South African Deputy President Kgalema Montlante expressed his satisfaction at the pace of service delivery and poverty eleviation initiatives in Nelson Mandela Bay, following an comprehensive and intensive two-day assessment and inspection of the City’s service delivery plans and projects as well as interaction and engagement with communities and stakeholders, in particular the youth.
Deputy President Motlanthe was accompanied by Ministers Collins Chabane and Thulas Nxesi, along with Deputy Ministers, Eastern Cape Premier Noxolo Kieviet and MECs, and senior officials from National and Provincial government. The delegation was hosted by Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Benson “Oom Ben” Fihla, the Mayoral Committee and Ward Councillors.
The visit started on Friday at the Port Elizabeth Airport with the unveiling of a gallery dedicated to heroes of the struggle for democracy and freedom, including former President Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki, Walter Sisulu, Raymond Mhlaba and Chris Hani.
This was followed by an intensive Inter-Governmental Relations meeting among the three spheres, a Youth Dialogue at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University where the Deputy President, Executive Mayor and other leaders robustly interacted with the young people from across all corners of the city, and on Saturday the delegation visited projects in Chatty, Helenvale and Zwide
In Chatty, the delegation inspected a housing development where more than a thousand houses are currently under construction. The development is meant for people who were moved from stressed areas from across Nelson Mandela Bay, and in Helenvale the delegation was excited to see that the multi-million rand community help centre (Thusong Service Centre) was at the stage of completion.
And, in a touching moment of caring, Deputy President Motlanthe, Oom Ben and the delegation brought 95-year-old wheelchair bound December Jafta furniture, a plasma screen and groceries to furnish his newly renovated house. Jafta could not hold back his tears as he thanked the Deputy president and Oom Ben.
“Nelson Mandela Bay is a good example of how communities work with government and business to improve their own lives. Our visit to the city has given us good examples that can be used in other areas in the country that are facing similar challenges,” said Deputy President Motlanthe.
Executive Mayor Oom Ben was equally satisfied with the work that is being done through partnerships with the community and business fraternity. “As we work towards a better life for all, we continue to strengthen the partnerships we have made with stakeholders for the benefit of the City and its people,” said Oom Ben.
Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe gets his hands (gloves?) dirty in Port Elizabeth. Photo: NMB Communications
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