Limpopo Provincial Government: Decisions and Updates from the Executive Council Meeting

The Limpopo Provincial Government held its Executive Council (EXCO) meeting of September 2023. During the meeting, several important matters were discussed and decisions were made. Here are the highlights:

Transformation of Subsidised Bus Service Contracts

A memorandum on the transformation of subsidised bus service contracts was presented. The memorandum highlighted the potential disruptions and delays that could arise from tendered contracts. T o ensure a smooth transition, it was recommended that the Department concludes negotiated contracts in accordance with Section 41(1)(b) of the National Land Transport Act. This approach includes formulating a negotiation strategy, establishing negotiation parameters, and identifying legal entities to negotiate with. Additionally, the number of contracts will be reduced from 26 to 9 to optimise budget allocation.

The Executive Council approved the conclusion of negotiated service contracts with incumbent bus operators. The Department of Transport and Community Safety was granted permission to extend the two Great North Transport Contracts in Sekhukhune District Municipality, if necessary.

Hosting Limpopo 3rd Annual Investment Conference: 18-19 October 2023

The Executive Council approved the framework for hosting the 3rd annual Limpopo Investment Conference on 18 to 19 October 2023. The Limpopo Investment Conference is set to bring the leading business partners operating within Limpopo Province closer to Limpopo Economic Development Agency and the provincial government in order to showcase the economic potential of the province as the destination for investments.

The Conference is also intended to support the attainment of the Limpopo Development Plan targets 2020-2025 by encouraging and facilitating the formation of new enterprises in the mining and mineral beneficiation sector, igniting new enterprises in the agriculture and agro-processing sector, and igniting new investments in green energy.

The conference will focus on the themes of mining and mineral beneficiation, automotive industry, agriculture and agro-processing, tourism, infrastructure and green energy. The conference will take the shape of a two-day hybrid event with 400 delegates who will attend physically and 800 who will connect virtually.

Proposed Gauteng-Limpopo Rail Link Project

A memorandum on the proposed Gauteng-Limpopo rail link project was presented. The memorandum outlined the progress made in developing an integrated Concept document and establishing institutional arrangements in both provinces. The next phase involves conducting a pre-feasibility study to explore the scope, institutional arrangements, and funding options for the project.

EXCO agreed that a joint consultation and engagement with the Minister of Transport will be conducted to secure support for the project. Further, the Implementation Protocol will be signed by both Gauteng and Limpopo Premiers. Efforts will be made to explore funding sources for future phases of the project. The process to appoint a joint project manager will also commence.

Cluster Programme of Actions

The Executive Council approved various clusters’ programmes of action for the first quarter of the financial year 2023/24 – Justice Crime Prevention and Security; Social; Governance and Administration Clusters. The reports provided an overview of achievements and areas of underperformance, along with interventions to address the identified issues.

JCPS Cluster

Overall, the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster has registered significant progress in achieving its targets. There has been increased conviction rate of offenders who were apprehended. The cluster also registered good progress prevention of substance abuse, prevention and rehabilitation as well as conviction rate in cybercrime. There has been increased feedback to communities as well as having communities joining in government campaigns.

Whilst the quarter saw a huge number of crimes on gender-based violence and femicide, there has been achievement in terms of GBVF and crime accessing sheltering services.

Social Cluster

The Social Cluster equally achieved majority of its target in the provision of quality education and quality health care system for the next five years including improved learning outcomes across all grades, management and prevention of communicable and non-communicable diseases. The cluster has been able to achieve targets that are aimed at consolidating the social wage through reliable and quality basic services and social cohesion and safe communities, as well as accelerating social change and improve quality of life of Limpopo citizens and strengthen crime prevention and social cohesion.

G & A Cluster

The Governance and Administration (G&A) Cluster also registered significant progress in achieving its quarterly targets as it relates mainly to producing a capable, ethical and developmental state. Where there are interventions needed like assisting municipalities in distress, supporting in handling of provincial anti-corruption strategy, implementation of the youth development strategy, the cluster has committed to advancing these targets in the next quarter.

Provincial Employment Equity Status 2023/24 Quarter 1 2023/24

A memorandum on provincial employment equity status was presented. It showed that some departments showed slight improvement in implementing employment equity for females and persons with disabilities whereas performance in employment equity deteriorated in certain departments.

The Executive Council resolved that all SMS positions in provincial departments should be filled, where possible, with priority given to females, people with disability, and youth until the 50% target is achieved.

Shiluvana Frail Care Centre Progress Report

The Department of Social Development (DSD) and Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC) are working on implementing a memorandum of understanding. The situational analysis has been completed, and key recommendations include expanding cooperation agreements, improving oversight, enhancing monitoring systems, and developing a stakeholder management strategy.

The Executive Council directed that the DSD should urgently address the issues raised by the stakeholders regarding take-over of the management of Shiluvana Frail Care Centre as well as on the reinstatement of employees to the Centre. Further, that the Department of Social Development should desist from taking decisions based on threats made by stakeholders, but should act in an amicable and objective manner.