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The Gauteng government will from today (13 October) embark on a week-long national Imbizo to talk to residents about issues of development as well as listening to their suggestions on how to improve their quality of life.

This year's Imbizo Week will focus on economic development under the theme Build a People's Contract for Growth and Development.

During this period, officials of all spheres of government will encourage public participation in programmes aimed at expanding economic opportunity, growth and development, creation of jobs and poverty alleviation.

In Gauteng, Premier Mbhazima Shilowa, MECs, Mayors and other senior government officials will attend various public activities outlining the provincial government's strategy to grow the economy and create job opportunities. They will also inform the public about government's short to long term plans to reduce unemployment levels throughout Gauteng.

The week's activities include the sod-turning ceremony of the Innovation Hub today, launch of Zivuseni projects and the Homestead Food Garden (starter packs) on Thursday. These are seen by the provincial government as critical vehicles to economically empower the people of Gauteng.

The provincial Imbizo Focus Week programme is as follows:

Monday, 13 October 2003

Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa and Tshwane mayor Smangaliso Mkhatshwa officiate at the sod-turning ceremony of the Innovation Hub project - part of the provincial government's Blue IQ initiative to invest in economic infrastructure development in identified mega projects in tourism, smart industries and high value-added manufacturing.

Time: 11h00
Venue: Innovation Hub Construction Site, University of Pretoria, opposite the N1 north and CSIR

Tuesday, 14 October 2003

Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa and Sedibeng Executive mayor Peter Skosana officially launch the Sebokeng Water Treatment Works, which is part of the provincial government's initiative to increase people's access to clean water and sanitation

Time: 09h00 - 12h00
Venue: Sebokeng (next to Golden Highway)

Wednesday, 15 October 2003

Gauteng acting finance and economic affairs MEC (development planning and local government MEC) Trevor Fowler addresses a seminar on How HIV/AIDS can influence your business and bottom line as part of government's initiatives to empower SMMEs on HIV/AIDS.

Time: 08h30
Venue: Three Rivers Lodge and Conference Centre

Gauteng safety and liaison MEC Nomvula Mokonyane addresses a school safety open day to encourage learners to break the silence on sexual abuse and violence against children.

Time: 09h00
Venue: Kliprivier

Gauteng public transport, roads and works MEC Khabisi Mosunkutu and Tshwane mayor Smangaliso Mkhatshwa launch a waste management programme as part of the provincial government's Zivuseni poverty alleviation programme aimed at creating short-term job opportunities.

Time: 10h00
Venue: Soshanguve Community Hall, Block H, Soshanguve

Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa holds a public meeting with the community of Lenasia, South of Johannesburg.

Time: 19h007
Venue: Lenasia Civic Centre

Thursday, 16 October 2003

Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa, agriculture, conservation, environment and land affairs MEC Mary Metcalfe and West Rand Mayor Sr Bernard Ncube launch the Homestead Food Garden (starter packs) project to mark this year's World Food Day celebration under the theme International Alliance against Hunger.

Time: 10h00
Venue: Nare Offices, Simunye Extension 1, near Randfontein

Gauteng social services and population development MEC Angie Motshekga and Randfontein Mayor Sr Bernard Ncube distribute school uniforms to learners from poor families.

Time: TBC
Venue: Kagiso

Gauteng MECs Khabisi Mosunkutu of public transport, roads and works and Ignatius Jacobs of education launch a Zivuseni poverty alleviation project as part of the provincial government's programme aimed at creating short-term job opportunities.

Time: 10h00
Venue: Rethabiseng Community Centre, Rethabiseng, near Bronkhorstspruit

Gauteng MECs Ignatius Jacobs of education and Khabisi Mosunkutu of public transport, roads and works visit a Gauteng Online computer site and workstation.

Time: 09h00
Venue: Dan Kutumela Secondary School, Zithobeni, near Bronkhorstspruit

Friday, 17 October 2003

Gauteng MECs Ignatius Jacobs of education and Khabisi Mosunkutu of public transport, roads and works visit a Gauteng Online computer site and workstation.

Time: 08h00
Venue: Westbury Primary School

Gauteng safety and liaison MEC Nomvula Mokonyane addresses a women seminar to empower them on government services that are available for them.

Time: 09h00
Venue: Ipelegeng Multi-Purpose Community Centre, Cnr Khumalo and Phera Streets, White City Jabavu, Soweto

Gauteng MECs Khabisi Mosunkutu of public transport, roads and works and Ignatius Jacobs of education hold a stakeholder meeting with Johannesburg Metro councillors.

Time: 09h00
Venue: Johannesburg

Saturday, 18 October 2003

Gauteng sport, recreation, arts and culture MEC Mondli Gungubele officially opens the Mohlakeng multi-purpose sports centre.

Time: 10h00
Venue: Mohlakeng multi-purpose sports centre, Mohlakeng, near Randfontein

Sunday, 19 October 2003

Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa announces the signing of a contract to design, construct and operate the world-class interpretation facility for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site.

Time: 10h30
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre

For more information contact Israel Mogale on (011) 355 6281, 082 955 0772 or Joseph Mohajane on (011) 355 6118, 082 567 7538

Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government

13 October 2003