Decision taken at the Limpopo Executive Council Meeting of 17 May 2023
The Executive Council of the Limpopo Provincial Administration convened a meeting on 17 May 2023, during which several issues were discussed and decisions taken:
Limpopo Audit Support and Improvement Strategy 2025
The Executive Council approved the Limpopo Audit Support and Improvement Strategy 2025 as presented. The EXCO took into cognisance the challenges the provincial government is facing and therefore concluded that the accounting officers must ensure that the departments and entities implement remedial actions towards progressive achievements of the clean audit strategy. The Office of the Premier and Provincial Treasury were directed to submit quarterly reports to the Executive Council on progress in its implementation.
Africa Day Celebrations – 25 May 2023
The Executive Council approved the proposed framework on the hosting of the Africa Day celebrations scheduled to take place on the 25th of May 2023 at the University of Venda in Thohoyandou. The framework is characterised by the hosting of memorial lectures that will unpack the pivotal meaning of the African Agenda and the pronounced theme. The event aims to attract at least 500 participants from political parties, institutions of higher learning in the province, civil society organisations, government sector, business sector as well as local performing and visual artists.
Review of the Provincial International Relations Policy
The Executive Council approved the reviewed Provincial International Relations Policy document as presented. Key changes include a proactive management of international visits in line with national applicable policies.
Amendments to Section 3 of the 2021 HRM & Development Policy Manual
A memorandum was presented to the meeting seeking approval of the implementation of amendments to Section 3 of the 2021 Human Resource Management and Development Policy Manual. The Executive Council endorsed the submission that all posts at level 9 to 12 within the support programmes in the provincial administration which are not determined through the coordination process be advertised on NQF level 6 to regularise the inconsistency in the NQF level requirements in the province. This decision was taken to remedy the inconsistencies alluded to by organised labour in the General Public Service Sector Bargaining Council (GPSSBC).
EXCO Clusters Programmes of Action for the 2023/24 Financial Year
A memorandum seeking approval of the EXCO Clusters Programmes of Action (POAs) for the 2023/24 financial year was presented to the meeting. The Executive Council approved the EXCO Clusters Programmes of Action for the 2023/24 financial year in respect of the following Clusters, namely a) Infrastructure Cluster, b) Economic Sector Cluster, c) Social Sector Cluster, d) JCPS Cluster, and e) Governance and Administration Cluster.
EXCO took note of the identified focus areas on strategic integrated projects like energy mix in support of socio-economic development, agri-logistics, water and sanitation infrastructure. The plans will also pay focus on improved road and transportation infrastructure as well as addressing socio-economic priorities.
On the economic front the POAs shall focus on industrialisation and growth point programmes whilst developing special economic zones, increased agricultural production, including agro-processing. There shall be as well great emphasis on creative industries and implementation of an integrated youth development strategy, amongst others.
On the social front there will be focus on, among others, improved learning outcomes across all grades, reduction of AIDS related deaths, reduction of maternal, neonatal and child mortality. Major programmes shall also focus on nation building and social cohesion.
The justice, crime prevention and security cluster POA will focus on reduced overall levels of serious reported crime, ensure domestic stability, reduction of corruption and in the public and private sectors.
All these are hinged on a well-performing administration with functional, efficient and integrated governance, ethical public administration and improved leadership, governance and accountability.
This implementation of these programmes will ensure that an integrated and inclusive approach is followed towards the implementation of key provincial programmes.
Provincial Events Calendar for 2023/24
A memorandum seeking approval of the proposed venues and format for the hosting of the national and international events scheduled to take place in the province during the 2023/24 financial year was presented to the meeting. The Executive Council approved the proposed venues and format for the hosting of the of national and international Calendar days for the 2023/24 financial year in the province, with the condition that the submissions on the character and other logistical arrangements for these events be processed within the respective Departments by the Accounting Officers in consultation with the relevant MECs.
Other Reports for Noting
Reports were presented on various matters, including the Revenue and Expenditure Report for the period ending 31 March 2023, Payment of Invoices within 30 Days Report for the Period ending 31 March 2023, Provincial Conditional Grant Rollover Requests from 2022/23 to 2023/24, Limpopo Hosting of the BRICS Ministers of Agriculture: July 2023, and Shiluvana Frail Care Centre Progress Report.
The Revenue and Expenditure Report highlighted that the province underspent by 2 per cent, mainly due to delays in filling posts, and the Executive Council noted the report as presented.
The Payment of Invoices within 30 Days Report indicated that compliance to section 38(1)(f) of the PFMA with regards to the payment of invoices was at 99.80% in March 2023, and several departments achieved 100% compliance.
The Executive Council noted an improvement on the spending trend regarding infrastructure budget, especially expenditure increase in the past two years. The Executive Council implored departments to continue this trajectory to increase spending.
Regarding the Limpopo Hosting of the BRICS Ministers of Agriculture in July 2023, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development requested that the Limpopo Province host the 2023 Annual BRICS Agriculture Ministers meeting from the 24 to 28th July 2023. The Executive Council noted the report as presented.
Finally, the Shiluvana Frail Care Centre Progress Report provided an update on the management of the centre and the progress made by Government Technical Advisory Centre. The Executive Council noted the report as presented.
These decisions taken by the Executive Council will go a long way in ensuring that the province runs smoothly, efficiently, and inclusively towards achieving the goals set in the Medium-Term Strategic Framework, the Limpopo Development Plan, the State of the Province Address (SOPA), and the provincial budget tabling by the MECs.
