Speaker says strategic functions must be managed internally
Gwiji outlines programmes for his office for the 2015/16 financial year.
SECUNDA – Mr Cyril Gwiji, Speaker of the Govan Mbeki Municipality, said it is time they review whether it is a business case to outsource primary functions, such as maintenance and construction of public infrastructure, compilation of financial statements and internal audit units.
“They are strategic functions which may be better managed internally.”
Mr Gwiji said their officials need to explore the possibility to at least ensure 10 per cent of the annual operational budget with effect from 2015/16 financial year is budgeted for, to build internal capacity on strategic functions of the municipality.
“We need to seriously examine the capacity, ability and experience of the service providers that are often appointed to render sensitive construction and infrastructure projects.
“The barrier of entry in the municipal environment is very simple which may compromise the quality and ability of the service providers appointed from time to time.
“We must stand tall, be vocal and manage this outsourcing function to attain value for money and return in investments.”
Mr Gwiji said leaders must ensure that residents use his office so that they understand the work of the government.
He said ward councillors must adhere to holding monthly meetings and report as such thereafter.
Mr Gwiji said his office went out to communities in June and interacted with them about the implementation and seeking inputs in the bylaws
“This exercise is in line with the imperatives of the Municipal Structural Act of 1998.
“This piece of the legislation instructs the office of the Speaker to consult with the community and communicate municipal programmes.
“We have completed that exercise with great success.”
Mr Gwiji said his office embarked on an exercise last month that seek to capacitate all ward committees.
“It is our priority to strengthen this office in term of public participation as ward committees are organics of democracy and are going to put more resources and time in their development.”
Mr Gwiji said a process of strengthening his office is under way to increase personnel.
He said the escalating prevalence of HIV/Aids in the Gert Sibande Region poses a threat of growth to society and hampers economic transformation.
“We encourage young men and men to undergo circumcision in order to minimise chances of contracting HIV/Aids.
“We must take precautions at all times and use condoms for safe sex purposes or rather abstain.”
Mr Gwiji encouraged leaders to adopt a school where they live and to help in the fight against drug abuse among young people.
He also applauded the police for arresting illegal miners in the area
“This act of criminality has the potential for public violence and must not be allowed at all cost.
“We have seen people dying and killing one another in Carletonville and other parts of the country.”
He appealed to residents to refrain from illegal occupation of land in our area.
“We know that many people need places to stay, but this kind of behaviour will not resolve our challenge, instead it will worsen it.”
