Hon Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, hon Ministers, hon Deputy Ministers, hon members and special delegates, good afternoon. Major strides have been made at local government level in relation to improving the livelihood of rural communities. The challenges being experienced in urban areas are intertwined with rural underdevelopment, and the role of local government in addressing the developmental challenges faced by communities, whether they are urban or rural, should therefore be the point of departure.
Hon Chair, the various rural development initiatives being pursued by the department are aligned with the role and function of the developmental local government. The department's strategic objectives speak directly to SA Local Government Association's Small Town Regeneration Programme. It is therefore imperative that the department and SA Local Government Association, Salga, collaborate on most of the initiatives, as articulated by the department, especially with regard to the strategic objectives that seek to improve land administration and spatial planning for integrated sustainable growth and development; to transform patterns of land tenure and use; to improve rural livelihoods, income and job opportunities ... gore tlala e. [to eradicate poverty.]
It seeks to improve access to services in rural areas through the co- ordination of quality infrastructure; promote economically, socially and environmentally viable rural enterprises and industries; restore land rights; facilitate integrated spatial planning and land use management; provide support to rural communities; facilitate the development of rural enterprises and industries; provide comprehensive farm development support to smallholder farmers and land reform beneficiaries for agrarian transformation.
These initiatives will all be implemented in municipal spaces. Being the sphere of government that is closest to the people, partnership with local government is critical in ensuring sustainability of the initiatives outlined above. By partnering with Salga through each Small Town Regeneration Programme and professional development programme, the department can and will be able to address some of the challenges associated with focusing on individual projects as opposed to defined spaces. We therefore see the strategic objectives of the department complementing Salga's approach to economic development of rural spaces. We look forward to a meaningful partnership for the benefit of our people ... gore tlala le yone e. [to eradicate poverty.]
As regards infrastructure development and capacity-building, the programme, as outlined by the Minister, can act as a catalyst in addressing the scourge of rural poverty only if all stakeholders in rural development get their hands on deck. As Salga, we acknowledge that projects and programmes are key components in driving back the frontiers of rural poverty. However, the capacity of our officials across all spheres of government, who are responsible for ensuring the successful implementation of this programme, is crucial. It is for that reason that Salga would like to partner with the department in providing training to the relevant officials through its professional development programme and indirectly bridge the gap between programme implementation and outcomes.
The various infrastructure programmes that are outlined in the Budget Vote are welcomed, as they will not only provide employment for rural communities, but will also facilitate access by rural communities to other key social and economic services that are important in revitalising the economies of our rural towns. The local government sector looks forward to actively partnering with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform in all the workstreams that will eventually lead to the improvement of livelihoods of rural people.
There is an opportunity for the local government sector proactively to partner with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform and systematically pursue the rural development agenda in a manner that allows for the creation of a platform for sharing good practices across all the three spheres of government.
As far as legislation and policy are concerned, Salga looks forward to making constructive inputs into relevant legislation and policy development processes. The involvement of Salga in these processes at an early stage will assist in ensuring that municipalities make meaningful contributions to any policy proposals that have a bearing on their areas of functional competence.
In conclusion, Salga is excited about the various rural development initiatives being pursued by the department, and looks forward to partnering with both the provincial and national spheres of government in the implementation of the various initiatives outlined in the Budget Vote.
Lastly, Salga cannot overemphasise the need for partnership with the local government sector in order to ensure the sustainability of these rural development initiatives. Together, we are moving South Africa forward. I thank you, Chair. [Applause.]