Department of Local Government and Housing

5th Issue, 2007

Provincial Government Western Cape - uRhulumente Wephondo leNtshona Koloni Provinsiale Regering Wes-Kaap -

Department ofIsebeDepartement van

Local Government and HousinglooRhulumente boMmandla nezeZindlu

Plaaslike Regering en Behuising

Editorial Team:

Editor:

Content:

Design and Layout:

Contact Us:

Xolani TyilanaTel: 021 483 2686

Xolani LuthuliTel: 021 483 3605

Debbie FrancisTel: 021 483 6672

Sandy GodlwanaTel: 021 483 4976

Vumile NcedaniTel: 021 483 8975

Zoë ButsakaTel: 021 483 2578

Thyrza HornTel: 021 483 8790

Malusi RayiTel: 021 483 4981

Jacques van WyngaardtTel: 021 483 3634

Tel: 021 483 2870lghnews@pgwc.gov.zawww.capegateway.gov.za/dlgh

Cover Page:What a moment of Joy! One of the newly built houses handed over at Steenberg Cove. Read more on page 3

Xolani Luthuli from the Communication Team

From the Editorial Team

MEC for Local Government and Housing, Qubudile Richard Dyantyi, has delivered his Budget Vote Speech on the 07th June 2007. By now we all know that, during this financial year

(2007/2008), there is a new, path that MEC Dyantyi will be driving with his Department. This path is called the DRIE VOET and it is standing on 3 pillars. These pillars are the following;

1. Capacity Building & Public Participation2. Accelerated Service Delivery and Quality Settlement3. Corporate Governance and Accountability

As the year goes, we will be updating you on how far and what the successes of the DRIE VOET are. This is an appetizer and I don't want to steal the MEC's thunder therefore I shall leave it right there for now.

In this edition, we have decided to do things a little bit different than usual. We have opted to go back on some the stories we have shared with you through our newsletter. To track on how far things have developed from the last time the department launched a project or handed over houses etc.

We will be updating you amongst others on Steenberg-Cove housing project, the IDP Campaign and we will also touch base on some of the Municipal Infrastructure programmes.

It must be noted, that, this is to ensure that we update you as our readers of various activities that the department has been involved with. It is also a contribution to achieving one of the most important Departmental's goal. That is to make each and every staff member an Ambassador for the Department. This in turn will play a big role in helping the Directorate: Customer Relations and Communications reach its vision of. Having - A WELL INFORMED CITIZENRY.

This will assist the Department to play its part in making the Western Cape Province a true HOME FOR ALL.

Grab your cup of hot chocolate or cocoa, these days it's cold, curl up and read.

Department ofLocal Government

and HousingWestern Cape

by Xolani Luthuli

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Inside this Issue

Page Content

Please forward any queries and letters to lghnews@pgwc.gov.za or contact us at 021 483 2870, fax 021 483 2343

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Something to Smile for the Steenberg Cove Community

Plans on Eradication of the Bucket System

Different Sectors pulling together in Service Delivery

Hermanus Imbizo - "Lets all be hopeful"

Central Karoo Launch District Youth Unit

Progress on the Memorandum of Understanding

Latest update on the Integrated Development Plan Campaign

Disaster Management Geared for the Fire Season

Signs of stability in the Oudsthoorn Administration

Motivational Corner

Tribute to Belinda Fortune

New Appoinments

Birthdays

Letters from our ReadersThe Winning Letter in this issue goes to , congratulations!

Poti Xolela

We’d love to hear from you!

Winning Letter

Hi team

I would like to congratulate you to your good work.

I can see all the directorates are presented in the LGH news letter.I will always read the news letter in each and every month. You are really leading with the spirit of Ubuntu.

RegardsPoti Xolela (Eden District)

The Best Letters!

Write to us, give comments or suggestions and the best letter will win you this mousepad with the Department’s logo

LGH Newsletter, 5th Issue, 2007Page Three

by Thyrza Horn

t is the 23rd of May 2007. As we are getting to the vicinity of Steenberg Cove, one could hardly say it is a

winter day because of the warm weather in this area. It is business as usual in this area as some of the residents are busy doing their normal activities such as fishing so that they can provide for their families. Some of them are sitting in front of their houses, enjoying one of the last summer days. This week marked the second month that residents are staying in their newly built houses that were destroyed from previous asbestos houses. To many of them the new houses have brought pride, ownership and the list is endless. On this day, LG&H news visited this community to get their feelings on the houses that were handed over by MEC for Local Government and Housing Qubudile Richard Dyantyi exactly 2 months ago,

Years ago the community of Steenberg was staying, in houses built of asbestos material and according to them this was a health hazard. Many revealed shocking living conditions. There were cracks and holes in the asbestos causing leaks inside the houses. Water also leaked through the cracks between the wall and the roof. The houses had raft foundations. The absence of thermal insulation aggravated condensation during winter, which

Imade it unbearable for the occupants. The asbestos fibres were released into the air during the deterioration process.

