seemed that the municipality was dumping funds on projects to avoid under spending.
• Rates offered per task were not in line with the Expanded Public Works Programme guidelines.
• There was a lack of proper planning on the maintenance of constructed roads.

 

5.1.2 Progress made after the visit by the NCOP

 

5.1.2.1 Toilets and lack of water

 

The toilets are in good conditions and the school managed to construct boreholes with the assistance of parents who funded the project to keep water running. However, the school still has a challenge of low pressure and they need funds to build a tank tower. Attempts have been made by the Department of Water Affairs and the Department of Public Works to address these issues.

 

5.1.2.2 Road infrastructure

 

Though an access road to the school has been constructed, the community is still challenged by roads that are in a bad condition. In rainy weather the community struggles to get transport such as buses and taxis, which sometimes results in their inability to travel to their places of work.  They requested that the department build trenches to block water from the mountain to the village. On the presentation made by the municipality, it was reported that the roads will be constructed in this financial year and the programme has been developed.   

 

5.1.2.3 Job creation through an Expanded Public Works Programme

 

The objective of the Expanded Public Works Programme is to create jobs and transfer skills to emerging contractors for sustainability, to alleviate poverty and eradicate unemployment. The storm water was erected and jobs were created but there were no skills transferred.  The coordinating unit will work with the municipality to ensure training is undergone for contractors and tender documents are compliant to regulations. .

 

5.1.2.4 Insufficient funds

 

The delegation learnt that there was no proper planning made during the construction of the road, which resulted in the poor quality of road construction.

 

5.1.3 New challenges

 

Members of the community noted that the school needs sports facilities as the learners are active in sport.  They have no playgrounds and through the engagement by delegates and the municipality, the school was promised to receive a grader by Wednesday 29 August 2007, as there are three graders for the whole municipality.  The municipal officials advised the school to request assistance from the Speaker and the Mayor’s office, as there are some schools that benefited through their submission of requests for the maintenance of the play grounds. 

 

On the issue of the lack of water, the municipality advised that there are mobile water tanks that are delivering water on request to the community.  A request should be submitted before twelve o’clock each day. The municipality holds planning meetings every week to address this issue and exceptional cases are considered on merit.

 

The community elaborated on the lack of a clinic in the area. Since there are clinics in the surrounding areas, the department finds it difficult to build another clinic in this village. It only provides the residents with a mobile clinic for medical services. 

 

Finally, the department alluded in its annual report to the progress made by the province including municipalities, that the volume of traffic is considered when a road is constructed.

 

5.1.4 Observations by NCOP delegation

 

The recommendation to build dry toilets as a matter of urgency was not implemented. There is a tendency to wait for the National Council of Provinces to visit provinces in order for both the province and the municipality to attend to service delivery. Poor planning is also a contributing factor to poor quality of work done on the projects implemented.

 

5.1.5 Recommendations

 

The delegation recommended that relevant departments and the local municipality should have cluster meetings to identify all issues raised during 2005 to itemise and plan in phases (short, medium and long term).

 

The infrastructure development plan should be part of the cluster.  Maintenance of the constructed road was recommended and a progress report to be submitted to the delegation within two months.

 

5.1.6 Conclusion

 

In conclusion, grading of the play ground was emphasised and the school was thanked for the efforts done on the construction of boreholes and the dedication of the Community Development Worker, who is informed of everything that is happening and supports the needs of the community.

 

5.2 Lefara Road Project

 

The Lefara Road Project was constructed through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) during 2005.

 

 

5.2.1 Challenges identified in 2005

 

• The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) procedures and principles were not adhered to as stipulated in the MIG policy. Notably, contractors used machinery in the construction of roads to cut down labour costs, which is contrary to EPWP objectives.

 

5.2.2 Progress made

 

• The road has been completed with no funds allocated from the MIG grant for its maintenance, leading to the degradation of the road.
• Most of the implementing agents are reportedly now adhering to the procedures and principles with regard to the implementation of the projects (EPWP).

 

 

5.2.3 New challenges

 

The following new challenges were highlighted:

 

• Although the road has been completed, no funds were allocated from the MIG grant for its maintenance, leading to the degradation of the road.

 

Challenges identified by the municipality:

 

• Water – the municipality indicated that in terms of legislation, they do not have authority over the supply of water. The responsibility lies with theDistrict Municipality. However, it was indicated that there are plans in place to decentralise such an authority to the municipality.

 

• Electricity – the municipality indicated that electricity is supplied by ESKOM and that the municipality in conjunction with ESKOM has drafted a list of areas in urgent need of electricity.

 

• Housing –the municipality indicated that they had provided information to the Provincial Department of Housing on needs and expectations of the community. The Department’s responsibility would be to deliver in accordance with its allocations and priorities. 

