Comrades,
The African National Congress in the Province of the Eastern Cape convened a successful mid-term Lekgotla and Land Summit. The Lekgotla and Land Summit were preceded by a PEC induction which was also a success.
We had fruitful deliberations which resulted in key resolutions on key interventions between now and the end of term. We now approach the 2018/19 budget adjustment period and the planning processes for the 2019/20 financial year with a clear mandate from the ANC. Our responsibility as deployees in government is to implement decisions of the ANC. The ANC is the strategic centre of power, that is something we must always remember in our everyday work in government and other areas of deployment.
Amongst the key resolutions taken was that we must set aside a budget to assist district municipalities to complete all outstanding water works projects in order to deal with water and waste leaks that affects infrastructure projects and roads.
We leave this Lekgotla with priorities that include water supply, fast-tracking of housing development and or maintenance of proclaimed roads, provision of houses starting with the and provisioning of electricity.
We resolved that we must intensify support for municipalities that have low revenue base – find revenue mechanism. Strengthen planning commission with mandate of long term planning and monitoring capacity – ensure that there is streamlined planning between Locals and District.
Here comrades we agreed that Cabinet must establish a Ministerial team lead by the Premier to coordinate and drive all catalytic and mega projects in the province. We must support emerging economic initiatives through reducing the red tape within governance systems and decision-making processes of government. Broadband connectivity and accessibility in the Province can no longer be delayed, we must ensure this is done before the end of the fifth administration.
Comrades we must be firm on corruption, this is something we will always emphasise until we root out corruption in the public and private sectors. Those who are found on the wrong side of law must be arrested and recused from occupying any positions of responsibility either in government or in the organisation. This will help us restore the integrity and image of the ANC in society.
The Land summit also helped us in shaping a coherent message on the question of land. The ANC cannot afford to have incoherent messages on the question of land, especially as we approach the 2019 national general elections.
Land expropriation without compensation is a resolution of the 54th National Conference held last year in Nasrec. The National Conference is the highest decision-making organ and therefore no structure or individual is above the National Conference. The National Conference was unambiguous in providing the strategic direction of the question of land, our responsibility is to implement the National Conference resolution. Ayilo xesha lobuza imibuzo, lixesha lokwenza masingahambi sidlala sithunyiwe.
Comrades lets all work for the decisive victory for the ANC led alliance in the 2019 general elections. Nothing should deter us from this task including the upcoming regional conferences.
Thank you very much, have a safe journey home.