The residents of this area said during their ordeal, politicians and other municipal officials visited them and made promises on bringing relief measures to the situation but they never did. According to the occupants some of the houses were 50 years. In 2006 MEC, for Local Government and Housing visited Steenberg Cove. Touched by the plight of these occupants, he r e q u e s t e d t h e S a l d a n h a Municipality to urgently investigate the matter and look at the needs of the community. The investigation process was followed by the demolishing of 38 asbestos houses and the rebuilding of new brick houses. The MEC approved a request for the municipality to utilise funding f rom their Separate Operating Account in terms of section 19(5) of the Western Cape D e v e l o p m e n t A c t , 6 / 1 9 9 9 . Thubelisha was appointed to be the developer to finalise the Steenberg Cove Emergency Housing Project (38 asbestos houses) in terms of the Emergency Housing Programme.

On the 16 March 2007 Dyantyi handed over the new brick houses to the residents. During the

handover the MEC, said this was a very important day for the people of Steenberg Cove as they have waited very long.

On our visit, we were privileged to interview some of the homeowners of the new brick houses and they told us their feelings about the new houses. One of the occupants said the old asbestos houses were not of the best quality. The other occupant said the asbestos houses were cold in winter and very warm in summer. T h e o c c u p a n t s e x p r e s s e d satisfaction and happiness with their new brick houses. “The previous asbestos houses were not houses but kennels,” said one of the new occupants.

The homeowners said Mr. Dyantyi not only spoke but did a great job and he is the reason they have decent houses today . One occupant said the community of Steenberg Cove should say thank you to the MEC, so that he can help many people. “I want him to even help other provinces as well,” said the occupant. Smiles from the occupants were evident that they were very happy with their new homes. They concluded by saying the next challenge for the (LG&H) is to build decent roads and they want the toilets in front of their houses to be removed.

Something to Smile for the Steenberg Cove Community

Page Four

by Malusi Rayi

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Mr. Joe Wiese

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he Department of Local Government and Housing (DLG&H) does not only deliver

houses but also deals with the Municipal infrastructure projects. To check up on the infrastructural progress made LG&H news team caught up with , Deputy Chief Engineer, Professional and Project Management Services. Mr. Wiese's update was on the eradication of bucket system. You want to catch up with the progress made on this system? read the following

What is the bucket system?It is a toilet system where people

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use buckets to relieve themselves and these buckets need to be emptied from time to time.

What impact does the bucket system have on the well being of the users?

Buckets are not hygienic and not pleasant because of the smell users inhale.

What system is going to replace the bucket system and how is it going to change the lives of the users?

The flush system will replace buckets and it will be very pleasant and hygienic for the the users.

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Is the eradication process going to take place on both formal and informal settlements?

Only informal settlements, as the formal settlements will get new houses.

Which areas have been pinpointed for the eradication of the bucket system?

Theewaterskloof, Kannaland, Hessequa, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, Bitou and Knysna

What has been achieved to date with these areas?

The eradication process is well on the way as the other areas are already in the construction stage.

What has been the challenges faced on the implementation of this system?

It is so difficult to put pipes on the informal settlements as we have to move people and the ground is very hard.

Do you have a specific time frame to finish the process?

Our target is to finish the process by December 2007

Do you think you will meet your targets?

All the areas identified will be finished except Theewaterskloof and this is due to a lack of sufficient budget.

What has been done to rectify the budget issue?

More funding in this area and this is already in discussion.

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LGH Newsletter, 5th Issue, 2007

The construction of a pipeline along the N2 freewayFlush System Toilets

Mrs Virginia (left) was the first beneficiary to receive a house from this project with Mrs Kate Jambela, managing director of Jambela Property Developers (right)

In his speech during the Strategic Planning session last year, MEC for Local Government and Housing

(LG&H) Qubudile Richard Dyantyi stressed that building of partnerships with various sectors as being a mechanism that can effectively accelerate service delivery. His drive is already being implemented by many, as different sectors are now pulling together to ensure that people at large get services. Who can do this? on other than the Trio n a m e l y : J a m b e l a P r o p e r t y Developer, Business People and Department of Local Government and Housing . The trio did not wait for things to happen, instead, they came together and participated in the building of houses in Nyanga, one of Cape Town oldest townships.