 

Challenges and concerns raised by the community

 

There was a general dissatisfaction from the public on the following:

 

• There was an RDP house that was destroyed in 2005 and reported to the relevant authorities, to date nothing has been done.
• In 2005 there was water in the community. Currently, there is no longer water available and various meetings were held with the office of the mayor and the district municipality. There were promises of water tanks and repairs to borehole machine though nothing has been done.
• It was reported that in 2004, there was a meeting with the mayor whereby he promised that in 2006 Lefara village would be electrified. To date, there is no progress in this regard. This also affects learners’ performance in schools.
• During municipal elections streetlights were promised but nothing was done.
• The gravel access road to Lefara road project was never graded since 2005. However, it was graded recently because of the visit by the NCOP.
• Potholes of Lefara road project were closed recently due to the visit by the NCOP. However, the community was surprised by the fact that MIG funds could not cover maintenance during the past three years but due to visit by NCOP, the road was now partially maintained.
• Ineffective communication between all spheres of government.
• Lack of involvement of ward councillors in community development.
• A continuing trend of promises without delivery of services.
• A concern that since 2005, there was no follow-up to date by any

      provincial and local government officials.

• Measures should be taken against stakeholders that do not keep to their         promises.

 

5.2.4        Observation by delegates

 

• There is no progress made on issues raised during the previous visit by the NCOP.
• Local councillors have neglected their constitutional responsibility of being accountable to the community.
• There is ineffective communication between all spheres of Government and constituency offices.
• Rights of the electorate have been violated due to lack of service delivery.  The venue used during the visit was supposed to be a clinic servicing the community. Instead, the building is dilapidated with no indication that it was ever a clinic. The delegation therefore enquired as to where women gave birth and the sickly are attended to, since basic health care is a constitutional right.
• The availability of members of the community was appreciated despite some dissatisfaction with service delivery.

 

5.2.5        Recommendations

 

The delegation having interacted with the community, recommends as follows:

 

·        All stakeholders who are involved in the delivery of all services mentioned above should carry a collective responsibility and ensure that before the end of September 2007, a meeting would be arranged. Following this, departments and implementing agencies would compile a report giving concrete responses to the issues raised by the community. A follow-up visit would be undertaken to inform the community of the progress made on issues raised in this report.

 

6. Modjadji Access Roads

 

6.1 Background

 

The Modjadji Access Roads Project is funded by the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) and implementation of the project is undertaken by the municipality, whilst the Project Management Unit (in the Municipality) monitors the projects. The projects were identified by the communities and the scope of work was re-gravelling roads, with the ward committees indicating the specific roads. The scope of work also had to include some kind of seal on the roads (sand seal roads). The roads were constructed in 2005.

 

6.2 Procedure

 

The delegation was taken to one of the specific roads at Moleketla Village, which is in a better condition than the others.

 

The Municipality indicated that the roads have to be maintained every two to three years. The problem that Greater Tzaneen Municipality is currently facing is that there is no budget available for maintenance.

 

6.3 Observations by the delegation

 

• The delegation noted that the road should have been constructed semi-round, in order to direct the water flow to the side. The Municipality promised that the technical team will reassess whether it will be possible to lay another layer to allow for the water flow to the side.
• The municipality only showed the delegation the better-constructed road project, whereas there are other projects in a poorer condition.
• Monitoring and supervision by the steering committee, project manager, and inspectors is inadequately executed.
• The constructed road has many potholes.
• The municipality only covered the potholes after learning that the NCOP will be visiting the projects.
• Some of the roads are not properly finished on the sides.
• The poor condition of the roads indicates that there is a lack of road maintenance.
• The lack of planning and monitoring is evident from the fact that in some cases, the road was constructed around Eskom poles.
• It was observed that the roads are already in a bad condition, though they were only constructed in 2005.

 

 

6.4 Recommendations

 

• The municipality should consider hiring other contractors.
• Proper monitoring of the projects should be regularly undertaken.
• Maintenance should be carried out annually, not bi- or tri- annually as it is currently the case.
• The access bridge to the cemetery should be rebuilt because of its current status.
• An access bridge to the school in Modjadji needs to be built to allow learners to cross over during rainy seasons.
• The ward councillors should monitor the projects and not leave all the technical aspects to the officials.

 

6. MEETING TO REPORT BACK TO THE PUBLIC IN TZANEEN, 29 AUGUST 2007

 

6.1 Opening by the Chief Whip, Hon. Mr Nong

 

The Hon. Mr Nong introduced the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, Ms. PM Hollander. He welcomed a representative of the Premier of Limpopo Province, delegates of the NCOP and Limpopo legislature, and all present.

