MEDIA CONFERENCE: 2002/2003 TRANSPORT BUDGET VOTE

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Mr S’bu Ndebele will host a Media Conference at 13h00 tomorrow (Wednesday), 10th April 2002 in the ANC Caucus Room, 2nd floor, Parliamentary Building, Pietermartizburg, to unpack his annual budget speech, which is to be delivered at 14h00 in the Legislature.

Some of the main highlights for the current financial year that will be announced by Minister Ndebele include: 

• Economic development of the province;

• The fact that the biggest slice of the budget is allocated to the development of rural roads. The aim here is not only to focus on redressing apartheid development atrocities which mainly affected Africans but also restore their lost dignity;

• Empowerment and Job Creation which will unbundle the inherent economic talent in previously neglected communities; and

• The creation of opportunities for communities to form entities that will enable them to move from just being employed towards becoming employers and thereby ensure sustainable development.

When Minster Ndebele took over the transport portfolio in 1994, he inherited a backlog of approximately 11 000 km of gravel road. In the past five years this backlog has been reduced by approximately 3 000 km. Over the years Mr Ndebele has used his transport portfolio not only to build roads but also to bring integrated and sustainable development to the province. 

A finger lunch will be served after the media briefing. All media are invited to attend. Please note picture opportunities and other exciting announcements. 

back