Outcomes of March Western Cape Government Cabinet meeting

Premier Alan Winde chaired a regular meeting of the Western Cape Government (WCG) Cabinet on Wednesday, 6 March.

Ongoing support to municipalities

Premier Winde reiterated his ongoing concerns over service delivery challenges impacting residents in numerous municipalities, including Knysna. “Urgency is needed in bringing stability to all struggling municipalities,” he said. He added that it is crucial that the Knysna Municipality urgently implements the Diagnostic Assessment and Support Plan, drafted by the provincial government, which its council has now adopted.

It was noted by Cabinet that the effect of the current difficulties is more pronounced in some municipalities than in others. The Premier stated, “We as the provincial government will closely monitor steps local governments are taking to restore service delivery and financial management.”

Currently, the Provincial Treasury is monitoring municipal performance alongside the Department of Local Government which assists municipalities by establishing mechanisms, processes, and procedures to effectively monitor and support them.

Rapid School Build programme

Cabinet welcomed the provisional allocation of R2.549 billion to the WCG’s Rapid School Build programme through the Budget Facility for Infrastructure. This is a massive vote of confidence by National Treasury for the excellent working being done in building classrooms and schools to meet our learners’ need in dignified and safe spaces.

Premier Winde noted, “Having recently visited some of these projects, I was astounded at the thought and effort being put into further expanding our education system to offer our learners dignified places of teaching and learning. I applaud all role players – contractors, architects and builders, to name but a few – for their hard work. They share our passion to see our youth thrive.”

Back on Track programme

In a presentation by Western Cape Department of Education officials, progress in the province’s Back on Track initiative was also highlighted.

Back on Track seeks to recover Covid-19 learning and teaching losses. Classes held on Saturdays have resumed this year, after a break over the festive season. The Premier said, “We are on track to keep improving the results of our learners in the classroom, ensuring that they are adequately prepared for their futures and I am looking forward to my visit to see this programme in action this weekend.”

Outcomes of 2023/24 festive season road safety campaign and preparations for Easter weekend

Western Cape Mobility Department officials gave a presentation on the successes and challenges of the province’s road safety programme.

Statistics show that:

• More vehicles were stopped;
• More fines were issued; and
• More arrests were made during the 2023/24 festive period than over same period in 2022/23.

The team is now using the lessons learnt to prepare for the upcoming holiday period at the end of the month.

Quarterly Labour Force Survey results

The Western Cape’s ongoing job creation momentum was welcomed by Cabinet members. The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey figures revealed that employment increased in the province by 161 000 jobs year-on-year. The WCG’s relentless job creation efforts also produced the highest labour absorption rate in the country at 55%, up from 54.7% in the previous quarter.

The Premier remarked, “We are just 0.4% from unemployment being pushed down to below 20% in our province. We will not let up until we see unemployment and its many associated social ills rooted out of the Western Cape.”