In this township there is already 20 houses built through this partnership and they hope to build 320 houses and 60% of the houses being 54 square metres by the end of August 2007. Jambela said the programme does not only pull sponsors but also gives an opportunity to beneficiaries to save in advance to get bigger houses.

According to Mrs.Kate Jambela,

Managing Director of Jambela Property Developers, after they won the tender last year, they had this concept of building bigger houses so that beneficiaries get the houses of their dreams. “All we have in our plan was to attract more funds and donations that could add 25% to the subsidies of our beneficiaries,” said Jambela. In their plan they targeted the employers of the beneficiaries and according to her the response from the employers was very positive as they were very excited about the concept.

Mrs. Petra Stoos is one of the sponsors who paid extra money so that her domestic worker, Virginia Mchunu worker can get a bigger house. “When the invitation to participate was made by Jambela I had no other reason why I could not help my employee,” said Stoos. She said she earned satisfaction even though she w a s n o t o b l i g e d t o h a v e contribution. Mr. Geovanys Acosta, Project Manager Peoples Housing Process (PHP), said the success of the project was the size of the h o u s e s , a s t h e y e n a b l e d beneficiaries to leave with their famil ies. “ Jambela Property Developers are doing a great job in

quality control,” said Acosta. The benef ic iar ies have also expressed their joy in getting these houses. 60 year old Mrs. Virginia Mchunu , was the first beneficiary to be handed the house. The overjoyed Mchunu said she is very happy because it will be the first winter she will be staying in a proper house. “For many years we were having headaches because of winter floods that get inside and damage our belongings and I would l i ke to thank Jambela, the Department of Local Government and Housing and my employer for their efforts. Lindiwe Ngozi said she never thought in her life she will ever stay in a big house like the one built out of th i s partnersh ip and according to her the house is warm.

Jambela said at the beginning of the partnership they faced many c h a l l e n g e s i n c l u d i n g h i g h expectations from the beneficiaries but they managed to overcome them. “We are also investigating other ways of getting big businesses on board and there is already negotiations with them, concluded Jambela.

Page Five LGH Newsletter, 5th Issue, 2007

by Malusi Rayi

Page Six

By Sandy Godlwana

Welcoming the Minister of Home Affairs, Nosiviwe M a p i s a - N q a k u l a ,

Overberg District Municipality, Deputy Executive Mayor, Councillor Maurencia Gillion said“It is indeed a pleasure to have you here today. It has been long overdue, as communities face huge challenges in Hermanus. Thank you for availing yourself and bringing government to the people. We bel ieve in intergovernmental relations and I want to announce that in the District we have made provision in our budget to help communities obtain free birth certificates. We look forward to this engagement with the community,” said Deputy Executive Mayor: Ms Maurencia Gillion. She said this at the Home Affairs Imbizo that took place in Hermanus on the 29 May 2006.

Over two thousand people gathered at the Zwelihle Sports Ground to attend the Hermanus Imbizo. Minister of Home Affairs, N o s i v i w e N q a k u l a w a s a c c o m p a n i e d b y M E C f o r Communi ty Safety , Leonard Ramatlakane who was standing in for the Premier, District councilors a n d o f f i c i a l s f r o m v a r i o u s government departments.

Despite the fact that during the Imbizo people were provided with an opportunity to raise their concerns on any service delivery issues, no questions were posed that relates to this Department's line of

responsibility, said Craig Mitchell.

Only six people stood up to raise questions. “We need offices in Hermanus too People leave here to Caledon to obtain IDs, the offices open from 9am to 3pm. The queues are always long and by the time it's your turn to get assistance, its home time for the officials. .” said Mr. Ronny from Gaansbaai, at the Home Affairs Imbizo held at Hermanus.

Another resident who remained anonymous, said whenever she goes to these offices she is always told, she needs to bring documents from family members. “My relatives are in the Eastern Cape and some of them have passed away,” she said.

“The ever-changing staff is a problem, you get used to dealing with a person then after a while you are told the person has left. There is a shortage of staff in Caledon, said an annoyed resident. By the sound of applauses from the residents after the speaker had spoken. It was c l e a r t h a t t h i s p r o b l e m i s experienced by most people.

This meeting was attended mostly by people who have a number of concerns with the processes they have to undergo to obtain an Identity document (ID). But most importantly, it was imperative for officials from the Department of Local Government and Housing to be present at this meeting as having ID problems affects not only the

individuals but means those people without IDs can't have homes as this is a requirement, thus leading to frustration, corruption and crime.

