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The Western Cape was promoted as a home for all in the first 100 days, by
CAPE ACCESS Cape Access is aimed at provide the poorer people of our province (who cannot afford computers) access to computers, the internet, e-mail, and information on government services, currently found on the Cape Gateway portal. Cape Access has two projects which hope to do this: - The Rural Community Access Project
- The Libraries Project
Past attempts to bring computers and the internet to rural or disadvantaged communities have failed to first obtain the interest and commitment of the community being served, resulting in the resource not being appropriately utilised. Cape Access is taking the long term approach through the Rural Communities Access Project by first establishing e-community forums, which consist of representatives of all parts of the community who have an interest in access to computers and the internet. These e-community forums can then form partnerships and organise around existing computer and internet facilities, for example those in schools and Multi-Purpose Community Centres (MPCCs), as well as ensure the appropriate and workable introduction of access to new facilities, though initiatives like the Libraries Project. Six pilot e-community forums, in areas ranging from rural to urban, were established in the 100 days: - Bitterfontein
- Van Rhynsdorp
- Elim
- Struisbaai
- Bongaletu
- George
Simply making use of existing facilities may not always be sufficient, especially in areas where there are few facilities. The Libraries Project is therefore aimed at the introduction of access to computers and the internet in libraries. The libraries in the six e-community areas were technically assessed and three were chosen to pilot the Libraries Project. Valuable lessons should be learnt in the piloting of these library projects, which will guide the expansion of the Libraries Project. The libraries chosen in the 100 days are: Cape Access is a long-term programme. Citizens without internet access can, however, already obtain access to the information on government services on the Cape Gateway portal by telephone (0860 142 142), or they can go to the walk-in centre at 142 Long Street, Cape Town.
LEGISLATION The Western Cape Youth Commission Bill was introduced to the Provincial Parliament on 17 August 2004, within the 100 days of new government. The Bill was then published in the Gazette for comment within 21 days. Once this period is over, the relevant Committee will consider the comments received, before the final Bill is debated and passed. The proposed Youth Commission's role will be to help government plan, monitor and evaluate the programmes of government in terms of outcomes as they affect youth. Some 65% of the province's population is under the age of 35. The Commission will also be responsible for promoting youth unity and patriotism and to serve as the connection with National, other Provincial and Local Government youth structures. The proposed structure for the Commission is three full time members and not more than six part-time members, with a Chief Executive Officer. The Provincial Development Council Law Amendment Bill was introduced to the Provincial Parliament and published in the Gazette for comment on 18 June 2004, within the 100 days of new government. The Provincial Development Council is a statutory board tasked with the responsibility of co-ordinating, initiating and facilitating consensus among stakeholders in the province. The amendment law is necessary to update the outdated law governing the council.
NOVEL FACTORY When the Novel factory in Atlantis closed, some 300 employees were to lose their jobs. The Premier's office became involved to secure financing for the purchase and re-opening of the factory by a black economic empowerment company. The factory re-opened one day after the first 100 days of government. |
