MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba
KWAZULU-NATAL LEGISLATURE: On Wednesday afternoon 19 April 2023, the MEC for Public Works, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba tabled a R1, 738, 955 billion Budget which received a smart nod of approval.
Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) representing various political formations in the province hailed the MEC for a succinct and crystal-clear presentation of Vote 14.
Honourable Mahlaba took to the podium when the presiding officer summoned him to make a Budget Speech presentation on behalf of the KZN Department of Public Works (DPW). The MEC directed his focus on outlining detailed budget allocation which has been set aside for key priorities as identified by the Department.
It came to light that, the DPW is in a drive to create more than 17000 job opportunities targeting the youth, women and people with disabilities. The MEC also assured MPLs, invited guests, government officials and the people of KwaZulu Natal that, more than 135 000 job opportunities will be created through the provincial Expanded Public Works Programme.
Among other strategic developments tailor-made for the benefit of the electorate, the speech reflected on three critical good governance programmes ranging from Administration, Property Management and Provision of Buildings, Structures and Equipment.
Programme One: Administration - The budget allocation directed at enhancing the administration pillar of the provincial Department of Public Works was presented as follows:
• Compensation of Employees: R346 338 million
• Goods and Services: R92 242 million
• Transfers and Subsidies: R6 403 million
• Machinery and Equipment: R3 506 million
In his presentation, the MEC reiterated his commitment to strengthen service delivery citing a recent appointment of 5 Senior Management Services (SMS) members in various occupational disciplines within the Department. On the same token, he alluded to the fact that, the the Department boasts a practical Human Resources Provisioning Plan which seeks to ensure filling of 159 funded posts which have been approved.
Programme Two: Property Management - This programme which holistically encompasses provision of office accommodation and integrated property management received the following allocation:
• Compensation of Employees: R66 568 million
• Goods and Services: R56 769 million
• Transfers and Subsidies: R715 859 million
• Machinery and Equipment: R0,280 million
Programme Three: Provision of Buildings, Structures and Equipment - The programme shelters implementation of construction related projects, acquisition of buildings, structures and engineering works which further extends to maintenance of buildings in line with client specifications.
Budget distribution for the aforementioned programme is reflected hereunder:
• Compensation of Employees: R328, 118 million
• Goods and Services: R104, 744 million
• Transfers and Subsidies: R2, 009 million
• Buildings and other fixed structures: R14, 678 million
• Machinery and Equipment: R 1, 441 million
MPLs APPLAUSE COMPLETION OF CAPITAL PROJECTS WORTH R5, 512 BILLION
A loud round of applause echoed when MEC Dr Mahlaba confirmed completion of 1 273 capital projects. This is indeed a significant milestone recently achieved by the KZN Department of Public Works, under the direct tutelage of the 6th Administration of Government.
The projects mentioned above range from various hospitals, schools, office accommodation, conversion of government garage into office accommodation, installation of boreholes and so forth.
BUSARIES AWARDED TO ACADEMICALLY DESERVING YOUTH
In line with the government priority on youth development, the department has awarded thirty-nine (39) external bursaries to students pursuing various degrees in the Built Environment and other fields related to the applicable functions of the department.
MEC Dr Mahlaba extended a word of gratitude to the acting Head of Department, Mr Siboniso Majola, senior management and all categories of staff at head office, districts and regions. “Your zeal and commitment to serve in government will never gone unnoticed and for that I am grateful,” he concluded.
Elegantly-dressed senior managers representing the Department of Public Works together with MEC’s special guests packed the gallery during the 2023/24 Budget Speech
A bird’s eye view of the main house at the KwaZulu Natal Provincial Legislature. The picture was captured when MEC Dr Mahlaba was on the podium
Article by Siyathuthuka Mthembu
Images by Sibongile Dlangalala and Ntokozo Biyela