Government embarks on the Fifth National Imbizo Focus Week Programme

Government’s fifth National Imbizo Focus Week will be held between 7 and 13 November 2016, under the theme Together we move South Africa forward: Our future – make it work. The National Imbizo Focus Week is in principle a heightened period of engagement between members of the executive and communities.

The content focus for this Imbizo Week will be on the implementation of National Development Plan (NDP) vision 2030 with specific focus on some of the key areas of progress and achievement. The NDP is currently driven by 14 key Outcomes all of which are part of the Medium Term Strategic Framework 2014 - 2019.

The National Development Plan (NDP) is a long term vision and plan for the country and outlines the work that needs to be done to achieve a prosperous society in 20 years’ time. The core priorities of the NDP are to reduce poverty, unemployment and inequality currently facing many South Africans. This detracts from the pursuit of the rights and privileges which were of all South Africans enshrined in our Constitution. These are challenges at the core of many of the social, economic and political challenges South Africa is currently facing.

The week will also coincide with the National Disability Rights Awareness Month. This is an annual event from 3 November to 3 December to promote human and socio-economic rights of persons with disabilities, as enshrined in the Bill of Rights. “Government encourages communities to participate in the activities this week and engage with government officials across the country, in addressing service delivery challenges in order to improve and provide a better life for all”, said the Acting Director-General of GCIS, Mr Donald Liphoko.

The opening of the Imbizo Focus Week will see the Economic Sectors, Employment and Infrastructure Development Cluster led by the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, Mr Gugile Nkwinti visit an Agri-Park in Moretele Municipality in the North West Province on Monday, 07 November 2016. The Moretele Agri-Hub is an example of one of many government programmes that aim to create vibrant, equitable and sustainable rural communities.

Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, the Eastern Cape Premier, Mr Phumulo Masualle and Eastern Cape MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Mr Sakhumzi Somyo, will launch the first phase of the Komani Industrial Park revitalisation in Queenstown, Eastern Cape Province also on Monday, 7 November 2016. The revitalisation of industrial parks stimulates the local economy and creates decent employment for communities.

Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu, will on Friday, 11 November 2016 launch the Global Entrepreneurship Week in Johannesburg. The Global Entrepreneurship Week, which takes place from 14 – 20 November 2016, is the largest gathering of innovators and entrepreneurs who launch start-ups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and stimulate socio-economic development.

Minister of Transport, Ms Dipuo Peters, supported by her counterpart in Botswana, Minister of Transport and Communications Mr Onkokame K Mokaila will officially open the Swarkopfontein Bridge in the Swartkopfontein Border Post, North West Province on Monday, 07 November 2016. The bridge which has been constructed over the Notwane River which separates South Africa and Botswana now links the two countries. The shorter distances will stimulate the local economy as it enables local businesses and commuters to travel between the two countries.

On 07 November 2016, the Governance and Administration Cluster led by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Mr David van Rooyan will visit an Automative Supplier Park and Garankuwa Eco-Furniture Factory, and on 08 November 2016 visit the Kgora Bakery and Winterveldt Auto Hub, in the City of Tshwane, Gauteng. These Local Economic Development Projects stimulate local enterprise development, create jobs and promote a more inclusive economy.

On Wednesday, 09 November 2016 - Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster will host a media tour to the Plattekloof Forensic Laboratory in Western Cape Province. The tour will be followed by community engagements to report back to the Philippi and Langa communities. This activity makes visible the work of the security cluster in partnership with all sectors of society to ensure that all people in South Africa are and feel safe.

Over the following days the International Cooperation, Trade and Security Cluster will conduct Izimbizo activities around infrastructure and employment projects that supports international trade, tourism and investment efforts. The Minister of Tourism, Mr Derek Hanekom will hold an Imbizo following the Komjekejeke Heritage project launch on Saturday 12 November 2016 in Wallmansthal in the Gauteng Province. Also, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ms Tokozile Xasa will on Thursday 10 November attend the 2016 Graduation of Learners of the College for Tourism in Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape Province followed by an Imbizo with the local community.

Information on the Imbizo Focus Week will be updated and provided in the week, with activities led by the Social Protection, Community and Human Development Cluster.

Government calls on community members to use this opportunity to engage with leaders about programmes to resolve the challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality in terms of the NDP, what it means for every South African and how we plan to achieve a better life for all. The NDP is our future, let’s make it work to build the South Africa we all want to live in.

Follow @GovernmentZA on Twitter for updates, the official hashtag for the campaign is #ImbizoWeek.