 

6.2 Words of Welcome by the Speaker of the Limpopo Legislature, Hon. Dr Farisani

 

In his words of welcome, the Speaker of the Limpopo Provincial Legislature, Dr Farisani (MPL) noted that not everything had been solved. There were still a lot of challenges that needed to be addressed. He remarked that democracy was an ongoing process, which requires both legislature and the NCOP to carry out their constitutional mandate. When funds are allocated, MECs are expected to deliver results.

 

He noted that mixed progress was made on service delivery. The provincial Speaker indicated that a visit to Nguvamuni Farming Trust showed that progress was made on some issues, but some challenges still needed to be attended. Of the 10 000 trees of mango, 3 000 have died. There has been a failure to reconstruct a dam destroyed by floods in 2000. The legislature expects this to be attended to. The Land Claims Commission has been called to account why the Berlyn Farm was not moving forward.

 

In conclusion, the Speaker indicated that the NCOP was reinforcing and assisting the Limpopo Legislature in its oversight functions. He stressed that there was a lot of follow up to do on issues raised in the report-back visit.

 

6.3 Opening Remarks by the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, Hon. Ms. P.M. Hollander

 

In her opening remarks of the report-back meeting, the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, Hon. P.M. Hollander remarked that the occasion of the report-back meeting was a true expression of a Government that places people at the centre of service delivery through harnessing their collective wisdom in order to find solutions to uplift them.

 

The Deputy Chairperson expressed pride that in thirteen years in power, Government had brought water and electricity to millions of households; built houses accommodating millions of households; opened up access to quality education; removed discrimination in access professions; turned the economy around to become more productive and globally competitive; and positioned South Africa internationally in areas such as sport, business and music. In so doing, a firm basis has been laid towards the goal of building a society that cares.

 

The Deputy Chairperson acknowledged that there were still immense challenges that lie ahead but emphasised the need to work together to overcome these challenges and deliver a better quality of life to all people. Parliament’s theme Masijule Ngengxoxo Mzansi (let’s deepen the debate South Africa), adopted early this year, acknowledges the importance of constant and meaningful dialogue, together with the people, to find lasting solutions to fighting poverty, unemployment and the many other challenges, faced as a nation.

 

The NCOP has observed the need to engage as a collective with all role-players across the different spheres of Government in addressing the issues that people raised on occasions such as report-back visits.

 

The Deputy Chairperson highlighted that the NCOP has proposed a focused approach on important service areas, identifying four critical areas:

 

·        Social transformation:  education, health, housing, social security, sport and recreation and land and agriculture.

·        Economic transformation: empowerment of women and youth in economic programmes and policies, sharing of economic opportunities, implementation of AsgiSA and JIPSA to alleviate poverty, public transport infrastructure and EPWP, and job creation.

·        Safety and security: community involvement in fighting crime, domestic violence, and strategies to fight violent crimes.

·        Governance: capacity of local government, strategies to assist local government, and intergovernmental fiscal administration.

 

Ms Hollander also stressed that the NCOP is committed to prioritising the promotion and monitoring of Government’s observance and adherence to the principles of intergovernmental relations and co-operative government set out in Chapter Three of the Constitution. This encourages co-operation in the implementation of integrated programmes.

 

She noted that interaction with local government had pointed to the need for the three spheres of government to ensure more synergy in the implementation of programmes and reporting on issues of service delivery. People wanted to hear one government talking in one voice.

 

The Deputy Chairperson also gave an overview of progress made in service delivery concerning the issues raised in 2005, indicating that it was a mixture of ‘good and not-so-good news’.

 

She hinted that with regard to issues of electricity, water, the provision of RDP houses and roads raised by the community of Lefara in 2005, progress was lacking.   

She stressed the need for national, provincial and local government to compile a report with regard to these specific issues raised by the community so that they could be addressed.

 

On the issue of farming, she concurred with a view expressed in one of the meetings that farming had not adequately been promoted as a business enterprise, in the process of encouraging people to become farmers. She stressed that farming was a business, like any other business that requires commitment, a hands-on approach and people with the necessary expertise and understanding of it as a business.

 

The Deputy Chairperson noted good examples where people committed themselves wholeheartedly to projects. She hinted that the NCOP would assist them in areas where they face challenges, such as the provision of dams and unfair business practices from their advantaged partners. 

 

She also acknowledged progress noted in places such as Nkowankowa Health Centre, where challenges of water, theft of medication, overcrowding, and unavailability of services of a social worker have been addressed. She also welcomed the new challenges raised and indicated that they would be attended to.