Deputy Director Intergovernmental Relations, Craig Mitchell shared with us why the Department of Local G o v e r n m e n t a n d H o u s i n g ' s contribution to this Imbizo was vital, “Our involvement began more than a week ago and representatives from the Department attended the various preparatory meetings to provide the necessary advice and support to the Department of Home Affairs in terms of the logistics, mobilization and communication. On the day of the event, the Department's exhibition stand received special praise from the crowd and people were particularly impressed with the quality of the information documents that were handed out.

In response to all these questions, Minister Mapisa-Nqakula got the crowd in raptures with the song 'Mayibuye iAfrica'. She began by emphasisng the importance of being hopeful. She said as she came in Hermanus she was aware there are housing backlogs but when she looked around, all she could see were developments. She thought it was surprising that in such a packed hall, only six people had concerns to raise.

“We do need those documents to determine if you are South African or not , i t ' s important that the information is verified. I am not going to leave you with the hopes that we will not request these documents. We definitely won't accept a paper from a neighbour you've known yesterday,” said Mapisa Nqakula.

She later added that there is a Home Affairs centre being bui lt in Hermanus, she cautioned the community that it might not be a fully fledged office, but services will be accessed. There are also mobile units to reach all communities.

She concluded by saying people should not get too comfortable with friends or relatives running the office. People should accept everyone in the office as long as services are delivered.

LGH Newsletter, 5th Issue, 2007

Page Seven LGH Newsletter, 5th Issue, 2007

by Vumile Ncedani

n the 02 May 2007 in Beaufort West Mr. Faiez Jacobs Chief Director for

Governance and Institutional Support pose serious challenge to the youth of Central Karroo by asking them if they had done enough to mobilize unorganized y o u t h s t r u c t u r e s i n t h e i r communities.

He told the youth that their task was to make sure they launch local youth structure in all seven wards of Central Karroo. He said it would enable them to constructively engaged with municipality on issues of youth participation around such critical processes like the Local Economic Development (LED) and Integrated Development Plan (IDP) programmes.

Jennifer Williams who is the secretary for interim youth structure in Laingsburg said she was happy with the launch of the District Youth Unit, as they had been waiting for very long.

As she is from Laingsburg she felt that they should be given a chance to stage meetings so that other young people would attend. “ This is great for us, but I think this meeting should rotate to other areas. We will be able to engage municipality and make them understand what we want and

Owhat we think,”saidWilliams.

Makhosi Ntambo a youth co-coordinator said they are excited about the Youth Unit (YU) he hoped that the youth would be more involved and being supported by municipality. He said the District Youth Unit would play a critical role to link with municipality. “ We are crazy about the YU and we will make use of i t , by bui lding more structures,” said Ntambo.

Councilors, Youth Commission Chairperson Vincent Domingo and youth structures of Beaufort West who attended the launch also signed the declaration.

The National Y o u t h development p o l i c y f ramework adopted in 1 9 9 6 advocated f o r t h e establishment of youth unit within municipalities with the sole purpose of facilitating

the implementation of youth development programes and projects in the communities.

The department has started a process of establishing this District Local Youth Unit (DLYU) working in partnership with the relevant institutions of youth development including the Western Cape Youth Commission and the South Africa Youth Counci l (SAYC). The department has successfu l ly launched these District Units in the following municipalities, West Coast, Eden, Overberg and Central Karroo.

Central Karoo Launches District Youth Unit

Mr Japie van der Linde, Mayor of the Central Karoo signing the District Youth Unit Declaration

Back row from the left: Mr Bassie Lion (Deputy Mayor, Central Karoo), Mr Fai z Jacobs (Chief Diredtor, Governance and Institutional Support), Mr Vincent Domingo (Chairperson, Western Cape Youth Commission).Front row from the left: Ms Nosise Ngeju (South African Youth Council), Mr Japie van der Linde (Mayor, Central Karoo), Ms Thobeka

e

Page Eight LGH Newsletter, 5th Issue, 2007

by Malusi Rayi

It has been three months since the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between

Peoples Housing Partnership Trust and two Civil Society organisations namely: Development Action Group (DAG) and Habitat for Humanity (HFH). One of the commitments in the MOU was the provision of administrative and technical support to Peoples Housing Partnership Trust by these NGO's. To check on the progress made, LGH news team visited PHPT, DAG and HFH offices. The purpose of the visit was to gather information on the progress made by these parties on achieving their objectives.

Peoples Housing Processes had projects in the townships and two of them being Mfuleni and Khayelitsha area. Due to the emerging of various problems such as lack of information and capacity from developers, some of the projects were blocked in July 2006. This resulted in the community losing confidence in

Peoples Housing Partnership Trust Projects. It was then that the idea of partnerships between PHP, DAG and HFH came about. These parties decided to endorse their co-operation by signing the MOU on the 19th of January 2007.

