Mashatile says government will deal with extortion gangs

Deputy President Paul Mashatile says government will deal with extortion gangs. He says law enforcement agencies will pull resources together to fight the growing problem.

Mashatile was addressing the Three Spheres Planning Session in the National Council of Provinces.

All three spheres of government gathered under one roof to put their heads together to drive the country forward with a common agenda.

Mashatile also emphasised that intergovernmental relations must be strengthened before he addressed the challenge of what he calls the high levels of extortion.

“We will chairperson through the JCPS cluster bring together resources to put an end to these extortions and ensure that communities may conduct their businesses without fear or intimidation.”

The Deputy President also says the three spheres of government must embark on a programme to clean towns and cities.

“Cleaner cities are very important to attract investments in those cities, so we want to embark on this programme. So, we would like leaders in our various respective towns to launch even competitions about cleaning.”

And he also insists that government needs to overcome funding gaps for infrastructure projects by roping in the private sector.

“We are introducing a public-private partnership model in water supply with the National Treasury and Department of Water and Sanitation. This will ensure that we resolve the potential of a water crisis as we have done in curbing the energy and load shedding problems.”

There was also a call to work with honesty, diligence and with unity across political party lines.

Mashatile says Cabinet will soon approve the Medium-Term Development Plan for the Government of National Unity.

“This Medium-Term Development Plan will set out a well-defined vision and strategy that outlines clear goals and includes specific measurable objectives and a roadmap for achieving them over the next five years.”

The Deputy President has reiterated the need to professionalize the public service and modernize the state.

Video: Deputy President Paul Mashatile addresses the NCOP Three-Sphere Planning Session