 

The Deputy Chairperson acknowledged a consolidated progress report received from the Province before the report-back visit, which covers issues under social, economic, and governance and administration clusters. She stated that it provided necessary information for purposes of oversight and ensuring that services were delivered to the people.

 

She concluded by reiterating the importance of working together to overcome the challenges faced.

    

6.4 Questions from the Floor

 

The following issues were raised verbally or in writing during the questions from the floor:

 

·        The spokesperson for traditional leaders requested assistance from Parliament to build a structure/monument to hold meetings.

·        The spokesperson for religious leaders appealed to Government to continue to acknowledge God as the almighty. Government was asked for land to build churches and religious centres.

·        An eviction notice given without prior warning from Pusela Farm by Greater Tzaneen Municipality was drawn to the attention of the NCOP and the provincial delegation.

·        The MEC of Agriculture was thanked for providing funding to Mariveni.

·        A resident from Ward 7 complained about builders in an RDP housing project who were constantly absent from the site. Further challenges raised from Ward 7 included a poultry project that was started but required resources and scarcity of water.

·         A spokesperson of Ward 96 (Nkowakowa) complained about problems with the supply of electricity and water. The ward has been without electricity for seven years. Other issues raised by Ward 96 include inadequate provision of ARVs, lack of pre-schools and serious shortage of water. Promises for supply of water were previously made but not fulfilled. An appeal was made for assistance with land claims in Tours.

·        Ward 26 reported that since the 2005 NCOP visit, no progress was made in relation to the provision of electricity. There is a dam at the ward but it fails to provide water to the people living in Hweetsi. There are no access roads to this area. There is no support given by the Greater Tzaneen Municipality and RDP houses are unavailable.

·        Ward 10 (Bolobedu) reported the need for water supply, electricity, speed humps on roads, a bridge to the graveyard at Motupa and an access road to this village and a multi-purpose centre.

·        Ward One (Tzaneen area) reported a lack of water, electricity and access roads.

·        Ward 11 reported that they had been promised a bridge at Nwanatse since 2001 but that it had not been built. There was also an unfinished stadium in Leretjane Village.

·        Ward 16 reported a lack of water, RDP houses, roads and electricity.

·        Ward 25 reported a lack of electricity, water and an access road in Mlati and Sedan villages.

·        Mawa Block nine reported a lack of electricity, water and a high school. It was also reported that Government had promised a family a house after they had lost a breadwinner during the 2000 floods. This has not been fulfilled to date.

·        A representative of an HIV and AIDS community-based organisation (Cross the Road and Stay Alive) highlighted the prevalence of domestic violence, physical abuse, sexual abuse and HIV and AIDS.

 

6.5 Closing Remarks by the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, Hon. P.M. Hollander, on the occasion of the Report-back Meeting in Tzaneen

 

In her closing remarks at the report-back visit, the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP indicated that the visit was extremely valuable as it provided an opportunity to further interrogate the issues that people raised previously. It also provided a better understanding of the weaknesses and strengths in the system of Government.

 

The Deputy Chairperson acknowledged that the challenges faced would not simply disappear but required people to come together and address them collectively as had happened during the report-back visit.

 

She expressed great satisfaction at the openness of people during the interactions. Raising issues with leaders to address the people’s dissatisfaction was a sign of maturity of South African democracy. 

 

The Deputy Chairperson also expressed satisfaction of the fact that women were vocal about the challenges that face their communities. This was good for democracy as women were in the majority and were historically the worst victims of poverty and underdevelopment.

 

She thanked the provincial and local government leadership for creating time and participating as partners in the report-back visit. In particular, she thanked the Speaker of the Provincial Legislature, Rev. Doctor Farisani (MPL), office-bearers in the legislature, and the executive for their support in carrying out the programme of the report-back visit. She also thanked everyone for attending and participating in this report-back session.

 

The Deputy Chairperson concluded by indicating that she was looking forward to a continued collaboration between the different institutions of Government and between different spheres so that together they empower people and create a better life for all. The work covered and the issues that the people raised would continue to serve as a basis for continued interaction.

 

7. CONCLUSION

 

This report provided an overview of progress made since the NCOP visit of 2005. The report back visit to Limpopo has once again provided a platform for ordinary people to make a valuable contribution to the processes and instruments of governance.

 

 

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[1] The same delegation visited both Yingisani School and Letaba Special School as they were adjacent to each other.  The other two schools were visited by a delegation each. 

[2] The 2005 Taking Parliament to the People programme did not have a report on Mavumbha School. As a result it was not possible to establish the challenges that were faced during that visit.  

[3] CASP provides post settlement support to targeted beneficiaries of land.

[4] MAFISA is a micro and retail agricultural financial scheme for economically active poor people.

[5] Limpopo Provincial Government Consolidated Progress Report for NCOP