DAG was appointed in Mfuleni area, 104 out of 375 houses in construction w e r e h a n d e d i n F e b r u a r y . According to Anthea Houston, Executive Director DAG, they have also targeted the former project leaders hoping to use them as channels to reach the beneficiaries. “Beneficiaries now have renewed hope that something is being done to provide housing and many seem keen to play a more active part in the process. This had made things easier now that they understand the PHP process,” said Houston.

Habitat for Humanity has also made strides in ensuring that they achieve

Progress made

their targets. According to Thembi S i t h o l e , E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r Development Action Group their first step was to meet with the local PHP groups. “We currently assessing their skills and the next step will be to send them for workshops and training to gain competency skills,” said Sithole. She however admits that at the beginning as the organisation, they faced a challenge of not having a clear mandate but they are back on the track now.

PHP i s the hous ing del ivery mechanism that aims at assisting qualifying beneficiaries of the Housing Subsidy Scheme. These beneficiaries choose to make contribution to their subsidy by building or being involved in the building of their own homes.Some of the key principles behind this policy are the establishment of partnerships, transfer of skills and community empowerment.

Above: Volunteers from the Habitat for Humanity Foundation on the construction site at MfuleniInternational

Page Nine LGH Newsletter, 5th Issue, 2007

he Integrated Development Plan campaign was launched and started on the 20 February to 30

M a r c h 2 0 0 7 . I n t e g r a t e d development planning is a new concept to most municipalities. It has a life span of 5 years that is linked directly to the term of office for local councillors. The stakeholders in this process are the Municipal ity, councillors, community and all three spheres of government. After every local government elections, the new council has to decide on the future of the IDP. The council can adopt the existing IDP or develop a new one that takes into consideration existing plans. We have passed the first generation of IDP's. This is now the second generation of IDP's.

It seeks to create:

?Effective use of scarce resources?It helps speed up delivery?It helps attract additional funds?Strengthens democracy?Promotes co-ordination between

local, provincial and national government

1.2 million pamphlets/questionnaires were distributed to all communities in the Western Cape. Out of those 1.2 million pamphlets, 900 thousand were returned to the Department of Local Government and Housing.

The 900 thousand questionnaires were then taken to the Foundation for Contemporary Research (FCR) for an analysis to be conducted. However the first draft has been presented to the Chief Director: Governance and Institutional Support Faiez Jacobs, following that they will be sent to the MEC and Head of Department to analyse and sign off. The 10% sample represented all communities in the

T Western Cape. In the interim a strategy has been developed on how to take the information to the different stakeholders, only after the MEC and HOD has confirmed this to happen.

The stakeholders would have to see how to remedy the situation and decide on what interventions can be put in place to make sure that the review of the IDP is participatory and takes into account issues coming from relevant communities.

Back in the days people were more tolerant of poor services; more patiently waiting in long queues and e n d u r i n g i n e f f i c i e n t p u b l i c administration than they are now. Communities are expecting quality delivery of public services and are b e g i n n i n g t o h o l d e l e c t e d r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s i n c r e a s i n g l y a c c o u n t a b l e w h e n t h e i r expectations are not met.

The Municipal Systems Act of 2000 provides for the production of a five-year integrated development plan (IDP) by each municipality. South Africa has been able to introduce this instrument of integrated planning in all of the 284 municipalities. Unlike the period prior to 1994, municipal planning in our country has for the first t i m e p r o m o t e d c o m m u n i t y participation in the planning and prioritization processes. People are increasingly being encouraged to participate in the course of their own development and are taking more interest in working with government to achieve a better life for all. The outcome of the analysis will be communicated in the near future.

by Sandy Godlwana

Latest update on the Integrated Development Plan Campaign

Page Ten LGH Newsletter, 5th Issue, 2007

35 people were left homeless when their shacks were gutted by a fire on Saturday 26 May 2007

in Du Noon informal settlement near Milnerton. LG&H news spoke to Disaster Management to find out what is being done to counter the negative effects of fires.This is after the DLG&H launched a fire warning campaign not so long ago.Pamphlets were distributed to communities, radio and television advertisements were broadcasted on the media.

Is enough being done to protect the wellbeing of citizens especially communities who live in shacks as they are more often than not affected by these fires? Disaster Management affirms that there is a plan in place and emphasizes that the plans are for the whole province and not restricted to a single community or area. “It must be kept in mind that fire has no boundaries and d o n o t d i s t i n g u i s h b e t w e e n community, race, colour or religion. Our planning is thus for everyone and any body where a fire may occur,” said Chief Fire Officer, Heinrich Munnik.

