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16 February 2005

Gauteng Premier, Mbhazima Shilowa, will deliver his annual address to open the Gauteng Legislature on Monday, 21 February, marking the official start of the legislature’s programme for the year.

Shilowa is expected to review progress in achieving the objectives set out in the provincial government’s five year programme last year as well as to outline the programme for the year ahead.

Given Gauteng’s status as an economic powerhouse, its performance remains crucial if the country is to achieve its goal of halving unemployment and poverty by 2014.

Shilowa will also touch on strategies to stimulate the economy and reduce poverty and unemployment, promote small business and improve quality of education and health care.

He is also likely to elaborate on plans to position Gauteng as a globally competitive city-region including working together with local government and the private sector to promote investment, tourism and business in the province.

Ceremonial activities at the legislature start at 10:00 and Shilowa’s speech will start at 11:00.

Live broadcasts

Members of the public are invited to attend a live broadcast of the speech at the Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, Johannesburg with live entertainment featuring Mandoza, Ghetto Lingo and others.

The address will also be broadcast live at Bara Taxi Rank, Park Station, Mabopane Station, Germiston Taxi Rank, and Deneboom station. Kaya FM and YFM will have outside broadcasts with live crossings to the proceedings in the legislature.

The following radio stations will broadcast the speech live: Lesedi FM, Motsweding FM, East Rand Stereo, East Wave Stereo, George Mukhari (Ga-Rankuwa) Community Radio, Jozi FM, Soshanguve Community Radio, Rainbow FM, Radio Islam, Radio TNG, The Voice and Vaal Community Radio.

Those with access to the internet can watch the speech live on the Gauteng Provincial Government website www.gpg.gov.za.

MEC media briefings

Members of the Executive Council (MECs) will elaborate on the Premier’s speech during media briefings on Tuesday 22 and Thursday 24 February. The briefing on Thursday will start at 8.30 am to allow MECs time to attend the debate on the Premier’s address in the legislature at 10:00 am.

Tuesday, 22 February

Social Services Cluster

Community Safety MEC, Firoz Cachalia; Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture MEC, Barbara Creecy; Social Development MEC, Bob Mabaso; Education MEC, Angie Motshekga and Health MEC Gwen Ramokgopa.

Time: 10:00
Venue: Gauteng Legislature, Loveday and President Streets, Johannesburg

Thursday, 24 February

Growth and Development Cluster

Gauteng Agriculture, Conservation and Environment MEC, Khabisi Mosunkutu; Finance and Economic Affairs MEC, Paul Mashatile; Local Government MEC, Qedani Mahlangu; Housing MEC, Nomvula Mokonyane and Public Transport, Roads and Works MEC, Ignatius Jacobs.

Time: 08:30 – 10:00
Venue: Gauteng Legislature, Loveday and President Streets, Johannesburg

For more information contact:
Annette Griessel
Office of the Premier
Tel: (011) 355 6859
Cell: 082 563 3614

Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
16 February 2005