DEVELOPMENTAL PRIORITIES AND SECTOR PLAN
3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
Crime remains a challenge in most of our places inclusive of the eMkhondo area, however the Department of Community Safety Security in the introduction of Local Community Safety Forums is gradually impacting on the crime.
Common Crimes Identified:
Contact Crimes
Stock theft
Businesses Robberies
House breaking
Selling of drugs Strategies
To involve all role players and stakeholders (Communities, NGO’s, CPF’s, and Tourism Guides etc) in the fighting against crime campaigns. And further ensures that all the streets lights are properly working and grass is cut.
141 4.2.10 MAYORALTY AND COMMUNICATIONS / TARGET GROUPS OR TRANSVERSAL UNIT
INTRODUCTION
The Communication and Mayoralty Unit comprises the six (6) sections; namely:
a. Communication and Media Liaison b. Public Participation
c. Target Group d. HIV and AIDS
e. Office of the Executive Mayor f. Office of the Speaker
g. Office of the Councillors h. Office of the Chief Whip 1. Key Issues
Each of the abovementioned components deals with its own responsibilities as per the approved Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP) of the Municipality. The following outlines the key functions performed by each component:
1.1 Communication and Media Liaison Component
This component manages the overall internal and external communication, media engagement, online communi- cation platforms, photography, website, branding, marketing and campaign, crisis, direct communication, re- search, issues/complaints from the presidential hotline and community/stakeholders, petitions from the provin- cial legislature and public protector’s office, Izimbizo and outreach programmes.
1.2 Public Participation Component
The Public Participation component ensures that public participation remains structured and institutionalized through the enactment of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, No. 117 of 1998, Local Government:
Municipal System Act, No. 32 of 2000 and Local Government: Municipal Finance Act, No. 56 of 2003 and other applicable pieces of legislation.
1.3 Target Group Component
The core function of the section is to address issues that deal with targets groups such as the Youth, Persons with disability, Gender, Woman, Children and Elderly people. It organizes, empowers, provides necessary information and gives ways to integration of transversal approach in to policy.
The section also revitalises and youth to create an environment that will support targets groups on local govern- ance with an aim to promote and protect the right of the targets groups. It is also its competency to address, assist and develop young people in alleviating poverty and lack of skills.
142 1.4 HIV & AIDS Component
This component serves to address social and structural drivers of HIV, TB and STI prevention, care and impact.
1.5 Office of the Executive Mayor
Working with the Mayoral Committee, the Executive Mayor is entrusted with the responsibility of executing func- tions ranging from the Enhancement of good governance, Building of external and media relations, Promoting of civic and institutional pride, Supporting and engaging with the community and Facilitating of the process of gov- erning.
1.6 Office of the Speaker
The Speaker carries out the duties of Chairperson of the Municipal Council under the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, (No. 117 of 1998), Local Government: Municipal System Act, (No. 32 of 2000) and Local Govern- ment: Municipal Finance Act, (No. 56 of 2003) and other applicable pieces of legislation that include the Munici- pality‘s Rules of Order, common law and tradition.
The Speaker presides over Municipal Council meetings so that its business can be carried out efficiently and effec- tively. He/She provides information and recommendations to the Municipal Council with respect to the role of Council to enforce the Code of Conduct and exercise delegated authority.
He/She ensures that Council meetings are conducted according to the rules of order of the Municipality to ensure compliance of the Code of Conduct in the council and its committees, protect a Councillor‘s right to freedom of speech at meetings of the Council and protect a Councillor‘s right to privilege. The Speaker also arranges public access to meetings of the Council.
1.7 Office of the Councillors
The office performs tasks or activities associated with the provision of administrative services of the Councillors by providing information and assistance to members of the public and other external stakeholders as determined by applicable legislation and procedures. It is maintaining accurate and up-to-date Councillors’ files and records for assigned areas. It ensures effective and efficient administrative support in the office of the Councillors.
1.8 Office of the Chief Whip
The Chief Whip is the most senior party Whip, upon whom rests the ultimate responsibility for the actions of all party’s Councillors. The Chief Whip is a political office that is assigned to an elected Members of Council whose task is to administer the Whippery system of the Council and oversee its political and administrative functioning, as well as ensure that Members of Council attend and vote in the Council when appropriate. It also undertakes the Council duties as the elected representatives of the community.
The Chief Whip is a political manager and strategist and act as a communication links between the Council and the Executive. The Chief Whip must maintain the dignity of Council. The Chief Whip is responsible for party organ- ization, including the activities of Caucus, Study Groups and individual maintain order at meetings.
143 2. Risks Identified Matrix
The risk(s) listed below emanated from the latest assessment conducted by the Internal Audit Unit:
2.1 Lack of approved Youth and HIV & AIDS policies.
2.2 High rate of HIV prevalence.
2.3 High rate of poverty and unemployment.