Freezing temperatures across the country have led to a number of deaths, from exposure or through fires. During winter people want to keep warm by lighting heaters, fires and prima stoves, which could result to the increase of the number of deaths and homeless people in the Province.

The Fire Service contingency plan was drawn up by all Western Cape Chief Fire Officers and other role players that are involved in activities during any fire, incident or rescue. In this contingency plan the list identified the most possible risks the fire services have to attend to in one or other form that can become disastrous fire.

The plan was accepted during 2006 and revised in 2007, and it is designed for the whole province and not restricted to a single community or area. Out of the identified risks (fire) the plans for specific activities were drawn up such as the HAZMAT plan, the Aerial fire fighting response plan a n d t h e m e m o r a n d u m o f agreements between the fire services and City of Cape Town with the District Municipalities. From the

identified plans the fire brigade service also had a strategic planning session for costing to carry out the plans that were identified for the province as well as municipalities.

There are also plans for veld and forest fires where assistance from Working on Fire may be called in from time to time, added Munnik.

A pilot project has just been completed where fixed wing aircraft will be used to fight fires in informal settlements in the City of Cape Town and the installation of early detection cameras that could identify a fire before a resident can phone the fire service. Fire Brigade Services will already know of the fire and respond to it immediately. The camera detection can also be used for veld and forest fires and the province can make a contribution to give financial assistance to install more cameras for monitoring. The project is supported by the City of Cape Town, insurance companies and private sector interested parties.

By Sandy Godlwana

Page Eleven LGH Newsletter, 5th Issue, 2007

With the effect from 19 March 2007 Mr. Louis Scheepers was appointed

as administrator for Audtshoorm Municipality. He currently functions under the direction of the Provincial Executive (Cabinet.) This means that all the executive powers of council as well as powers and functions of the municipal manager are, for duration of the intervention vested in him. His appointment came after the outcome of investigation into serious malpractices at the municipality. For an update on the progress made, LG&H news, spoke to Mr. Scheepers

to find out what is the latest situation in the municipality.

According to Scheepers it was political stability that seemed to cripple service delivery. “I can assure the people that the community of Oudtshoorn is being served and communities are very happy,” said Scheepers. Other municipalities had also lent hand to Oudtshoorn Municipality. Scheepers said he was happy to witness municipal i t ies such as Eden Municipality deploying some of their staff to assist in the administration.

Mr. Scheepers also said he had received undivided co-operation from councillors. “They all have committed themselves to the p r o c e s s o f r e c o v e r y ” s a i d Scheepers. He added that all the councilors of the four parties represented in the council were elected to serve the needs of the community but not to fulfill their political objectives.

Asking him on the duration of his stay in the municipality, Scheepers responded by saying he does not think he will serve long due to the level of commitment his team displayed over the past months. “In two weeks time the position of Mun ic ipa l Manager w i l l be advertised and we hope to speed up the process. On the future of the municipality, Scheepers said there is definitely a positive future for the municipality but recovery process does not happen overnight. “The municipality is in process of financial recovery and this could take up 2-4 years,” concluded Scheepers.

The intervention in Oudtshoorn has been done in terms of the provision of section 139 of the constitution in which the process is overseen by the National Minister for Provincial and Local Government as well as National Council of Provinces.

by Vumile Ncedani

De p a r t m e n t o f L o c a l Government and Housing (LG&H) saluted Assistant

Director of the Help Desk Mrs. Belinda Fortune. The LG&H news team paid a special tribute to the ever-dedicated official. For tune s tar ted work ing for department at the end of the 90's as a Housing Information Officer. She was a recipient of a trophy for outstanding work performance sponsored by the then Minister of Housing Mr. David Curry. Her co l leagues and fo rmer colleagues described her as helpful and an energetic person who will be missed by the department. She said she would miss the department and most of the staff. Her advice to her successor is to give her best and love to the work all the time. “To my team, Najaat, Busi and Sandi I know that we are A team and although I am no longer part of the team you will always be on top. To

achieve success you will have to support each other and your new team leader”. She said if the department still wants her expertise she won't hes i tate to help.

Remember our clients are always our first priority. I will never let this department down and I love you so much I will miss you a lot,” said Fortune.

by Vumile Ncedani

Najaat Abdurahman (left) handing over gifts to Belinda Fortune (right)who retired from service at the end of May 2007

Page Twelve LGH Newsletter, 5th Issue, 2007

by Sandy Godlwana

Aman was sick and tired of going to work every

day while his wife stayed home. He wanted her to see what he went through so he prayed:

"Dear Lord: I go to work every day and put in 8 hours while my wife merely stays at home. I want her to know what I go through, so please allow her body to switch with mine for a day. Amen.

God, in his infinite wisdom, granted the man's wish.

The next morning, sure enough, the man awoke as a woman. He arose, cooked breakfast for his mate, a w a k e n e d t h e k i d s , s e t o u t t h e i rschool clothes, fed them breakfast, packed their lunches, drove them to school, came home and picked up the dry cleaning, took it to the cleaners and stopped at the bank to make a deposit, went grocery shopping, then drove home to put away the groceries, paid the

Be careful of what you wish for!!!source: unknown

bills and balanced the cheque book.

He cleaned the cat's litter box and bathed the dog. Then it was already 1 PM and he hurried to make the beds, do the laundry, vacuum, dust, and sweep and mop the kitchen floor.

Ran to the school to pick up the kids and got into an argument with them on the way home. Set out milk and cookies and got the kids organized to do their homework, then set up the ironing board and watched TV while he did the ironing.

At 4:30 he began peeling potatoes and washing vegetables for salad, breaded the pork chops and snapped fresh beans for supper. After supper, he cleaned the kitchen, ran the dishwasher, folded laundry, bathed the kids, and put them to bed.

At 9 P.M. he was exhausted and, though his daily chores weren't finished. The next morning, he awoke and immediately knelt by the bed and said: Lord, I don't know what I was thinking. I was so wrong to envy my wife's being able to stay home all day. Please, oh please, let us trade back."

Dream, Reach, BelieveAuthor: Unknown

Dream...........makes all things possible

Love ...............makes all things beautiful

And as you dream,Remember...That only you can makeyour dreams come true.

Dream...

Hope..............makes all things work

Smile................makes all above work possible

Reach...And as you reach,Remember that...Success takes time,Devotion,And sometimes a littleDisappointment.

Believe...And as you believe,You will findReaching gets easier,Setbacks getMore manageable,Life becomesMore meaningful.

There's a wonderful dreamWaiting just for you...I know you can make it come true.

New Appointmentsby Malusi Rayi

We’d like to welcome our new colleagues who have been appointed as from May 2007.

Tracey Pedro

Senior Admin ClerkDirectorate Policy and Strategyext: 3168

Ronel Louw

Admin OfficerDirectorate Legislationext: 5545

Rob Smith

DirectorDirectorate Housing and Project Administrationext: 3107

4 51 2 3

Heinrich Magerman

DirectorDirectorate Community Development and Public Participationext: 2864

Luzuko Modise

Admin OfficerDirectorate Project Administratoinext: 5206

Page Thirteen LGH Newsletter, 5th Issue, 2007

Page Fourteen

May 2007Birthdays

Name Section Birthday

by Thyrza Horn

Ms May DavidsMr Wynand PretoriusMr Bongani GqomfaMs Meagan MalanMr Bandile NgesanaMs Mauddel LakeyMs Nadiah SulaimanMs Nolungile SibaniMr Loyiso SilwanaMr Ben WilkinsonMs Glenda BarryMr Vukile MatheMr Mzimasi TamsanqaMs Amanda DlakuMr Granville GriebelaarMr Klaolekile KobiMs Elizabeth HenryMr Thobani NgetuMr Xolile GobozaMs Jacqueline Morejon BaceroMr Pears WilliamsMs Sue-Ellen DickensMr Philip BredekampMr Quinton MarksMs Noluvuyo SimayileMs Lyn PhillipsMr Lukhanyo SitshongayeMr Andre RossouwMs Babalwa NgewuMr Schalk CarstensMs Geraldine HessMr Nolan AdamsMs Ronél LouwMs Busisiwe KwakwiniMr Ferdinand Mario Smith

Division: Human Resource AdministrationGeorge Office: People's HousingDivision: Human Resource AdministrationCommunity Development: Region - City of Cape TownSub-Directorate: People’s Housing ProcessDirectorate: Service Delivery & CommunityDivision: Budget AdministrationCommunity Development: Region - City of Cape TownCommunity Development: Region - City of Cape TownSection: Housing Debt ManagementCommunity Development: Region - EdenDivision: Letting Maintenance and Pre-SalesSub-Directorate: Policy ResearchDivision: Project InspectionsCommunity Development: Region - Central KarooCommunity Development: Region - EdenDirectorate: Municipal Infrastructure EnhancementSub-Directorate: Strategic SupportSub-Directorate: People’s Housing ProcessDivision: Cuban SupportCommunity Development: Region - Cape WinelandsCommunity Development: Region - EdenDirectorate: Financial ManagementSection: MIS PaymentsCommunity Development: Region - City of Cape TownCommunity Development: Region - City of Cape TownDivision: Maintenance & InspectionsSub-Directorate: Rental Housing TribunalCommunity Development: Region - City of Cape TownDirectorate Disaster Management and Fire Brigade ServicesCommunity Development: Region - EdenCommunity Development: Region - West CoastSub-Directorate: Councillor Matters & InterventionsDivision: Helpdesk & ComplaintsSection: Finance & Admin, Chief Directorate Gov & Institutional Support

1 May2 May2 May3 May5 May6 May7 May7 May7 May9 May11 May12 May12 May13 May13 May14 May15 May16 May16 May16 May19 May19 May20 May21 May21 May23 May25 May25 May25 May26 May26 May28 May29 May31 May31 May

LGH Newsletter, 5th Issue, 2007

Mr. Rob Smith, The new Director, Housing and Project Administration is the pick of the month for the Career profile.

I was born in Cape Town and spent my school years growing up here. I have a close family and my parents worked hard to bring up their four children as responsible citizens (besides a few minor incidents, they succeeded). After school I spent two years in compulsory national service in the SANDF in the survey and mapping division in the Free State, Gauteng and Eastern Cape.When I returned to Cape Town I studied Construction Management at UCT, at the same time working for contractors and developers to gain practical work experience.

I worked for 6 years as a project manager in property development in the medium to luxury house and apartment market. I had a steep learning curve and gained valuable experience in the construction and development industry. Although I was doing well in an industry full of opportunities, by 2000 I was no longer enjoying some of the uglier aspects of the development market and my job satisfaction was deteriorating. After much thought, I resigned from the development company I was working for, realizing that I was turning my back on the opportunities presented by the partners in the business, but grateful for the lessons I had learnt and confidence they had shown in me.

I started consulting in construction cost control and found myself working for a private-public initiative between the government and the banks, the NBI, assisting with and setting up project management systems

1. Tell us about your background and experience

(monitoring and controls) in the Western Cape Department of Housing.

I joined the Department on a full-time basis in October 2001, primarily monitoring the Housing Grant and expenditure. I have worked since then in the housing chief directorate, performing a wide range of functions. My main contribution has been better planning and management of the Housing Grant, as well as putting control systems in place and resolving contractual problems on the housing p r o j e c t s m a n a g e d b y t h e department.

?Experience in housing and the wider housing market,

?A fresh perspective on how to do things more practically, more simply and more efficiently, largely drawing on my project management experience

?A desire to maximize the use of the resources of the state in delivering houses.

?Getting my team to enjoy their work, realizing the impact we are having on people's lives and realizing how much we have going for us in terms of what we have achieved and still can achieve.

?My directorate is part of the engine room of the department in terms of housing. They are capable, hard-working and empathetic to our clients, largely beneficiaries, and often go the extra mile and put in long hours. I know the difference they are making in people's lives, I try not to lose sight of that.

?Contr ibute to making our approach to housing more practical, varied and appropriate and sharing solutions with other provinces

?Nothing's changed, we all have a huge workload and worry about the balls we end up dropping when we're juggling too much. The challenge is to pick up and do our best. No-one's perfect but the only way to get rid of worry is to do something, even if it's not perfect,

2. What contribution are you bringing to the Department?

3. What do you hope to achieve in your present position?

4. Before starting this job what were your anxieties?

by Sandy Godlwana

LGH Newsletter, 5th Issue, 2007

Career File: Rob Smith

Page Fifteen

rather than s i t back and complain.

?In general - Positive people. ?In relation to work - the general

commitment by all players in the Western Cape to housing delivery. Besides the inevitable problems, a massive positive improvement in the lives of the most vulnerable (and previously largely ignored) residents of the Western Cape is being made.

?Fresh approaches to deal with challenges – new ideas.

?Sticking to my principles,?Doing my best, along with a

c o m m i t t e d t e a m i n t h e department who believe we can make a difference, to facilitate housing development,

?Support from family, friends and colleagues,

?Enjoying a wide range of interests to keep life exciting

?Sometimes I tend to get too absorbed and focused on work. I don't always find the time to spend with people I care about, but it does make me appreciate people more and make the most of the time I have with them.

?I try to strike a balance between work and play

?Volunteer mountain rescue – Wilderness Search and Rescue,

?Paragliding – volunteer instructor,?Rock climbing and spending time

in the mountains,?Assisting in improvements to an

NGO-run Animal Clinic in an area where residents have nowhere else to take their animals,

?River trips,?Read and spend time with my

friends/girlfriend/family

?Close friends & family, ?Mountain air,?A sense of purpose

5. What inspires you?

6. What did it take to get you this far?

7. How do you juggle your personal and professional lives?

8. What do you do in your spare time?

9. Name 3 important things you can't do without?